About
our Fraternity

First, Masonry is not a secret society. Its members do not hide the fact of membership. Its Temples or Lodges are well known to the public, and most Masonic organizations take pride in the appearance of their buildings, making their identity known to all by the Square and Compass emblem on the outside. Throughout the centuries of its existence, Masonry has taken pride in proclaiming itself to the world. The ancient Masons who built the old cathedrals of Europe put their Masonic marks upon the stones of those edifices. The modern Mason proudly wears Masonic emblems, letting the world know that he is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.

In the past two centuries some of the brightest stars in the firmament of history were members of our Fraternity, and the story of our great American Republic was written largely by patriots who were members of the Craft.

George Washington was the first President and first of 15 Masons to serve in that high office. Thirty-one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, 23 of the 39 signers of the Constitution, more than 33 of the Justices of the Supreme Court, and many others comprise the Masonic Roll of Honor. Lafayette and James Monroe both visited Washington's Mother-Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and this Lodge furnished five other men who became generals in the army with Washington.

The fraternity has many great men in its membership today. Where can one turn in the pages of history and find more dedicated patriots than Douglas MacArthur and J. Edgar Hoover?

General MacArthur said: "Masonry embraces the highest moral laws and will bear the test of any system of ethics or philosophy ever promulgated for the uplift of man. Its requirements are the things that are right, and its restraints are from the things that are wrong. Inculcating doctrines of patriotism and brotherly love, enjoying sentiments of exalted benevolence, encouraging all that is good, kind, and charitable, reprobating all that is cruel and oppressive, its observance will uplift anyone under its influence." Brother Hoover said upon receiving a distinct Masonic honor: "This is the proudest moment of my 45 years membership in the Masonic Order. This award is made all the more meaningful by the high respect which Freemasonry commands in the minds of all who have felt its wholesome influence and observed its good works." If this booklet contained nothing else, the words of these two illustrious brethren should convey to the reader the fact that Masonry is good and great.