What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry or Masonry consists of fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The degrees of freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor does it belong to a single religious faith. Good men from all walks of life, who believe in the existence of a Supreme being, regardless of religion, may become Masons. In Lodges in Arkansas the Bible is considered the Sacred Text or Holy Book that we use for our moral lessons and for initiation.

What is a Lodge?                                                 

The Masonic Lodge is the basic organizational unit of Freemasonry. The Lodge meets regularly to conduct the usual formal business of any small organization (pay bills, organize social and charitable events, elect new members, etc.). All Free and Accepted Lodges in Arkansas are supervised and governed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arkansas. There is no international, worldwide Grand Lodge that supervises all of Freemasonry.

How do I become a Freemason?

In order to join a Masonic lodge an individual must ask to join; they are never invited. It is the responsibility of the interested individual to come into contact with a Mason or a Lodge to begin the process. It is best to get to know a Freemason, ask questions about the Craft before asking to join.  Once the initial inquiry is made, an interview usually follows to determine the candidate’s suitability. If the candidate decides to proceed from here, the Lodge ballots on the application before he can be accepted.

Are there any requirements to become a Freemason?

Yes, you must be a male, at least 18 years old, and believe in a Supreme Being. You must be accepted into the Lodge and then work for your advancement through the degrees.

Where the Founding Fathers Freemasons?

Some yes, Brothers like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock where all Freemasons, however not all of the Founding Fathers were Freemasons, thought they were no less important. There have been many important figures throughout history who have been Freemasons. Some of these include: Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Johann Christian Bach, James Bowie, Winston Churchill, Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry Ford, and John Glenn just to name a few.