Freemasonry is the oldest and largest worldwide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being.

What is it Not?
Freemasonry is not a religion; however, it encourages loyalty to one's own religious beliefs, family, country and community.

How Many Masons are There?
Today, more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse poliltical ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every belief, but they all believe in one God.

How Big is Masonry in Ontario?
In Ontario, the governing body is called the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. It is under the leadership of a Grand Master. He presides over 80,000 Masons who belong to one or more of the 650 lodges in our jurisdiction.

What Does Freemasonry Do?
As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men to meet and enjoy friendly companionship. In the spirit of helpfulness and brotherly love and guided by strict moral principals, it encourages goodwill toward all mankind.

Aren't There Secret Rituals?
Freemasonry is of a personal nature in its private ceremonies. Its ritual dramatizes a philosophy of life based on morality. It promotes self-improvement. The tools of operative masons (working stonemasons) are used to symbolize and teach the basic principles of brotherly love, charity and truth, which Masons are encouraged to practise in their daily lives.

How Charitable are Masons?
The Freemasons of North America contribute almost two million dollars every day to charitable causes. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honourable Fraternity.

Isn't Freemasonry Secretive?
The Fraternity does not conceal its existence, purpose, aims or principles. Masonic Lodges bearing the lodge name and emblem are familiar sights in towns and cities throughout Ontario. Meeting dates are often included on those signs. We do have means of identification just as many people have a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for their bank accounts. Such ID devices are private, not "secret".

Who Can Become a Freemason?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of making good men better. Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favourably considered for membership. Every applicant must express his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.

Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. If you don't know anyone who is a Mason, contact the secretary of your local Masonic Lodge or watch for someone wearing a Masonic ring, or who has a Masonic emblem on his vehicle.