Frequently Asked Questions

The Three Degrees of Freemasonry

When a person is initiated into Freemasonry, they complete the First Degree. At this point, they become an 'Entered Apprentice'.  The First Degree marks the beginning of a man’s journey from ignorance to knowledge and self-awareness. It teaches humility, discipline, and the importance of shaping one’s character by removing bad habits and living with purpose. At its core, it is a commitment to personal growth and becoming a better man under the guidance of the Most High God. 

Upon completion of the Second Degree, a member becomes a 'Fellowcraft Freemason'. This encourages members to better themselves through education and focuses on self-development. 

After this, the member will then undertake the Third Degree. This ceremony teaches us how to live life wisely and be remembered for the right reasons. On completion, they become a Master Mason.

Prince Hall Freemasonry has a unique history that dates back to the late 18th century when Prince Hall and 14 other free African American men were initiated into Freemasonry in Boston. Due to racial segregation and discrimination, these men were unable to join existing white lodges. After receiving a Charter from the Grand Lodge of England, the men formed their own lodge,  the African Lodge No. 1, which became the foundation of Prince Hall Freemasonry.

On the other hand, the term "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons" (AF&AM) generally refers to predominantly white Freemasons who trace their roots back to Europe. 

It is believed that while the two branches share the fundamental principles and teachings of Freemasonry, including the emphasis on brotherly love, relief, and truth, they have evolved separately due to historical, social, and cultural differences at that time. However, both Prince Hall Freemasonry and AF&AM are recognized as legitimate and regular branches of Freemasonry, and they are often in fraternal recognition with each other, meaning they acknowledge each other's legitimacy and often engage in fraternal visitation and collaboration.

It's important to note that Freemasonry as a whole prioritizes the values of tolerance, diversity, and equality, and many Freemasons are actively engaged in promoting racial and social justice within the fraternity and in wider society.

 Yes. Like all organizations, Lodges must be able to pay their light bill. There is a one-time fee for the three degrees of Masonry, as well as regular annual dues. These vary widely depending on the number of members, the actual physical facilities of the Lodge, etc. The fees and dues, however, are not prohibitively expensive. 

Yes. Prince Hall Masons have a long history of promoting equality and non-discrimination within its membership. While the fraternity was initially founded by African American Masons who were not allowed to join predominantly white Masonic lodges, Prince Hall Masons have evolved to welcome members of all races and backgrounds. 

Today, it has a diverse membership, including men of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Membership in Prince Hall Masonry is typically open to men who meet the organization's membership requirements and are willing to abide by its principles and rituals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

It's important to note that Freemasonry as a whole has a strong commitment to promoting tolerance and diversity among its members, and many jurisdictions around the world have embraced this principle by fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for individuals from all walks of life.

If you're interested in becoming a Prince Hall Mason, we recommend reaching out to a local lodge or chapter to inquire about their membership criteria and any specific requirements they may have. Each lodge may have its own unique processes for membership, so it's best to connect directly with them to learn more about becoming a part of this historic and esteemed organization.

 No. Secret societies are generally defined as organizations which are unknown to the public and whose existence is denied. The Illuminati and Mafia would be examples of secret societies.  Masonry, on the other hand, is well-known and proudly displays its existence. Masonic Temples are clearly marked as such. Members often wear rings or tie-clips that identify themselves as Masons, and Masons often participate in community charity work. Finally, some Masonic functions are open to the public.  Masonry is not a secret society, but rather a society with a few secrets. These are mainly modes of recognition – the signals, grips, signs, and phrases by which Masons recognize each other. The actual degree rituals are considered secret, not because there is anything that would harm Masonry by their revelation, but rather because they are more meaningful if the candidate does not know what is going to go on during and beforehand.  It should be pointed out that many other organizations have a similar class of secrets. College fraternities (a.k.a. “Greek letter organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, etc.”) often have small secrets known only to their members, allowing them to travel from house to house and still be known. Just do a google search, while there's much you'll find on Masonry, (some of which is distorted) there is very little you will find on Greek letter organizations. 

 No one. Each Grand Lodge has its own jurisdiction and is the supreme authority within that jurisdiction.  Obviously, many Grand Lodges have regular communication with each other, but official policy in one has no effect in another.

 No.  Masonry is not a religion by the definitions most people use. Religion, as the term is commonly used, implies several things: a plan for salvation or path by which one reaches the after-life; a theology which attempts to describe the nature of God; and the description of ways or practices by which a man or woman may seek to communicate with God. Masonry does none of those things. We offer no plan of salvation. With the exception of saying that He is a loving Father who desires only good for His children, we make no effort to describe the nature of God. And while we open and close our meetings with prayer, and we teach that no man should ever begin any important undertaking without first seeking the guidance of God, we never tell a man how he should pray or for what he should pray. Instead, we tell him that he must find the answers to these great questions in his own faith, in his church or other house of worship. We urge men not to neglect their spiritual development and to be faithful in the practice of their religion.  Freemasonry has no dogma or theology. It teaches that it is important for every man to have a religion of his choice and to be faithful to it. A good Mason is made even more faithful to the tenets of his faith by membership. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. The rituals used for degree work are designed to reinforce virtues that the Craft finds desirable, such as Justice, Brotherly Love, Truth, and Relief.  The rituals are actually quite beautiful and filled with ancient language and much symbolism. At no point, however, is the candidate asked to do anything that would embarrass or demean him, nor anything that would violate his obligations to his faith, country, or the law. 

The only religious requirement is that candidates believe in the Supreme Being. If you can in good faith profess a belief in the Supreme Being, you are eligible to be a Mason. No atheists will ever knowingly be made a Mason. There are Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Mormon), Jewish, and Muslim Masons. It would be tedious and pointless to go into a religion-by-religion (and then denomination-by-denomination) discussion. The key points to remember are the requirement of belief in the Supreme Being and the fact that Masonry is a fraternity, not a religion.

Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(8) organization.