What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. For centuries, it has brought together men of integrity who seek to improve themselves, support one another, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
At its heart, Freemasonry is a brotherhood. It encourages personal growth, moral responsibility, charity, and service. While its traditions are rich and symbolic, its purpose is straightforward: to help good men become better men.
Freemasonry is active in communities across the United States and around the world, including here in Nassau County on Long Island, continuing a tradition that spans generations.
A Brief History
Freemasonry traces its roots to the working stonemasons of the Middle Ages, who formed guilds to regulate their craft and protect their trade. Over time, these guilds evolved into organizations that accepted men who were not stonemasons but who valued the principles of fellowship, learning, and moral development.
Modern Freemasonry formally organized in the early 1700s in England and quickly spread throughout Europe and the American colonies.
In the United States, Freemasonry played a visible role in early civic life. Many respected figures of the Revolutionary era were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. While Freemasonry does not claim credit for history itself, it has long attracted men committed to public service, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Today, Freemasonry remains focused not on politics or power, but on character and community.
Freemasonry in the United States and New York
Freemasonry in the United States is organized under state Grand Lodges. In New York, lodges operate under the authority of the Grand Lodge of New York, established in 1781, which continues to oversee Masonic activity throughout the state.
Local lodges serve as the foundation of Freemasonry. These lodges meet regularly, conduct degree ceremonies for new members, support charitable initiatives, and foster fellowship among their members.
Charitable work is a defining part of Freemasonry in New York. Through the Grand Lodge and its member lodges, Masons help sustain institutions such as the Masonic Medical Research Institute, a respected biomedical research facility advancing treatments for serious diseases; the Masonic Care Community, which provides comprehensive senior living and healthcare services; and Camp Turk in the Adirondacks, where generations of young men have developed leadership, character, and confidence through outdoor education. In addition, the Masonic Education Assistance Program offers financial support to eligible students pursuing higher education.
These efforts reflect a longstanding commitment not only to fellowship within the lodge, but to meaningful service beyond its walls.
What Do Masons Do Today?
Freemasons meet regularly in local lodges. Meetings include structured ceremonies rooted in long-standing tradition, as well as discussions of lodge business and charitable efforts.
Members participate in degree ceremonies that use symbolism and allegory to teach lessons about integrity, responsibility, and self-improvement. These traditions connect modern members to centuries of shared history.
Outside the lodge, Masons support charitable initiatives, community events, and one another. Many lodges actively contribute to statewide philanthropic efforts such as medical research, senior care, youth programs, and educational assistance. Fellowship is an important part of the experience, and many members form lasting friendships through the fraternity.
Freemasonry is not a secret society, though it does preserve certain traditional elements of its ceremonies. Its values and principles are open and consistent: honesty, charity, personal growth, and mutual respect.
Who Can Join?
Freemasonry is open to adult men of good character who seek to improve themselves while serving their community and family. Men of all faiths and races are welcome. Freemasonry does not promote any specific religious doctrine, nor does it replace a man’s personal faith. Instead, it encourages each member to remain committed to his own beliefs while meeting others in a spirit of mutual respect.
Within lodge meetings, discussions of partisan politics and sectarian religion are not permitted. This longstanding tradition ensures that men from diverse backgrounds can gather together in harmony and focus on shared values such as integrity, responsibility, and service.
Membership is not automatic or inherited. A man must seek Freemasonry of his own free will and express a sincere desire to grow in character and contribute positively to society.
Freemasonry also has a number of related organizations, known as concordant bodies, that extend the principles of the fraternity to family members and others. For example, the Order of the Eastern Star welcomes women and men who are connected to the Masonic family and shares in many of the same charitable and fraternal values.
If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry or visiting a lodge, we welcome you to contact us or attend one of our public events.
Looking for more?
Freemasonry remains active and visible in communities throughout New York. Whether you are simply seeking information or would like to visit a lodge event, we would be pleased to connect with you.