ABOUT
FREEMASONRY
"Freemasonry offers much to its members—the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference and the means to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to socialize and work with men who have the same values and ideals."
- Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario
"Freemasonry is a completely accepting organization concering religion. When Freemasonry accepts a Christian, or a Jew, or a Buddhist, or a Muslim, or any other belief, it does not accept him as such, but accepts him as a man, worthy to be received into the masonic fraternity. In a world of division, Freemasonry is a positive engine allowing men to meet and work towards good ends."
- amalgamatedfrom several sources
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th centuries probably in the stonemason guilds. Freemasonry exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around three million. Freemasons seek to improve themselves as they improve the communities in which they live. To join, one must believe in a Supreme Being, be upright, moral and honest in character, and be recommended by a Mason.
~HISTORY
Freemasonry employs the tools and instruments of stone masons to teach a system of morality, friendship and brotherly love, hence, the standard emblem of Freemasonry is the square and compasses. In Ontario Freemasonry is organized locally into lodges and supervised by the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. There are numerous appendant and affiliate Masonic organizations such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite and the Shrine. Each of these organizations has its own leadership.
Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in ones work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for education; and above all, brotherly love relief and truth. Through the influence of good men Freemasonry and its ideals continue to thrive around the world.
From Tim Horton to Sir. John A. MacDonald, men from all walks have taken a journey through Freemasonry.
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re-direct to Grand Lodge of Canada
United Grand Lodge of England
A short film outlining the fundamental values of what it means to be a Freemason.