Exactly when Freemasonry began is not known for certain, but many historians trace the beginnings of Masonry to the Middle Ages, when stonemasons and other craftsmen traveled throughout Europe. These men were known as free masons, because they were free to move where their work demanded. These free masons would gather in shelter houses, or lodges, and eventually organized themselves into masonic guilds, using the secrets of their craft to identify themselves as masons. The square and compass — tools of the mason’s trade — became the symbol of their brotherhood.

When the need for such builders declined, "Speculative" or Symbolic" Masonry evolved, using the customs and tools of the craft to convey moral truths. The growing organization attracted men of integrity and good will, and the masonic guilds began to accept members who were not masons, calling them "accepted masons." The fraternity finally became known in some jurisdictions as "Ancient Free Masons," and in other jurisdictions as "Free and Accepted Masons."

The basic organizational unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge. When a man has been accepted for membership, he proceeds through three degrees. It is through these degrees that the teachings of Masonry are first presented.

Lodges organize to form a Grand Lodge, which governs Lodges in a specific territory. In most of North America, each state or province is governed by its own Grand Lodge.

The only requirements for Masonic membership are that a man must be of good moral character, and profess belief in a Supreme Being. One of the customs of the fraternity is that a man must join of his own freewill. A man desiring to become a Mason may request a petition from a friend who is a Mason, and he must be recommended to the Lodge by two Masons and pass a ballot of Lodge members. Masonry has no objection to an approach being made to a man who is considered a suitable candidate for Freemasonry. The potential candidate should than be left to make his own decision and come of his own free will and accord.

The fraternity utilizes certain rituals, symbols and signs of recognition and symbolic instruction. It does not hide its existence, and many Masons proudly wear Masonic rings, tie clips or lapel pins. Nor is Masonry a religion, though it is religious in character, requiring a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Masonry accepts men regardless of their religion and encourages them to participate in their respective religious services and to worship according to their faith.

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