The Craft

About FreemasonryThe World's Oldest Fraternity

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its roots reach back to the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and its ideals — brotherly love, relief, and truth.

An Introduction

What Is
Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of masons and their interaction with authorities and clients. Its modern form emerged in the early eighteenth century in Great Britain, and spread across Europe and the world during the Age of Enlightenment.

The fraternity is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being, regardless of their specific religious faith. It welcomes men of all walks of life and from all backgrounds, united by shared values rather than shared beliefs.

Freemasonry teaches moral lessons through ritual and allegory drawn from the building trade — using the tools of the stonemason as symbols of ethical conduct. The square teaches morality; the level teaches equality; the plumb rule teaches uprightness. Above all, Freemasonry is a school of self-improvement in the context of brotherhood.

"To be a good man and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry."
— Masonic tradition

Common Questions

What People
Ask About Freemasonry

I
A fraternity, not a religion
Freemasonry respects the deeply held beliefs of all its members and teaches no method of salvation. It requires only a belief in a Supreme Being. Members of every major world religion are Freemasons. Lodge meetings open and close with prayer, but no specific faith is taught or favoured.
II
Open, not secretive
Our meetings are announced publicly, our buildings are clearly marked, and members wear identifying jewellery. Only certain traditional words and signs remain private — used as a form of credential when visiting lodges in other countries, not for sinister purposes.
III
United in service
Freemasonry is one of the world's largest charitable organisations. Masonic charities fund hospitals, hospices, educational scholarships, disaster relief, and community support initiatives — benefits available to all citizens, not only Masons and their families.
IV
A school of moral philosophy
Masonry uses the working tools of the stonemason — the square, compasses, level, and plumb rule — as symbols of moral and ethical principles. Members progress through three degrees, each carrying deeper lessons about character, duty, and the nature of a good life.
V
Not a political organisation
Discussion of politics and religion is prohibited inside a Masonic lodge. This rule — maintained for centuries — ensures that men of all political opinions and every faith can meet together on the level as equals, setting aside the divisions of the outside world.
VI
Open to men of good character
Any man, of any race, nationality, or background, who believes in a Supreme Being and is of good moral character may petition a lodge for membership. There is no wealth, class, or social requirement. The one requirement is sincerity of purpose.

The Three Great Principles

Brotherly Love,
Relief & Truth

Brotherly Love
Every Mason regards all his fellow Masons as brothers — offering help, support, and fellowship across borders of nationality, religion, and social station.
Relief
Freemasons practise charity — both to their brethren in need and to the wider community. The duty of relief extends to all who suffer, without distinction of membership.
Truth
Freemasonry places the highest value on honesty — in a Mason's dealings with his family, his brethren, his employer, and the broader community he serves.

The Masonic Journey

The Three
Degrees of Craft Masonry

1°
Entered Apprentice
The first degree introduces the candidate to the lodge and the principles of Freemasonry. The ceremony emphasises the importance of learning and the development of character. The candidate is taught the working tools of an Apprentice and their moral application.
2°
Fellow Craft
The second degree explores the liberal arts and sciences, encouraging the Mason to enlarge his knowledge and apply it in service to others. The working tools of the Fellow Craft — the square, level, and plumb rule — each carry a moral lesson.
3°
Master Mason
The third degree — the summit of Craft Masonry — is the most profound of the three ceremonies. It presents an allegorical drama that has moved Freemasons for centuries, exploring the themes of integrity, fidelity, and the certain knowledge of mortality. A Master Mason is a full member of the lodge and his degree is recognised in lodges throughout the world.

Notable Brethren

Famous
Freemasons

A small selection of the many distinguished men who have been Freemasons throughout history.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Composer · Austria
Initiated 1784, Lodge Zur Wohltätigkeit, Vienna. His opera The Magic Flute draws heavily on Masonic symbolism.
George Washington
General & President · USA
Raised in Fredericksburg Lodge, Virginia, 1752. Was Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Poet & Philosopher · Germany
Member of Lodge Amalia in Weimar. One of the greatest German-language writers and a proud Freemason.
Frederick the Great
King of Prussia
Frederick II was initiated in 1738. Under his reign Prussia became one of the most prominent centres of Masonic activity in Europe.
Benjamin Franklin
Statesman & Scientist · USA
Grand Master of Pennsylvania and active in French Masonry during his time as ambassador in Paris.

Membership

Interested in
Joining?

Membership of Alt Heidelberg Lodge is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being and who are seeking to become better men and make a positive contribution to their community. We welcome enquiries from men of all nationalities and backgrounds.

Contact the Lodge Our History