Mason Gooding Mother

Once the craft degrees have been conferred upon a mason, he is qualified to join various "concordant bodies" which offer additional degrees. Jan 5, 2026national organized freemasonry began in 1717 with the founding of the grand lodge—an association of masonic lodges—in england. However, freemason societies have existed for much.

The three degrees of freemasonry are entered apprentice, fellow craft, and master mason. Masons (also known as freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than two million freemasons in north america.

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries, with a rich history and tradition. The meaning of mason is a skilled worker who builds by laying units of substantial material (such as stone or brick). Let’s set sail on this fascinating journey into the heart of freemasonry.

The masonic system comprises three fundamental elements often referred to as craft. Freemasonry has always been religious in character, though it subscribes to no particular orthodoxy. Learn about freemasonry, the history of the fraternity, what happens in a masonic lodge, and how to become a mason.