Who are Masons, and what do they do?

Freemasons are men who voluntarily seek admission to a lodge, accepted because they were tested and found to be of good character, who believe in a divine presence and uphold high moral, personal, and ethical standards.

They participate and desire to participate with like minded men in learning what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth mean, practicing these tenants within and without lodge in their various social and professional communities.

There are no secrets in Freemasonry, except for the initiatory rituals and even those are not secret in their activity, but rather in their deeper meanings.
The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with wives, friends, co-workers and to anyone who desires to understand their meaning. The most profound secret is the depth of fraternal association that comes with BEING a Freemason.

Freemasons are not typically boastful or indolent about its virtues and seldom squander the opportunity to impart the wisdom of the fraternity whenever possible. Practical duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. Most importantly, the bonds of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non brothers alike, but with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.

Freemasonry is about building meaningful relationships with like minded individuals who have a spiritual connection without a religious dogma. In most instances, those bonds last a lifetime in person, at a distance, both on-line and on the street.

Masons are men who have joined a fraternity, and who refer to themselves as Freemasons.

The main principles of Freemasonry insist that each member show tolerance, respect and kindness in his actions toward others; practices charity and care for the community as a whole; and strives to achieve high moral standards in his own personal life.

Honor and integrity are at the core of the Masonic belief system. Members are obligated to practice self control and treat the people around them with respect, regardless of their own personal opinion of that person.

Masons can be a very secretive lot, however much of the "secret" information has been publicized. The Lodge buildings are clearly marked on the outside, address and phone numbers listed in the phone book. Their website probably even includes an "Upcoming Events" page.

Meetings are held at the Lodge, where Lodge business and upcoming activities are discussed. They also use the Lodge buildings to train the younger members.

The Lodge building is often used to hold fundraising and public relation events that are open to non-members and invited guests, like fish fries, pot luck, breakfast, etc.

Freemasons do a lot of work for charities, including holding and participating in various fund raisers within the community to promote charitable causes.

To become a member, a candidate must satisfactorily meet all the specific criteria. He must be: At least the minimum age required by that particular Lodge; be of good morals and good reputation; believe in a Supreme Being; he must apply of his own free will, and be unanimously elected by the Lodge members.

Applications will usually be considered by a membership committee, who will hold an interview with the candidate, and formally report back to the Lodge, before the admission process is allowed to begin.