Please note that some of this information has been sourced from the Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Tasmania, Australia. Some of the information is applicable only to persons who reside in this State, such as the age requirement for membership. However, most of the principles set out below apply worldwide.

The origin of Freemasonry

Freemasonry originated from the ancient guilds or associations of operative stonemasons in Europe who were the builders of the great cathedrals in the middle ages. As time passed other men of good moral character and high standing were accepted as members of these stonemasons guilds or Lodges. This still applies today and Freemasons continue to reserve the right to elect to membership only men with proven high moral standards. There are more than 100 Grand Lodges throughout the world today with a membership in excess of five million.

In Tasmania the first Lodge was founded in 1823, just 20 years after the first settlement of the colony. The Grand Lodge of Tasmania was constituted in 1890 and consisted of lodges which had previously operated under the constitutions of the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland and Ireland.

A Freemason’s Lodge

Tasmanian Freemasons meet in lodges spread throughout the state, including King Island. A lodge is presided over by a Master who is elected annually by the members.  Progression through the various Offices of a Lodge enables members to develop self-confidence and improve speaking skills and promotes qualities of leadership. Lodge meetings include solemn ritual ceremonies and stimulating lectures which relate to the ancient traditions and principles of Freemasonry as well as topics of general interest.

Each meeting concludes with enjoyable fellowship over supper. Social functions which include partners and families are also held and, in many instances, these activities raise funds for charitable causes. Freemasons enjoy personal recognition and friendship when they visit Lodges in any part of Tasmania and when travelling interstate and overseas.  A wide circle of friends and acquaintances is easily established.

Freemasonry and its principles

Freemasonry is fundamentally based on Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth which are ethical principles acceptable to all good men.  It supports the “Golden Rule” – to do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you. It teaches each member to act and live in such a way that he will always strive to become a better man, not better than someone else, but better tomorrow than he is today. The stonemasons’ tools and principles of architecture are used in a symbolic way by Freemasons to teach the basic moral truths and impress on members the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice.

Masonic ceremonials form the basis for teaching the Masonic philosophy which leads to a better understanding of the purpose of life and the need for care and concern for others. Masonic teachings promote personal growth of character, and encourage Freemasons to lead an active life in the community.

People helping people

Freemasonry teaches concern for others, care for the less fortunate and help for those in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity. Freemasonry reinforces kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things.  It flourishes in every free country and is a way of life for men of all nations.

Freemasonry and the family

Freemasonry instructs its members to hold the family in the highest regard. Lodges involve families and friends of members in a number of their activities and the welfare of widows and families of deceased members is of particular concern.

Freemasonry and politics

Lodges include men of all political persuasions and it is not uncommon for members of opposing political parties to belong to the same lodge. Discussion of any topic of a political nature is not permitted in Lodges because of its tendency to promote discord among the brethren. Freemasons are urged to perform their civic duties according to the laws of the country in which they work or live.  The use of membership of the Craft for material benefit is strongly discouraged and very likely to be unsuccessful.

Freemasonry and religion

Although every meeting is opened and closed with prayer, Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion.  An essential qualification is the acknowledgement of a Supreme Being.  Men of many different faiths are members of the Craft and while each one is encouraged to continue to follow his own religion, discussions of a religious nature are not encouraged in a Lodge.

The Masonic Society

Masonic Buildings are clearly marked and are listed in street directories.  Freemasons involve themselves in a wide range of community activities.  Masonic publications are readily available in public libraries and the quarterly magazine “The Tasmanian Mason” is read by members, their families and their friends.

Qualification for membership

To be eligible to become a Freemason, a man must:

• profess belief in a Supreme Being;
• be the age of 18 years or over;
• be of good character;
• be law abiding.

Men enter of their own volition after a discussion with a Mason about joining.