Making Good Men Better.

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. Its roots go back centuries and its members are diverse: high profile leaders, physicians, construction workers, farmers…and maybe you.

Ancient…and modern.

We’re united by three ancient and fundamental principles—brotherly love, charity and truth—that are made relevant to the 21st century through the personal development, good works and social connections available to our members in the 550+ lodges across Ontario.

Great benefits…for you and the world.

Freemasonry offers much to its members—the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference and the means to build a better world for our children.

It offers the chance to socialize and work with men who have the same values and ideals. We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives.

And there’s so much more.

It’s easy to learn about Masons—starting with the pages of this website. Need more details?

Looking for a Mason in your community to share his personal perspective? Send an email, call or drop by your local Masonic lodge.

Masons are individuals of spiritual and ethical caliber who choose to align themselves with groups of similarly principled individuals for shared growth. What they discover in Freemasonry is a structured and consistent path of self-betterment, rooted in the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.

The fraternity of masons spans the globe, with 3.2 million members worldwide and over 40,000 in Ontario alone.

Inclusivity is our cornerstone, and we welcome all, irrespective of their race, color, or belief system.
While Masons are individuals of spiritual and ethical nature, discussions regarding sectarian religion or divisive politics find no place within Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to pursue their own spiritual path, as long as it aligns with the fundamental ethical principles of honesty and virtue, symbolized by the square and compasses— the most recognized symbol of Masonry.

Masonry emphasizes kindness and respect within the home, integrity in business, politeness towards others, reliability in work, empathy for the less fortunate, and being a responsible global citizen. Masonry acknowledges each man’s commitments to his family, work, religious beliefs, community, and himself. These responsibilities always take precedence, and Masonry never obstructs a man’s capacity to fulfill these obligations.

Masons undergo three progressive degrees, each conveying an essential lesson through symbolism. These degrees prompt a Mason to contemplate life’s grand questions: Where did I originate from? What is my purpose here? What lies ahead?

A lodge is more than a structure…it’s the men who constitute it.
The Masonic lodge forms the bedrock of the Masonic family. Here, Masonry imparts its lessons: kindness within the family, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness at work, empathy for the less fortunate, and mutual respect. Most lodges are easily identifiable and situated on main streets in communities both large and small worldwide.

With over 550 Lodges in Ontario, you are likely to find a lodge near your location.

Masonry isn’t a secret society…we’re open about our knowledge.
Information about Masons is readily available in well-stocked bookstores or local libraries. Masonic buildings are distinctly marked and listed in the phone book, and members often signify their affiliation by wearing Masonic jewelry.

The so-called Masonic “Secrets” are limited to methods of recognition whereby a visitor can authenticate himself as a Mason and thus gain entry into a lodge where he was previously unknown.

The Extended Masonic Family.

A Mason can choose to expand and deepen his Masonic journey by participating in other branches of the Masonic family: the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners, and Knights Templar.

Masonry is a fraternity…but it involves the whole family.

Women, girls, and boys who resonate with Masonic values are welcome to partake in numerous social and charitable events hosted by lodges. Moreover, there are affiliated organizations for those seeking a more formal involvement. Young men can join DeMolay, young women can become part of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and Job’s Daughters International.

Masonry is first and foremost a fraternity rather than a service organization, social club or benevolent society. However, charity in the form of helping other people, is considered to be a cornerstone of the fraternity.

Community Engagement: The Role of Masons in the Community

Masons are urged to take an active role in their local communities. Here are some of the community outreach initiatives that Masons actively participate in:

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario, a public charity accredited by the Canada Revenue Agency, aids various causes. These include research into hearing loss, a scholarship scheme for university and college students, services for individuals with autism, prostate cancer research, and programs addressing awareness of alcohol and drug use in primary and secondary schools.

Shriners maintain the largest network of hospitals across North America, offering free medical care to children suffering from burn injuries or orthopedic conditions. The Scottish Rite Masons operate a network of around 150 clinics, centers, and programs for children with language disorders.

Individual Masonic Districts undertake their unique charitable initiatives.

Masonry provides a platform for each man’s personal growth through its teachings, Masonic relationships, and a philosophy that has catered to men’s societal needs for generations, promoting:

• Tradition: when you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men;
• Self Improvement: learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the Degree stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies;
• Sense of Accomplishment: participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended;
• Fellowship – Belonging to a Like-minded Group: the modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for that former workplace fellowship lost;
• A Break from the Workaday Routine: Masonry brings together in lodge men of diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career can be left outside the door and where fellowship is the common theme.

These attributes are encapsulated in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Ancient Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. If these values resonate with you, Masonry welcomes your participation.