Freemasonry is a fraternal organization dedicated to the principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. It is neither a religion, political entity, nor a social club, and it does not engage with these spheres. Instead, Freemasonry focuses on building character through the practice of virtue and morality, using rites and symbols to convey its teachings. It emphasizes the importance of a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
Freemasonry is not an insurance society and does not offer financial benefits for sickness or death. Instead, it provides educational and charitable opportunities, extending assistance within its means. Membership is open only to men of good character and integrity who can provide for themselves and their dependents. Freemasonry encourages members to live by high moral standards, teaching them their duties to God, country, neighbours, and themselves.
The organisation has its own laws and requires strict adherence to them. Freemasonry does not recruit or solicit members; those interested must seek admission of their own accord and without influence, driven by a genuine desire to join rather than ambition, curiosity, or personal gain. The fraternity values members who are willing to contribute positively and uphold its principles of brotherhood, morality, and charity.
Though Freemasonry is sometimes misunderstood as a secret society, it is not. While it maintains privacy around certain aspects of its ceremonies and meetings, this is similar to any organization’s private matters. The fraternity’s core aims are to foster a spirit of brotherhood, encourage ethical behaviour, and provide avenues for personal growth and community service. This information is intended to offer clarity and dispel misconceptions about Freemasonry.
Scottish Freemasonry
This excerpt is taken from The Grand Lodge of Scotland, highlighting our adherence to the constitution and the bylaws of Scottish Freemasonry.
Brief History
It is not clear exactly when Freemasonry began but it is widely accepted to have originated from the stonemason trade guilds of the Middle Ages, referred to as Incorporated Trades or Crafts.
The term “incorporated” comes from the fact that these various craft organizations held Royal charters, or ‘Seals of Cause’ which allowed them to work exclusively within the Royal Burghs in the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in Freemasonic rituals today come from these older craft bodies.
The earliest use of the term Freemason dates from around 1390 but referred purely to operative members. Prior to the formalization of Freemasonry as we know it however, Scotland was already beginning to see a shift during the 17th century where more and more nonoperative members were joining the old trade institutions. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries in particular, the fraternity expanded across Europe and the Americas leading to the position today where you will find lodges globally.
Scotland
Scottish Freemasonry continues to perpetuate the world’s oldest masonic heritage both at home, through its provinces, and overseas, through its districts. By the late 1500s, there were at least 13 established lodges across Scotland, from Edinburgh to Perth. On August 5th, 1747, the first Charter to an overseas Lodge was issued to “Union Lodge from Drummond Kilwinning from Greenock”, No. 59, situated at Aleppo, Syria.
Today, Scottish Freemasonry is spread across the world promoting a unique masonic journey uniting men from across various cultures and national divides, under its banner. The Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland continues to promote ‘Freemasonry in the 21st century’ with its 2030-vision, adopting an effective approach to modernisation whilst maintaining its historic traditions and culture.
More about Scottish Freemasonry can be found on their website.
Freemasons' Hall Aberdeen 