Masonic Life

What is a Masonic lodge?Fraternity

The term "lodge" itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they lived in these lodges and worked at carving stone.

But a Masonic lodge is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.

Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.

SR NJMAM7 — Blood is thicker than water. But nothing's thicker than brotherhood.

Lodge LifeBrotherhood

No two Masonic lodges are the same. All have unique personalities driven by their members. Beyond the monthly meetings, a Masonic lodge is a place for dinners, special events, and just hanging out.

From the outside, a Masonic lodge can look rather mundane. But inside the lodge room itself, Freemasonry comes to life, often with age-old artifacts, art, and the pageantry of our sacred ritual. More than anything, when Masons gather in the lodge, it’s a reaffirmation of our Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

A unique aspect of lodge life is the coming together of generations and differing backgrounds. To become a Mason, one only needs to be a man of good character and to believe in a God, whatever form that may take for each individual. What binds Freemasons together is our obligation to each other to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

With this bond as common ground, strong, lifelong friendships form naturally between men of different generations, religions, races, economic backgrounds, or political beliefs. Ask any Mason, and he’s sure to tell you that through the lodge, he has become Brothers with men whom he may otherwise never have crossed paths with in everyday life. This is one of the fundamental constancies of life as a Freemason.

SR NJAM10 — Who says you can't choose your family?

Masonic SymbolismMasonry

Freemasonry is rife with symbolism, and, while much has been made about the secrets and mysteries of the craft, most of its famous symbols are straightforward in meaning.

Of the many symbols of Freemasonry, the most prominent is the square and compasses. The unofficial trademark of Freemasonry, these symbols are said to have descended from the stonemasons, or operative masons, of old and represent the actual tools they used as builders.

In modern-day Freemasonry, the square represents honor, integrity, truthfulness, and the ways in which we should relate to the people around us. The compasses represent the importance of self-control and of leading a truly spiritual life. The G stands for God, who must reside at the center of our thoughts and deeds as Freemasons.

Using these symbols is an easy way to remind ourselves as men and Freemasons of the obligation we have to lead a true and virtuous life.

Freemasons & CharityCore Values

The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We gather together to help each other become better men and to forge a better world.

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today. More than 2.6 million dollars is raised each day to help people in need with large donations given to national and local charities.

Join with men of honor and integrity. Of deep caring with a devotion to helping others. Each with a vow to be the best they can be.

Take your first step

When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. You will build rich, meaningful relationships with your Brothers, commit to the service of those around you, and strive for a deeper, more honest connection with yourself and others. It's a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Make a difference.
Find your truth.

Be A Freemason