Freemasonry is the world's largest and oldest fraternity. It dates back to at least the early seventeenth century and has counted such men as Wolfgang Mozart, John A MacDonald and George Washington as members. Freemasonry may have originated from the stonemasons who built the great English churches and castles of the Middle Ages, but it is so ancient that we are not entirely certain of it's origin.

     The purpose of Freemasonry is to make a good man better in an enjoyable and rewarding manner. Masonry is thought to be a pattern for living - reverance, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability and compassion. He must be prepared to honour his country, uphold its laws and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honourable relations with others and be willing to share in Masonic activities.

     Any man aged 21 and older who is a resident of Ontario and who believes in a Supreme Being can apply to become a Freemason. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members; however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs. We treasure that which is common to all monotheistic faiths, the glorification of the Deity and obedience to their holy precepts.

     Freemasons are organized into lodges which meet on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at the Windsor Masonic Temple (986 Oullette Avenue). There are currently 57,664 Masons who belong to one or more of the 611 lodges in Ontario.

     Membership requires the recommendation of two members of the fraturnity, as well as an interview with up to three others. The process generally takes a few months from application to the third degree. There are three main degrees or levels in Freemasonry, patterned after the stages of membership of the ancient stonemasons. A degree is an interactive ceremony or ritual which somewhat resembles theater. We use symbolism and metaphor to provide moral instruction and to illustrate the value of living by the right principles. Some memorization of the key principles of each degree is required before the next degree can be taken.