About Freemasonry
Freemasons are ordinary men inspired by an extraordinary legacy.
Freemasons are a diverse group of men from all walks of life, from many religions and many backgrounds.
We follow a centuries-old tradition that started with the guilds of stonemasons in medieval times and evolved into an influential organisation that welcomed a broader membership in the 1700s in England. Today, Freemasonry is more relevant than ever, giving men support to navigate changing times and become the best they can be.
Many famous men through history have been Freemasons - from Mozart to Winston Churchill, from Benjamin Franklin to Peter Sellers, from Isaac Newton to Oscar Wilde, from Joseph Banks to Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple).
In Australia, Robert Menzies, Donald Bradman, Charles Kingsford Smith and Weary Dunlop are just a few names from the long list of notable Freemasons.
Freemasonry is an international movement with over six million members worldwide but it works very much within the local community.
In earlier times, Freemasonry was secretive about its operations and that gave rise to all sorts of bizarre rumours and misunderstandings. Today we are much more open about our role in the community and we share information to show we have nothing undesirable to hide.
Our History and Traditions
“Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race.” - George Washington
One of the aspects of Freemasonry that draws many men to become involved is its rich heritage and symbolism. Ancient documents trace the evolution of its ideas from antiquity to the middle ages to the present day.
Evidence suggests that modern Freemasonry originated in the practices of operative stone masons during the middle ages. The gatherings of operative masons were primarily concerned with developing, acknowledging, and testing the skill of its members, and establishing regulations. There were also ceremonies in which new members swore an obligation to abide by moral codes, regulations and not to bring the craft into disrepute.
Over time ceremonies began to include allegories based around the building of King Solomon's Temple, which were used as a means to convey moral lessons. The masons' tools themselves were used as symbols, the contemplation of which allowed the mason to reflect on these lessons while he worked. As the operative masons' guilds diminished, the fraternal aspects and lessons of moral philosophy continued on to become "speculative" masonry, or Freemasonry, the organisation we have today.
Speculative Freemasonry developed in Scotland, Ireland and England during the late 1600s and early 1700s. By the 1730s Freemasonry had spread through Europe and North America, and has had a presence in Australia since the early 1800s.
The first recorded Masonic activity in Queensland was in the state’s foundation year of 1859. The inaugural meeting of the North Australian Lodge (No 1098 English Constitution) was held in July 1859 in Albert Street in Brisbane.
What is Freemasonry all about?
Freemasonry has evolved over the centuries. It had its roots in ancient Egypt and was active as a ‘trade organisation’ for stonemasons in medieval times. Over the past three centuries, it has become a life inspiration for men from all walks of life who want to make more of themselves, to support each other and to enhance their communities.
It is founded on a system of knowledge that uses many ancient symbols and stories to pass on its humanitarian values and timeless wisdom.
The tradition provides values that transcend materialism and complement the codes of all great faiths.
For the increasing numbers of people who have an innate belief in a Supreme Being but are not overtly ‘religious’, Freemasonry gives life a deeper dimension of meaning.
You can rest assured that the bizarre conspiracies theories you read on the internet are not true.
Our Rituals and Symbols
Masonic ritual is used to instruct new candidates in the teachings of Freemasonry. Our lessons are primarily broken down into the three initiatory ceremonies known as degrees. To ensure the candidate gets to experience and appreciate each degree at its optimum, he is kept in the dark about it until he experiences it first hand.
This is one of the main reasons Freemasons conduct their meetings in private. We don't want to spoil the journey of our three degrees for those who have yet to participate. It would be like telling you how a movie ends as you are watching it.
During these degree ceremonies, Freemasons use the metaphors of stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple, to convey "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
Why Join Freemasonry?
Becoming a Freemason is a commitment to develop your own potential, to values that see all humankind as equal, and to helping others in our community.
Make your life count for more and become the best you can be.
When you become a Freemason, you join a long tradition of world leaders and great men in many fields who found inspiration and support in this organisation.
Be part of one of the world’s oldest philanthropic traditions which is still at the heart of action to support local community need.
You are embraced into a fellowship that genuinely cares for each of its members and wants to see them excel and meet life’s challenges with strength and integrity.
Even if you are ‘just an ordinary man’ you can reach greater potential in your own life - as a son, father, partner, husband, brother or friend.
You will find real opportunities to make a difference for your family, for your community and for each individual your life touches.