So What Is Freemasonry Anyway?
Freemasonry (commonly known as Masonry) is the world's first and largest fraternal
organization. It is a brotherhood of like-minded men who genuinely care about each other. We develop lifelong friendships with fellow Masons and their families, and are welcomed at Masonic lodges throughout the United States and the world. Masonry is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Through our culture of philanthropy, we make a profound difference for our brothers, our families, our communities, and our future. Masons find satisfaction in being part of a centuries-old fraternity whose traditions and core values are relevant today, and will endure for centuries to come.
Our Mission
The mission of the Masons of California is to foster personal growth and improve the lives of others.
Our mission is guided by the enduring and relevant principles of our fraternity:
BROTHERLY LOVE
We value respect, freedom, kindness, tolerance, and our differences - religious, ethnic, cultural, social, generational, and educational - and strive for harmony in our individual lives, in our lodges, and in the global community.
RELIEF
We take responsibility for the well-being of our brothers, our families, and the community as a whole. We provide relief through philanthropy, community involvement, and delivery of excellent care.
TRUTH
We stay true to our personal code of conduct and ethics - honor, integrity, personal responsibility, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
About Our Members
With more than 50,000 members statewide, our fraternity represents the entire spectrum of Californians. Admission to our lodge is open to men of good character and faith, regardless of their race, color, religious beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, physical ability, citizenship or national origin.
Through this universal brotherhood, Masons learn to be better husbands, better fathers, better brothers, and better citizens. By appreciating our differences, we learn to focus on what unites mankind. Thus, the discussion of religion, politics, and business is not permitted in our lodge. In this way we live up to the centuries-old aim of our fraternity - to unite men of every country, sect, and opinion and cause true friendship among those who otherwise would have remained at a distance.
Membership in California Masonry is growing and getting younger. The fastest growing segment of our membership is 18-30 year olds. An estimated 2,000 men are initiated each year in California; their average age being 39.