Freemasonry is a fraternity

Freemasonry is the world's oldest (and largest) fraternity; its singular purpose is to make good men better; building upon the sound principles of friendship, compassion and truth. For nearly three hundred years it has attracted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. Millions of Freemasons all over the world come from all walks of life, within the Fraternity however all meet as equals to conduct their affairs in harmony and fellowship. Benevolence and Charity are amongst a Freemason's distinguishing characteristics - the services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

Freemasonry is not a religion

Freemasonry is not a religion, neither is it a place of worship or does it teach a religious philosophy; in fact, members (brethren) abstain from every topic of (political or) religious discussion when we meet as a lodge. Freemasonry emphasizes secularism through respect and tolerance for all religions and a belief in a Supreme Being without reference to caste, creed, race or religion.

Universal Symbol - The Square & Compasses

The universal symbol of Freemasonry is the square and compasses. As non-operative, but speculative or figurative Freemasons, Freemasons apply the working tools used by masons for construction of buildings to their morals; for example the square used to prove right angles symbolises the need for square conduct.

Freemasonry is not a Secret Society

Freemasonry is often mistaken to be a secret society but it is more correct to say that certain aspects are private. It does not conceal the time and place of its meetings, nor do its members hide their membership. The private aspects of modern Freemasonry are the modes of recognition amongst members and particular elements within the ritual.

The Masonic Ritual

Freemasonry, often called the “Craft” by its members, uses the metaphors of operative stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple, to convey (what is generally defined as) "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."

The Masonic Ritual takes the form of lectures and theater in the Lodge - a recitation of its tenets like the value of truth and the necessity of helping those in need - that have been passed down for generations mostly from mouth to ear - and are used to share these with new Masons through its degrees in the Lodge. As a Freemason works through the degrees and studies their lessons, he interprets them for himself to come to his own answers to life's important philosophical questions.

Degrees in Freemasonry

There are three degrees in Craft Lodge Freemasonry - While no degree of Craft Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason some Masonic bodies and orders have further degrees named with higher numbers, these degrees may be considered to be supplements to the Master Mason degree rather than promotions from it. It is essential to be a Master Mason in order to qualify for these further degrees.

A Lodge the basic organizational unit of Freemasonry; every new Lodge must be warranted by a Grand Lodge (in our case it is the Grand Lodge of India). A man can only be initiated raised as a Master Mason in a Lodge.

The Masonic Lodge

Freemasons correctly meet as a Lodge, not in a Lodge, although Masonic premises are called Lodges or Temples . Several different Lodges, as well as other Masonic organisations, often use the same premises at different times. In the Twin Cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad Freemason Lodges meet either at St. John's Freemasons' Hall (Near YMCA), Secunderabad or at Goshamahal Baradari Masonic Hall, Hyderabad.

Most Lodges consist of Freemasons living or working within a given town or neighbourhood. Other Lodges are composed of Masons with a particular shared interest, profession or background. Shared schools, universities, military units, Masonic appointments or degrees, arts, professions and hobbies have all been the qualifications for such Lodges. Brethren of Lodge Eagle must be alumni of The Hyderabad Public School Begumpet.

How do I become a Freemason? Ask!

Freemasons traditionally does not recruit members. Men must seek membership on their own initiative. Ask one to be one.

In the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of India, requirements for membership are that you be over the age of 21 (18 in the case of a ‘Lewis'), believe in Supreme Being, and can be found to be of good character.

If you are an alumni of The Hyderabad Public School Begumpet contact us at Lodge Eagle.

In the twin cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad, contact one of the craft lodges.

In India , look for a lodge near you under the rolls of the Grand Lodge of India.