What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with a rich history, tracing its roots back to the stonemasons' guilds of the Middle Ages. It is described as "a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols" according to Albert Pike in his work *Morals and Dogma*. The core tenets of Freemasonry emphasize brotherly love, relief (charity), and truth. Members are encouraged to be good men, to do good deeds, and to improve themselves and their communities.
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for one, but rather a framework for personal growth and ethical living, open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. It is characterized by its use of symbolism, secret oaths, and rituals to instruct new members, known as Initiates, on how to serve and the rewards they can expect.