For Masons in the United States the Holy Bible is the rule and guide to their faith and practice. It is the source of all light and knowledge in Masonry. The Square and Compasses are the oldest and most universal symbols of Masonry. The Square represents the Master of the Lodge and the Compasses the brethren. The letter "G" symbolizes Deity. Lodge meetings always open and close with a prayer. And the pledge of allegiance to the flag of our country and state is an integral part of the ceremonies.

Each Mason belongs to a local lodge, called a Blue Lodge, where the three degrees are conferred, which leads to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The initial step taken by the candidate makes him an Entered Apprentice Mason. Completing the first degree leads to the second degree and he becomes a Fellowcraft Mason. After the second degree, he becomes a third degree Mason, which is a Master Mason. The object of the three degrees and the learning process which accompanies them is to expose the candidate to the influence of the principles of Masonry with the philosophy of making him a better man. A Mason believes in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. The practice of the virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice, gives action to his beliefs.

Each local lodge is governed by a body of officers, the head of which is the Worshipful Master. His title is descriptive only, and has no religous connotation. The Worshipful Master, with the support of his officers, is the ruling and guiding authority within the lodge. All officers are elected annually by the membership. It behooves all members to attend meetings, support their officers, and to actively participate in the activities of the lodge. Membership dues are required to be paid annually.

Brotherly love, relief for the needy, and truth, fortified by faith, hope, and charity, are fundamental tenets of Freemasonry. Exercising benevolence to promote human welfare is basic to its existence. Not only in America but all over the world, Masons care for their needy brothers, widows and orphans, and contribute to Masonic Homes for the care and well-being of their elderly. Freemasons support their mother country in just wars, aid in medical research, in gerontology, contribute to blood banks, maintain and support hospitals for crippled and burned children, grant scholarships, provide research, surgery, and hospitalization for specialized eye care, support studies in childhood aphasia and deafness, and contribute to many other medical needs of an individual, Mason or non-Mason. It is estimated that Masonic contributions exceed two million dollars a day in North America alone.

When, of his own free will and accord, a man petitions a Lodge for membership and is accepted, he becomes an inclusive and active part of a group that believes in time-tested methods of intellectual progress and fellowship. No discussion of partisan politics or religious dogma takes place within the lodge. Each successive step in the education and training process leads to exhilaration that comes from a new life experience . . . . new knowledge and new horizons.

In today's world, this is what Freemasonry is all about.

The third degree or Master Mason is the highest honor bestowed on a Mason. There are appendant bodies of Freemasonry that the Master Mason can pursue, if he so desires. They are: "The York Rite and the Scottish Rite." The York Rite consists of Chapter and Council and Commandery. The Scottish Rite consists of the 4^th through the 32^nd degrees, which are applied for and awarded after satisfactorily completing the requirements of each degree. The 33^rd degree in the Scottish Rite is an honorary degree that is awarded after completing outstanding or special or exemplary work in Masonry. A candidate for the 33^rd degree must be recommended. One does not apply for this honorary degree. A Master Mason may also apply for and become a member of the Shrine, if he so chooses.

Yes, Shriners are Masons, too.