Freemasons Queensland - Prince Albert Lodge
“What is Freemasonry?”

This is the paramount question in most non-masons’ minds – a good question, considering it shows interest in our fraternity.

Firstly, Freemasonry is recognised as a very old, caring and traditional way of life – Masonry itself, being the coverage of Ancient guild that built all the stone mega-structures throughout the fabric of time and aged civilisations.

Modern Freemasonry dates back some three or four centuries and is easily traced through links on this website or through the huge amount of information on any website covering the true history of Freemasonry, or the Craft (as we like to call it). Like all organisations, we have some detractors, through personal hatreds, religious misinformation or uniformed reasons. However, you can be sure, that in observing the Volume of the Sacred Law (Bible, Koran or any other Holy Book), Freemasonry presents a pure, simple and moral way of life.

Masonry goes back to antiquity, and has been romantically linked to the Knight Templars in Dan Brown’s recent book “The Lost Symbol”. He featured stories about the Roslyn Chapel and aspects of Freemasonry in a very supportive and complimentary way, and he stated in a press interview, shown on his website www.freemasonlostsymbol.com, that :

All this can be researched through the net. However modern Freemasonry had many men of intellect as its foundation some 300 plus years ago – alchemists, philosophers, men of medicine, lawyers and solicitors, architects, astronomers, politicians, kings and royalty and many other men of importance. Sir Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin, Mozart, George Washington and many Presidents of the United States, prominent men in high positions, like Premiers, Prime Ministers, State Governors, Governor-Generals all can be found through an internet search. Naturally, there are millions of men around the world in the Craft, just normal people who have searched and found that Freemasonry suits their ideals for a better spiritual life.

Locally, Freemasonry is a mens’ only organisation, but there are many other lodges especially for women, and in Europe these female lodges are quite large and very active.

We enjoy recreational activities with our families and Freemasonry. For too many years, Freemasonry has hidden its’ light under the proverbial bushel in its’ massive charitable works. Freemasonry in Queensland has donated millions of dollars to worthy causes, such as the Leukemia Foundation, the Institute of Medical Research, Royal Children’s Hospital, Camp Quality for Kids, The Royal Flying Doctor Service and recently the Cyclone Larry Appeal and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, are but a few of the needs we have rallied around and assisted.

Masonic Care Queensland looks after 1,200 residents with 700 staff in ten sites around the State – Sandgate, Arundel (Gold Coast), Texas, Crows Nest, Kingaroy, Tin Can Bay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns and Atherton - They carry out huge work on a non-profit care basis, directed through our Board of Benevolence and Aged Masons, Widows and Orphans Fund. Quietly achieving miracles with little acknowledgement and little fuss. Some $30 million is being spent currently in the expansion and upgrading of residences at Sandgate in Brisbane - worthy charitable efforts by a relatively small fraternity.

We are not a religion, but we base our ceremonies, for symbolic reasons, on happenings in the Old Testament. These centre mainly around the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which sets a great background as a seat of learning, as you will find out if you continue on this intriguing adventure you have started. References to great people in past history like Pythagoras, King Solomon, King David, Hiram Abiff, Hiram King of Tyre are liberally sprinkled through and within our ceremonies.

There are myriads of ordinary people, in many countries, who are Freemasons in their heart and in their community and family activities, but who have not realised it or shown the light of the wonderment and fulfillment of our organisation. You may well indeed, be one of those men, missing something in your heart and mind, but can’t find it. Remember again, we are not a religion, but ordinary blokes who love life, our family, and our friends. We try to live as best a good life as human nature and circumstances allow. None of us is perfect, but most Freemasons try the best they can to improve themselves and people around them – that is the true secret of Freemasonry.

We have secrets of recognition, just as you have secret passwords on your computer or secret codes for your bank accounts – it’s that simple, truly.

You would be asked two questions when you ask to join us – Do you believe in a Supreme Being (call His name as you will) and Why do you want to join Freemasonry – Two very deep and meaningful questions that make you think.

Freemasons in general, purport to have high moral ethical standards in all walks of life and a generosity, not just in fiscal matters, but in all its higher forms.

Our ceremonies are basically symbolic. Their aim is to impart the teaching of morality, ethics and life. Over many years most Freemasons have absorbed these gentle lessons without realizing, and maybe years later, the true secrets of the Craft surface, making you understand you are a better man than when you started.

We have no hidden agenda, when we join to promote ourselves within the Masonic fraternity for personal gain. Quite the opposite as carper-baggers are found out by their own conscience alone.

Any worthy man of principle and of any religious persuasion, over the age of 18 years, can join and be welcomed in our gatherings. He will be asked to provide at least five references from people, not family, who have known him for five years or more.

You have expectations of us and we have expectations of you and these are covered in our contact link when you wish to communicate with us.

Who are Freemasons ?

You may have judged by now that we are ordinary men of high principle and moral beliefs. We believe in a Supreme Being, a God of our own personal free choice or individual religious upbringing. We do not interfere or intrude on any personal beliefs in this respect.

We enjoy each others company and we make many friendships during our Masonic journey. There is a true belief that we take good men who are searching for something they do not have within them, a missing link if you will, and make them better men as the teachings of our ancient institution, based on the principles of the square, compasses and other tools of the original mason teach us to steer a true and straight course in our personal, family and working life.

We practise those ideals in life that make us better men, both for our own satisfaction, the care of our wife/partner and children and the community in general.

If you have similar attributes, then maybe you are already a Freemason in your heart, so join us and be shown the light of Masonic knowledge.