Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge

Free & Accepted Masons, Jurisdiction of Minnesota

612-824-5150 

e-mail: mwphglmn@qwest.net

Looking To Shape Your Future...Freemasonry Is The Answer!

Allow us to provide some insight as to who Freemasons are, where we came from and what we do.

While commonly called "Masons" by most people, the correct reference term is "Freemasons".  Freemasonry is centuries old and the largest fraternal organization in the world.  In Minnesota, our Fraternity is properly known as "The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Jurisdiction of Minnesota Inc.".

Freemasonry's roots reveal that freemen stonemasons were granted the privilege of free travel throughout medieval Europe to participate in the building of magnificent, awe-inspiring structures.  These men lived or "lodged" together.  They elected leaders and adopted rules of conduct and ethics.  With the end of the "building age", these operative or working stonemasons stopped traveling and settled down.  They soon began admitting or "accepting" non-working stonemasons and men of learning and position, thereby becoming a "fraternal", rather than "craft" organization, which grew to become what is known today as Free and Accepted Masons...or Freemasons.

 What is Prince Hall Masonry

Freemasonry's purpose for being is founded on service; service to our families, communities and nation.  Men who are attracted to our fraternity are those who want to associate with others of good character.  They wish to strengthen and improve themselves by this association.

You may have been told that Freemasonry is a "secret society".  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our Lodge buildings, located throughout the towns and cities of our nation; are sometimes called Masonic Temples because they are reminiscent of King Solomon's Temple.  Our distinctive Square and Compasses emblem is prominently
displayed.  Our cars are likewise adorned.  We are proud of our Fraternity and want everyone to know that we are members of it.

The only "secrets" we have are those traditional signs and words that are used between members, but if you really want to learn about them, all you have to do is go to your nearest library or book store.  Our biggest "secret" is...WE HAVE NO SECRETS!

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization.  Therefore, only men may be admitted into membership.  To be considered eligible for membership, a man must be at least 21 years (you are eligible for membership at age 19 if you are a member of the Armed Services) or age and of good character.  Race is not a consideration for membership.  Freemasonry embraces men of all races and religion.  These requirements are based on tradition. 
The United States Supreme Court upheld that these requirements are not illegal, nor are they discriminatory.

Freemasonry is not a religion.  It never has been and never will be.  It is not anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim or "anti" any other group.  By the same token, neither does it favor any religion.

Freemasonry does not question any man's religion.  The only question you will be asked is whether you believe in a Supreme Deity.  This is asked because the obligations you will be asked to swear to would not be considered binding if you were an atheist.  These obligations refer to a man of good conscience, keeping his word and living a moral,
forthright life.

Freemasonry does not and never has claimed to take the place of any religion. Actually, we encourage our members to maintain an active participation in their chosen religions.  You will find that most of our members are active in their churches or temples.

It also follows that many Freemasons are leaders in their community.  All Freemasons are required to be loyal to and support the government of the country in which they live.  Freemasonry does not seek to gain political control over any state, nation, or the world.  The only two topics that are not permitted to be discussed in a Lodge of Freemasons
are religion and politics.

In the United States, most Lodges have the Holy Bible open on the altar during meetings.  However, you might find the Holy Quran or another "volume of sacred law" on the altar during a meeting.

There is no Masonic theology and no pretense of an offer of any avenue to salvation.  Our charitable works are for the help, aid and assistance of our family, community and nation.  Freemasons everywhere assist distressed brother Masons and their families whenever and wherever the need arises.  We are a brotherhood or men devoted to many charitable projects and spend over $1.2 million everyday year in and year out, as we quietly go about helping our fellow citizens.

We are often asked about the titles given our leaders.  The titles of our officers, etc. are founded in Old English usage.  Worshipful Master means Respected Master.  The Worshipful Master is the leader of the local or Blue Lodge.  Members of the Grand Lodge (state-wide governing body) have the title of Right Worshipful added to their office.  It means Very Respected.  The Grand Master is the leader for the state of Minnesota. He is known as Most Worshipful, thus the Most Respected Grand
Master.

If you decide that you want to join the fraternity of Freemasons, you must ask a member how you may join.  This is done to insure that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of material gain.  You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into it.

If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive addition to the fraternity, he will give you a petition for membership in his Lodge.  All men have to go through the same initiation procedure, regardless of their worldly wealth or position.


You should become a Freemason if you seek a more meaningful quality of life, and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flows from it, while in the company of men of good character who believe in the following: 

1)         the importance of the traditions that have made this the greatest  nation in the history of mankind.

Freemasons practice these traditions as a way of life, not just on meeting nights or at Masonic affairs.

2)         the existence of a Supreme Being.

Freemasonry is not a religion, but every Freemason must have a
belief in a Supreme Deity.

3)         the importance of maintaining traditional family values.

Kindness and moral example have formed the bedrock of our nation.

4)         that the future of our nation's youth is one of our most important  concerns.

There are several continuing projects that involve family participation.

5)         doing charitable work in the community.

The finest work that Freemasons do involves the charitable work we do for others.

6)         sharing the common interests and values of this society of men.

Freemasonry requires that all men who seek to enter its ranks complete three traditional degrees or stages of membership.  This is to assure the commitment of the new member to the core beliefs of the Fraternity.

 7)    that our business and social dealings should reflect honesty and moral
  rectitude.

A Freemason is expected always to be "on the level" and to deal "on the square" with one and all.  Ethics are a part of the Masonic way of life.


Freemasonry is continuously looking for ways to better serve our communities. If you believe what you have just read is for you, then it is up to you to take the next step.  Remember, you must ask for a Petition for Membership if you want to become a Freemason. The extent of your participation in your Lodge activities will determine your effectiveness.

We look forward to greeting you as a Brother Freemason.

For more information:

   - Contact any Freemason or Masonic Lodge in your community

   - In Minnesota or North Dakota, telephone 612-824-5150 or fax 612-588-0904

   - For additional information about membership.

   - If you'd like to join us, please e-mail mwphglmn@qwest.net and include the city in which you live so that a Brother from the area can contact you and answer your questions.