Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Masonic philosophy and values
Freemasonry is a fraternity based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. As Masons we value and promote:
• Ethics - Masons practice a lifestyle based on honor, integrity, and philanthropic values. We believe there’s more to life than pleasure and money.
• Personal growth - We respect others’ opinions and strive to grow and develop as human beings.
• Tolerance - The fraternity transcends religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences..
• Education - Masons opened some of the first public schools in America and lobbied in the 1800s for statesupported education and colleges. Today, Masons provide support for California’s public schools in many ways.
• Diversity - Freemasonry celebrates ethnic diversity and welcomes men of all racial backgrounds. Masons believe in the importance of religion; men of all faiths are members of the organization.
• Philanthropy - It is estimated that Masons contribute more than 1.4 million charitable dollars every day in the United States in support of public education, community programs, and individuals in need.
• Family - Strong family relationships are important, and we include our families in many of our activities. Striving to be better husbands, fathers, and family members enhances our fellowship.
• Community - We are committed to make a difference in our world through community service, volunteerism, and charity.
How Freemasonry began
In the Middle Ages, the term “freemason” was awarded to highly skilled stonemasons hired as free agents to build castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland. Because of the inherent danger of their work, stonemasons formed local organizations, called lodges, to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those killed on the job. Lodge members met in temporary buildings, built next to the cathedrals, to receive their pay, plan their work, train new apprentices, and socialize.
The first Grand Lodge was established in 1717 in London. In 1718 English Freemasonry spread to France and Spain, and after 1729, to India, Italy, Poland, Sweden, other parts of Europe, and eventually the American colonies. In 1733 the first American lodge was established in Boston under the authority of the
Grand Lodge of England. Of the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, 13 were Masons.
Freemasonry in California
Freemasonry has been an integral part of California for more than 160 years. During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of settlers came to California in search of fortune. Those who were Masons brought their rich traditions with them, soon establishing some of California’s first Masonic lodges in the mining towns of the Gold Country.
In 1850 – the same year that California became a state – the Grand Lodge of California was established in Sacramento. Within 10 years, the number of Masonic lodges had grown from 11 to 130, while membership soared from 258 to more than 5,000. Over the years, the Masons have played a key role in shaping the history
of California. To date, 19 California governors have been Masons, and at least four California Masons have been elected to the U.S. Senate. Today, the Grand Lodge of California has more than 50,000 members and about 340 lodges located throughout the state, making it one of the largest grand lodges in the world.
A legacy of philanthropy
Throughout their 160-year history, California Masons have remained steadfast in their commitment to helping others and serving the community, volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours and donating millions of dollars to support a wide range of charitable programs. Among the fraternity’s first charitable activities was helping victims of the great cholera outbreak in Sacramento in 1850. With a membership roll of roughly 300, California Masons raised more than $32,000 within 10 months to help build and maintain a hospital at Sutter’s Fort.
