Freemasonry Freemasonry
Freemasonry today: friendship, personal development and brotherhood.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the oldest brotherhood organizations in the world. In fact, Freemasonry has its roots in the Middle Ages, when guilds of stonemasons decided to unite with the shared purpose of improving their own life and that of their community.
Even today our brotherhood is made up of free people of all ethnic groups and social classes who share common values and goals. Freemasonry encompasses a series of moral teachings based on the allegory and symbolism of ancient stone masonry. But our essence is much more than our history. Within Freemasonry today you can find friendship, based on common values and creating connections.
What is Freemasonry today?
In our events and in the Masonic brotherhood you will find true and deep friendship. In fact, Freemasonry offers a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere: shared traditions, shared purpose and a common commitment capable of cementing your interpersonal relationships.
If the ancient Freemasons focused more on building structures, today's Freemasons focus on building character. We believe in strong values and we know how to develop them through our daily charitable actions. We are masons of the soul.
When one joins a Masonic lodge, one assumes the obligation to support and help those around us. We are grateful for what we have received and want to give back to our community as much as we can in a variety of ways - from local charitable initiatives to statewide efforts through the CGLS Foundation.
By joining CGLS you will not be joining a secret society based on ancient rituals and secrets to keep. Indeed, the most precious thing we have is our members. They are strength and family. We are driven by the spirit of brotherhood and sharing of intentions. And we are absolutely convinced that thanks to the commitment we put into our activities we can reach every goal.
It is estimated there are about 5 million Freemasons all over the world and there are thousands of charitable initiatives, fundraisers, schools, facilities for the elderly and hospitals created thanks to the hard commitment of these brothers.
A Masonic lodge is a local brotherhood. The term "lodge" refers both to the members of a particular association and to the building in which they meet. Consider that Freemasonry exists in almost all countries of the world. Each lodge in a specific city or region is supervised and recognized by a grand lodge or grand Orient. Take for example the Grand Lodge of California: it is made up of more than 330 local lodges that operate independently under its aegis and guarantee. Thanks to this widespread system on the territory we are able to respond quickly and directly to the needs of many communities.
It is within their own lodge that the members of the brotherhood carry out their duties as Freemasons. They share announcements and vote for new members, and also do the management work. Usually each lodge has at least one formal annual appointment, the perfect opportunity to meet and establish customer relationships with the other members of their lodge. The lodge is also the place where new members advance on their path as Freemasons, through the degrees of Freemasonry and where it is possible to organize parties, community events and joint dinners.
Freemasons can gather informally in any place they prefer and for a variety of reasons, from sharing an informal cup of coffee to attending a football match, to hosting large events where the whole city is invited.
We often meet among Freemasons to:
This includes everything from weekend trips to sporting events for the children, from formal dinners to aperitifs.
Like many lodges we organize dinners and parties to get to know each other and make ourselves known in the community.
We often meet to listen to lectures or hold discussions on the current events and history of Freemasonry.
We love to form clubs based on our common interests, for example fans of vintage motorcycles or luxury watches.
We proudly support our communities and those in need. Like a sibling, we take care of important local problems and causes. By raising our level, we support public education and early childhood literacy efforts in vulnerable communities in various ways.
We often work among Freemasons in close contact with students, and future Freemasons, dispensing advice and wisdom for those who have more doubts than answers. We do it with pride and humility. And for free.
Masonic curiosities:
Generally the lodges almost always have a regular meeting place, a temple, however, in the absence of the same, it is possible to meet anywhere as long as you follow some rules.
Historically, this has also included strange places, such as the underground cave in the city of Volcano, California.
