Welcome to the It's No Secret website

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the organisation structured?

Each local 'Lodge' draws its members, essentially from the local community. A Regional group of local Lodges will comprise a 'District'. For administrative purposes, there is a central organisation in each state, known as 'Grand Lodge'. In addition, in each state, there are a number of separate charitable and other community service organisations, such as: The Masonic Youth Welfare Fund, The Whiddon Group Masonic Homes and the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI).  The last two organisations own and operate, on a not-for-profit basis,  some 40 Masonic Retirement Villages throughout NSW and the ACT.

2. I am told that Masons need to devote a lot of their own time to community work, and my time is limited, would this apply to me?

As a Mason, the time you devote to community work is entirely up to you. You are asked to support your Lodge by attending its regular meeting, once a month. No more is expected of you.

3. I have heard that it is an advantage to a person's career to be a Mason, is this true?

This is a commonly held viewpoint, but it is incorrect. Masons are under strict obligation, not to use their connections to obtain any personal advantage. There is of course, a general benefit that does come from being known as a Mason that is being known as 'a person of integrity, who can be relied upon.'

4. Why do you wear black dinner suits, and carry little black bags?

The reason for this is quite simple. We wear dinner suits, because our meetings are conducted in a semi-formal and dignified manner, in keeping with our principles. Our members come from all walks of life and in Lodge we are all treated and seen as equals. The uniformity of our attire demonstrates our uniformity,our equality with our fellow Masons. The small black bag we carry simply contains such items as our Freemason’s leather apron, meeting notices, agendas etc.,

5. Why do you not have women members?

There are other organisations that are strictly for women and we agree with and support their right to be 'strictly for women'. We feel confident that they and other well informed people, would support our right to exist as we do. Freemasonry has its origins in the ancient craft guilds of stonemasons, which were traditionally and historically male organisations.  That tradition has been continued in Freemasonry.

6. Are the Masons some sort of religion?

Absolutely not. Our membership is, in fact, made up of people who belong to many different religions. Every member is encouraged and is completely free to follow their own private personal beliefs. Religion, as such, is not permitted to be discussed in any Lodge.

7. I have heard that Catholics cannot become Masons, is that true?

No, that isn't true. There are many practising Catholics who are Masons. Catholics were, in the past, prevented by a Papal directive from becoming Masons, however in recent years this directive has been repealed. You can be assured that there is nothing whatsoever, in being a Mason, which conflicts with a person's duties as a practising Catholic.

8. As a Mason, are there any compulsory charity donations or levies that I have to pay?

No, rest assured there are never any compulsory donations required of you. Any donation you may choose to make to any fund, is at all times, entirely at your own discretion.

9. I've heard about 'riding the goat' and other silly things occurring at Masonic lodge gatherings. That can't possibly be true, can it?

These sorts of things are myths. You may rest assured that there is nothing in any of our ceremonies that could offend your moral, cultural, religious or family values, as these values are of prime importance to all Masons.

10. What do you do in a 'Lodge'?

The principal purpose of Lodge meetings is to develop the knowledge and appreciation of members of the precepts and philosophies of Freemasonry which help men to lead useful and moral lives. Lodge meetings usually begin like any other normal business or social meeting. Minutes and correspondence are read; financial statements, general business, and membership proposals are considered and voted upon; 'Caring Officers' report on current charity work, and on members who are ill; candidates are advanced, on merit, through the various appropriate levels; the meeting is concluded, and the Lodge is closed. Supper is then served.

The soon to be published account of Freemasonry in Australia: It’s No Secret - Real Men Wear Aprons gives a comprehensive understanding of the origins, organisation, principles and modern developments of the Craft.

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