Brotherly Love
Caring for one another and treating others with fellowship, consideration, and respect.
A Clear Introduction
What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternity centered on brotherhood, personal growth, charity, and service, with members encouraging one another to live with integrity and become better men.
Freemasonry in Plain Language
A Fraternity Grounded in Character and Fellowship
Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternity that brings men together through shared values, fellowship, symbolic instruction, and service. Its degrees and ceremonies use lessons drawn from the traditions and working tools of stonemasons to encourage personal growth and upright conduct.
The Three Tenets of Freemasonry
Relief
Helping and assisting those in distress through charity, service, and practical support.
Truth
Using knowledge and understanding to improve ourselves, our families, and the communities in which we live.
The Grand Lodge of New Mexico identifies Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth as the central tenets of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry in Practice
Fellowship, Learning, and Shared Purpose
Freemasonry is experienced through local lodges, where members gather for Masonic ritual and instruction, lodge business, fellowship, and activities that put Masonic values into practice.
Watch and Learn
An Introduction to Freemasonry
This video offers a visual introduction to the ideas and fellowship associated with Freemasonry.
Roswell Lodge No. 18
Brotherhood at the Lodge
Members of Roswell Lodge No. 18 gathered together in the lodge room.
A Masonic lodge is more than a meeting place. The lodge is also the local body of members whose fellowship and shared work carry Masonic principles into everyday life.
Common Questions
Straightforward Answers About Freemasonry
Freemasonry is often surrounded by questions and misconceptions. These brief answers explain several of its basic practices and principles in plain language.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. The Grand Lodge of New Mexico states that members must believe in a higher power, while the meaning of that belief is personal to each individual.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is a private fraternal organization whose existence, meeting places, values, and community activities are publicly known. Lodge business and parts of its ceremonial work are reserved for members, much as other private organizations keep portions of their meetings private.
What happens at a Masonic lodge meeting?
Lodge meetings can include routine organizational business, Masonic education, degree ceremonies, and fellowship. Some lodges also share a meal or refreshments before or after a meeting. Specific schedules and meeting formats may vary.
Why does Freemasonry use symbols?
Freemasonry uses allegory and symbols, including tools associated with traditional stonemasonry, to communicate lessons about moral conduct, character, knowledge, and responsibility.
Do Freemasons support charity and community service?
Yes. Relief is one of Freemasonry’s three central tenets. Official Masonic organizations describe charity, service, and helping those in distress as important expressions of Masonic principles.
How can someone learn more about joining?
The first step is simply to contact a local lodge or the Grand Lodge in the state where the prospective member lives. A Mason can answer questions, explain local membership requirements, and describe the next steps without creating an obligation to join.
For more information about Freemasonry, explore these helpful resources from the Grand Lodge of New Mexico , the Freemasonry FAQ , and Be a Freemason .
Start a Conversation
Curious About Freemasonry?
Questions are welcome. Contact Roswell Lodge No. 18 to learn more, ask about visiting the lodge, or begin a respectful conversation about membership and the next steps.