The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York has graciously provided some documents we have included on this website to help shed some light on this question. Below is an excerpt from one document that presents insight into this question. A link to the full text is here.

What Is A Mason? That is not a surprising question. Even though Masons (Freemasons) are members of the largest and oldest fraternity in the world, and even though almost everyone has a father or grandfather or uncle who was a Mason, many people are not quite certain just who Masons are and what they do.

A simple answer might be:

• There are things they want to do that will have a positive impact in our world.
• They want to develop their own intellect with a refined moral compass so they may excel in the world.
• They enjoy being together with men they like and respect.

Because I am a Freemason:

I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and an indispensable trait of human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

I know that and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity; therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.

I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

A link to the full Masonic Compact text is here.

Joseph Fort Newton wrote the following to answer the question: When is a man a Mason. A link to the full text here.

When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope, and courage -- which is the root of every virtue.

When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellowman.

When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins -- knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.

When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself.

When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.

The list of notable Freemasons stretches far and wide, across the globe and for many hundreds of years. Many of our founding fathers of the United States of America were Masons. We will provide you with some references that have been assembled. We must also take the time to honor one of our own - the recently deceased Grand Master Calvin G. Bond, Past Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York who dedicated the Statue of Liberty using the same bible George Washington used to take the oath of office for President of the United States.

See our Famous Masons for more.

The Internet is a wondeful source of information. We recommend that you first explore the links we have provided you for credible and factual information. Our list will expand and allow you to further refine your search of specific items of Masonic interest. Have fun exploring and feel free to contact one of us if you need some help. Our Brotherhood stretches far and wide and we will always extend a hand to an interested party, Mason or not.