what is masonry
Making Good Men Better.
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Its roots go back centuries and its members are diverse: high profile leaders, physicians, construction workers, farmers…and maybe you.
Ancient…and modern.
We’re united by three ancient and fundamental principles—brotherly love, charity and truth—that are made relevant to the 21st century through the personal development, good works and social connections available to our members in the 550+ lodges across Ontario.
Great benefits…for you and the world.
Freemasonry offers much to its members—the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference and the means to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to socialize and work with men who have the same values and ideals.
We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives.
Tradition
When you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men;
Self Inprovement
Learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the Degree stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies;
Sense of Accomplishment
Participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended;
Who Are We
Masons are spiritual and moral people, but there’s no room for discussion of sectarian religion or partisan politics in freemasonry. Members are free to follow their own path, as long as it fits with the ethical principles of integrity and virtue symbolized by the square and compasses—the icon most commonly associated with Masonry.
Masonry stresses the principles of kindness and consideration at home, honesty in business, courtesy towards others, dependability in one’s work, compassion for the less fortunate and being a good citizen of the world. Masonry recognizes that each man has obligations to his family, his work, his religious beliefs, his community and himself - these must take priority and Masonry does not interfere with his ability to meet these obligations. Masons participate in three progressive degrees, each one teaching an important lesson through the use of symbols. The degrees help a Mason think about the big questions: Where did I come from? What am I doing here? And what comes next?Our Goal
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Its roots go back centuries and its members are diverse: high profile leaders, physicians, construction workers, farmers…and maybe you.Additional Links
Districts.
OTTAWA DISTRICT 1
Ottawa District 1 is one of two Masonic districts in the National Capital Region, being part of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
OTTAWA DISTRICT 2
Ottawa District 2 is one of the 43 Districts under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario
GRAND LODGE
Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario, which oversees in our province the world’s oldest (3,000 years old)
and largest (6 million members worldwide) fraternity
PRINCE HALL MASONRY
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction.
appendant bodies
Tunis Shriners
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with nearly 200 temples (chapters) in several countries and thousands of clubs around the world. Our fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life.
the Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite is a world wide Masonic Fraternity. Its goals are designed to build on the moral and philosophical teachings found in the degree work studied in the Craft lodge, the foundation of all Masonic work. [more]
York Rite Masonry
The Royal Arch is the first step in York Rite Masonry. Here within the Chapter you will receive the necessary instruction and information to fill in some of the missing pieces from the Masonic history taught in the Masonic Lodge. The Chapter is referred as Capitular Masonry, providing a member the opportunity for further advancement within the brotherhood.
DEMOLAY
DEMOLAY PROVIDES A SAFE AND REWARDING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH YOUNG MEN CAN FORM LASTING BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP DURING THEIR TEENAGE AND EARLY ADULT YEARS..
Want to know more?
Carleton Lodge No. 465 welcomes your feedback and questions. The best way to contact us is by using the Contact Form in the link to the right. However, please find on the contact us page our address, phone number, and driving directions.