Oceanside

Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighborhoods, and our future.

Our Values

Our Mission is guided by the enduring and relevant tenets of our fraternity-Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth-and our core values, which include Ethics, Tolerance, Personal Growth, Philanthropy, Family, and Freedom. Ethics Our lives are based on honor and integrity, and we believe that honesty, compassion, trust, and knowledge are important. Tolerance The fraternity values religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences. We respect the opinions of others and strive to improve and develop as human beings. Personal Growth Our continuous pursuit of knowledge, ethics, spirituality, and leadership brings more meaning to our lives. Philanthropy We make a difference in our communities through charitable giving, community service, and volunteerism. Family We strive to be better spouses, parents, and family members and are committed to protecting the well being of members and their families, especially when they are in need. Freedom Masons value the liberties outlined in the U.S. Constitution and continually promote freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship a Supreme Being in an individual way, and other important liberties. We believe it is our duty to vote in public elections and to exercise all of our liberties within due and proper bounds.

In the Beginning

In the Middle Ages, the term "freemason" was awarded to highly skilled stonemasons who were hired as free agents to build castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland. Because of the inherent danger of their work, stonemasons formed local organizations, called lodges, to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those who were killed on the job. Eventually, men who were not skilled stonemasons wanted to join the group for the many advantages it offered. These men were known as accepted masons rather than working masons. This is how the group began to shift from a craft guild to a fraternity. The first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was established in 1717 in London. In 1718, English Freemasonry spread to France and Spain, and after 1729, to India, Italy, Poland, and Sweden. Freemasonry spread throughout the world, and today it is one of the largest and most influential fraternal organizations.