Here are some of the more common questions that may arise, and some suggested answers.

Are there any African-Americans in Masonry?
Freemasonry does not discriminate on the basis of race. There are many African-American Masons in the United States. The rules of Masonry in Missouri do not even mention race as a qualification for membership. Most African-Americans choose to join Prince Hall Lodges (Lodges composed primarily of Black gentlemen), but there are Masons of every race in the Masonic fraternity.

My Minister said Freemasonry was a Cult?
Webster defines a cult as "the rites and ceremonies of a religion; or the practice of worshiping a deity or group of deities." Since Freemasonry is not a religion, but a fraternal association, it cannot be a cult.

Why all the secrets? Isn't Masonry a secret society?
It was popular in the 1800's for organizations like the Masons, the Elks, Moose, the Oddfellows to call themselves secret societies. It was a social thing. If you did not belong to at least one "secret society" you simply were not a part of the "in" group. But real secret societies are secret. They try not to let people know they exist. Its fraternal emblem identifies almost every Masonic building. The public is often invited to meetings at Masonic Halls. Masons commonly wear rings and lapel pins identifying themselves as Masons. And it is easy to find books in the library about Masonry. There's really nothing secret about the fraternity save for the modes of recognition.

What does Masonry have to offer that I don't already get in my civic club?
The purpose is different. Civic clubs exist to give their members a "break" each week from their usual occupations. They generally help their communities with projects of civic improvement. Masonry does these things also, but its purpose is learning and charity. It is mainly concerned with the self-development of men. We know it works because many wives tell us their spouses have become better men, husbands and fathers as a result of their involvement in Masonry.

I've heard it is complicated to join Masonry. Why do you have to go through three different degrees?
The process of becoming a Mason is not complicated, but three degrees, or stages of membership, are indeed required in joining. These are learning experiences. It takes time to learn and develop any skill, even the skill of productive living. The degrees of Masonry teach progressive lessons in morals, ethics, and philosophy. To understand these lessons and use them in our daily life requires that we invest some individual time and thought. But that's what makes being a Mason so special.

If Masonry is such a good organization, why do so many groups today seem to condemn it?
It's a matter of misunderstanding. Many people have been told the wrong things about Masonry by others who think they know what Masonry teaches, but have not taken the time to actually find out the truth. Spreading the same wrong information to others then perpetuates these myths. Some people sell anti-Masonic pamphlets, videotapes, and books in order to personally profit. They know that hate sells. Some members of the clergy are "coerced" into preaching against Masonry by anti-Masons within their own churches. But groups and organizations that take the time to find out for themselves usually end up as supporters of the fraternity.

Is there any hazing, or horseplay associated with the degrees?
No. The degree ceremonies of Masonry are both serious and meaningful.

I've heard that Masonry takes a lot of time. Is this true?
The process of becoming a Mason involves three evenings. There is some homework that goes with each degree that is worked out with another member of the Lodge. But, after a man becomes a Mason, the time he gives to the fraternity is entirely up to him. There is no requirement that a man participate in the meetings and projects of his Lodge. Each man determines for himself the time he wants to give to the fraternity.

Masonry is a fraternity for men. Does this mean my family cannot participate?
No. There are many activities that involve the wives and family members. Dinners, picnics, tours, study groups, forums, entertainment, and many others. There are organizations within the fraternity for women and youth. The meetings that are limited only to members are the business meetings, special meetings, and the degree ceremonies. Masonry is very much a family affair.