What is Freemasonry?

What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a time-honored fraternity—one of the world’s oldest—committed to guiding good men toward becoming even better men. It is not a reform society, nor is it designed to rehabilitate individuals with criminal intent. Rather, it provides a structured and moral environment for men who value personal growth, integrity, and community service.

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At Border Lodge in Texarkana, Texas, we continue that noble mission, working side by side with other Masonic lodges across the state and the nation to uphold these values.

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Commonly referred to as Freemasonry, Masonry, or simply The Craft, its exact origins are lost to history. While the oldest known Masonic document—the Regius Poem—dates to around 1390 A.D., Freemasonry can be clearly traced to operative stonemason guilds in sixteenth-century Scotland. Over time, these operative lodges began admitting non-stonemasons, eventually evolving into what we know today as speculative Freemasonry. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge, establishing the structure followed today. Every U.S. state, including Texas, has its own Grand Lodge, which governs the local lodges within its jurisdiction.

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Border Lodge of Texarkana, chartered under the Grand Lodge of Texas, carries on the traditions of what is known as Blue Lodge Masonry, which consists of three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These degrees are conferred through allegorical plays performed in the lodge, designed to convey moral teachings and spiritual lessons. Each candidate takes an obligation—an oath that emphasizes his moral responsibilities within the fraternity and the community.

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The biblical symbolism throughout Masonic ritual is significant. The construction of King Solomon’s Temple serves as the central allegory, and whenever a lodge like Border Lodge is in session, the Holy Bible is always open on the altar, underscoring the importance of faith.

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Freemasonry does require a belief in a Supreme Being and in life after death, but it does not define or restrict how a man interprets or practices his faith. Religion and politics, in fact, are not discussed in lodge settings to ensure unity and focus on moral principles.

Candidates are expected to memorize a catechism after each degree—questions and answers that reinforce the teachings they have received. This encourages discipline, commitment, and understanding of the lessons within Freemasonry.

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Though Masonry is not a religion, its influence on spiritual and moral development is profound. Men of all faiths and denominations are welcome. The teachings of the Craft encourage charity, compassion, and service. Border Lodge, like many others in Texas, places a high emphasis on supporting Masonic widows, orphans, and aged brethren. Many Grand Lodges operate homes and charitable institutions for this purpose.

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Freemasonry's rituals are kept private—not out of shame, but to preserve the dignity, focus, and impact of the initiatory experience. Just as ancient stonemasons guarded the secrets of their craft, modern Masons protect the symbolic lessons that help shape character and virtue.

The list of great leaders who have been Masons—George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston—is a testament to its positive influence. Masons have long contributed to better communities, stronger families, and civic improvement, and the brothers of Border Lodge continue that legacy in the Texarkana region.

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While Freemasonry does not promise perfection, it offers a lifelong journey of personal development. Just as no home has produced a perfect child and no church a perfect Christian, Freemasonry does not produce perfect Masons—but it provides a powerful, enduring influence for good. In Texas, that influence has been present since 1835, when six Masons gathered beneath an oak tree near Brazoria to form what would become Holland Lodge No. 1. This historic meeting led to the formation of other lodges, including Milam Lodge No. 40 and McFarland Lodge No. 41, and eventually the creation of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas in 1837, with Anson Jones as the first Grand Master.

 

Today, Border Lodge #672 of Texarkana proudly stands in that tradition—serving its community since 1881, upholding Masonic values, and welcoming those who seek light through self-improvement, service, and brotherhood.

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Becoming a Mason begins with a simple step: expressing interest. Freemasons never solicit new members. If a man wishes to join, he must ask a Mason for a petition. Afterward, if accepted, he will receive the degrees in a meaningful progression and join a fellowship that spans centuries.