What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. For more than 300 years, it has brought together men of character who are committed to improving themselves and making a positive impact on their communities. Rooted in timeless values and a tradition of brotherhood, Masonry inspires men to lead lives of integrity, service, and purpose.
At its heart, Freemasonry is built on the belief that every person bears a responsibility to make the world a better place. Through fellowship, charitable giving, and personal growth, Masons support one another, their families, and the broader community. It’s a centuries-old fraternity with values that remain as relevant and vital today as ever.
Making a Lasting Impact
Masons are guided by a deep sense of duty to each other and to society. Since California’s earliest days, Masons have been a stabilizing force during times of challenge and change. When gold seekers faced hardship in the mid-1800s, Masons were among the first to provide food and relief. In 1850, when cholera ravaged Sacramento, Masons helped build a hospital to care for the sick.
That legacy of compassion continues today through Masonic charities and programs. The Masonic Homes of California, founded in 1898, offers residential senior care, statewide outreach services, and behavioral health support for children and families through the Masonic Center for Youth and Families.
Since 1969, the California Masonic Foundation has advanced educational access and opportunity, supporting students from kindergarten through college. Today, it plays a key role in sustaining all of California Freemasonry’s philanthropic efforts—from literacy initiatives to life-changing community programs.
You can learn more about our work and its impact in our Annual Report and on the California Freemasonmagazine website.
A Fraternity as Diverse as California
With more than 50,000 members across the state, California Masonry reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Our doors are open to men of good character and faith—regardless of race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, physical ability, citizenship, or national origin. Today, our lodges conduct work in English, Spanish, French, and Armenian, with more languages welcomed as our fraternity grows.
Masonry encourages men to become better husbands, fathers, brothers, and citizens. In learning to understand and appreciate our differences, we discover what unites us. For that reason, discussions of religion, politics, and business are not permitted in lodge. This tradition ensures that Masons from every background can meet on common ground—as equals and brothers—fulfilling the timeless aim of our fraternity: to unite men who might otherwise remain at a distance, and to foster bonds of genuine friendship.
A Growing, Youthful Fraternity
Membership in California Masonry is both growing and evolving. The fastest-growing demographic in our fraternity is men between 18 and 30 years old. Each year, nearly 2,000 new members are initiated, with the average age of new Masons at 39.
To learn more about Freemasonry today and read the digital edition of our award-winning California Freemason magazine. You can also follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates and insights from California’s Masonic community.