King Leopold 1st Lodge No. 3

Founder Lodge of

The Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium

Freemasonry is a world wide fraternal organisation.  It is the oldest fraternal organization in the world and dates back hundreds if not thousands of years. Although no one has definitively pinpointed the exact date when Freemasonry was born, most are agreed that its modern form dates back to at least the 15th century.  Freemasons meet in lodges, buildings which are designated for the use of Masons. Each lodge is governed by a Master, assisted by his Wardens.

Freemasonry uses the metaphors of operative stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple, to convey what has been described by both Masons and critics as "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."

Freemasonry is based on the ideas and values of the medieval stonemason craft guilds and specifically on the rules of the guilds. The rules are called the Ancient Charges. Freemasons practice brotherly love, relief and truth amongst its members. It aims to teach men moral and social virtues. It does this by using symbolism of the ancient building trade. The idea of building a structure is used as a symbol for building character and virtue in men.

To become a Mason, a man must believe in a ' Supreme Being', be of lawful age (21 years) and well recommended.

Freemasonry is not a religion. Masons come from most religious backgrounds and may practice whatever religion they choose. However, freemasonry encourages learning and experience and teaches freemasons to be tolerant of others.

Freemasonry is concerned with mens' moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught the precepts of Freemasonry, moral lessons and knowledge of oneself in a series of ritual dramas.

Freemasonry aims to instil in its members a moral and ethical approach to life, thoughtfulness for others, kindness, honesty and courtesy in all things. The aims to teach care for others who are perhaps the less fortunate than themselves.

What is Freemasonry