About Freemasonry

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations in the world. It is not a religion, nor a substitute for one. It requires its members to believe in a Supreme Being, but imposes no specific theological doctrine.

Freemasonry means different things to each individual: making new friends and strengthening bonds, contributing to society, celebrating a long tradition, experiencing personal growth. It is, above all, a school of life.

There are approximately six million Freemasons worldwide, organised in lodges working under internationally recognised grand lodges. In Spain, the Grand Lodge of Spain is the regular obedience of reference, of which the Provincial Grand Lodge of Murcia forms part.

The questions of when, how, why and where Freemasonry originated remain the subject of intense historical research. The general scholarly consensus is that it descends, directly or indirectly, from the organisations of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages.

These medieval guilds developed systems of recognition between fellow craftsmen, ways of transmitting technical knowledge and codes of conduct that protected the quality of work and the reputation of the guild. Over time, and especially from the 17th century in the British Isles, lodges began to admit members not connected to stonework — the so-called accepted or speculative Masons.

The Grand Lodge of London, founded in 1717, marked the beginning of modern Freemasonry as we know it. From then on, the institution spread across Europe and the rest of the world, becoming a universal fraternity committed to the values of Enlightenment humanism.

Entry and progression in a Masonic lodge is structured in three ceremonial stages called degrees. Each represents a level of initiation, reflection and commitment. It generally takes between one and two years to complete the three degrees and receive the title of Master Mason.

Beyond ritual differences between grand lodges, Freemasonry rests on a set of shared values that have remained constant throughout the centuries.

Fraternity. The bond between Masons transcends national borders, cultural differences and political opinions. In the lodge, all are equal.

Tolerance. Freemasonry demands respect for the beliefs of others. The discussion of politics and religion is prohibited in lodge precisely to preserve harmony among brethren of different sensibilities.

The pursuit of truth. The Mason is committed to study, reflection and continuous self-improvement. The lodge is a permanent school of free and critical thought.

Charity. Service to the community and support for those most in need are moral obligations, not occasional gestures. The lodges of the Province of Murcia practise this actively every year.