Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a religion. It is not "a mere social order inculcating ethical ideals and practicing philanthropy," but "As some of us prefer to put it, Masonry is not a religion, but Religion -- not a church but a worship, in which men of all religions may unite" (Joseph Fort Newton, Unitarian, Swedenborgian, The Religion of Masonry, 10, 11). Dr. Albert G. Mackey says, "All ceremonies of our order are prefaced and terminated with prayer, because Masonry is a religious institution" (Lexicon of...