Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organizations. Freemasonry advocates moral and ethical standards and teaches the tools that help promote self-development through participation in a progression of ceremonies and rituals meant to impart moral and ethical lessons and engage members in their self-development.
Freemasonry is organized around a system of Masonic degrees, with the three basic levels being Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. As a Mason progresses through these degrees, he learns the lessons related to each degree and gains insight into Masonic symbols, tools, principles and history.
Central to Freemasonry are the Masonic pillars or tenets. The three universally accepted Masonic pillars are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. However, over the centuries, various Masonic jurisdictions have adopted their own set of pillars, ranging from 3 pillars to up to 7 pillars.
While the number and naming of the pillars can vary, most Masonic jurisdictions incorporate some variation of the core pillars of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. This article will explore the 5 main pillars commonly used in Masonry.
The 5 Pillars of Masonry
The 5 pillars of Masonry are:
- Brotherly Love
- Relief
- Truth
- Temperance
- Fortitude
Let’s take a closer look at each of these pillars:
1. Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love is considered the foundation of Freemasonry. It refers to the bond between Masonic brothers who come from diverse backgrounds and religions, and unite around shared moral values and the desire to make positive contributions to society.
Masons are expected to treat each other with dignity, respect, kindness and compassion – like beloved family members. Brotherly Love calls on Masons to value their fellow brothers, provide emotional support, and aid each other in times of distress or need. It promotes tolerance, understanding and harmony.
Some key aspects of Brotherly Love include:
- Caring for the well-being of fellow Masons
- Treating brothers equitably, impartially and kindly
- Supporting a brother’s personal, moral and spiritual growth
- Keeping brothers physically and emotionally safe
- Respecting the opinions and beliefs of brothers
- Celebrating the diversity of the fraternity
By embracing Brotherly Love, Masons create strong bonds that unite them in pursuing their shared ideals and philanthropic mission.
2. Relief
Relief refers to the duty of Masons to provide assistance, aid and comfort to brothers in need, their families, and the community at large. It calls on Masons to be generous with their time, money and compassion to support those who are in difficult circumstances.
Some examples of Relief include:
- Financial assistance for basic necessities
- Visiting and caring for the sick
- Supporting Masonic widows and orphans
- Helping brothers find employment
- Supporting community charitable causes
- Responding to local and national disasters
- Donating to Masonic charities
Relief embodies the Masonic virtues of kindness, altruism and philanthropy. By providing Relief, Masons make a positive impact both within and beyond the fraternity.
3. Truth
Truth is the third pillar of Masonry. It refers to sincerity, honesty and integrity in one’s character and conduct. Masons are expected to act truthfully with their brothers and in society.
Some elements encompassed by the pillar of Truth include:
- Being truthful and sincere in speech and action
- Acting with honesty and integrity
- Being faithful and reliable in all relationships and obligations
- Searching for light and knowledge to understand universal truths
- Developing personal authenticity and wisdom
- Standing up for truth and justice
Truth is seen as a divine attribute in Masonry. By progressing in Truth, Masons aim to become more virtuous individuals aligned to moral standards and ethical conduct.
4. Temperance
Temperance refers to self-control, moderation and restraint. Masons are tasked with keeping their passions and impulses within due bounds, and avoiding excess in thought and action.
Key behaviors related to Temperance include:
- Exercising discipline over one’s words and actions
- Moderating emotions and refraining from anger
- Showing restraint in conduct and judgment
- Balancing ambitions, desires and needs reasonably
- Avoiding overindulgence and harmful extremes
Temperance allows Masons to make prudent decisions guided by wisdom, and prevents them from falling victim to destructive impulses or behavior.
5. Fortitude
Fortitude refers to mental, emotional and moral strength and courage. Masons should have the fortitude to stay committed to the ideals and virtues of Masonry, and withstand adversity with dignity and resilience.
Some aspects of Fortitude include:
- Having the strength of character to follow one’s convictions
- Persevering through difficulties and setbacks
- Meeting challenges with bravery and determination
- Withstanding criticism and temptation
- Overcoming fears and self-doubt
- Enduring suffering and misfortune with composure
Fortitude allows Masons to overcome obstacles, solve problems and ultimately achieve self-improvement. It provides the moral fiber to walk the Masonic path despite challenges.
Conclusion
Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, Temperance and Fortitude represent the core pillars and tenets of Freemasonry. These fundamental principles guide Masons in their conduct, ethics and progression through the fraternity.
The pillars serve to bind Masons together in a united moral purpose. They imbue the fraternity with a philanthropic spirit, virtuous aspirations and a passion for self-improvement. By upholding these pillars, Freemasonry has established a profound legacy of making good men better for centuries.
Summary Table of the 5 Pillars of Masonry
| Pillar | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brotherly Love | The fraternal bond between Masonic brothers and the caring behaviors expected among them |
| Relief | Providing aid and support to distressed brothers, families and the community |
| Truth | Integrity, honesty and authenticity in one’s character and conduct |
| Temperance | Exercising self-control and moderation over one’s impulses and behavior |
| Fortitude | Having the mental, moral and emotional strength to withstand adversity |
