Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mason, what is a freemason, what is a Master Mason and what is the difference?

A freemason, or Mason, is a member of an ancient fraternity known as Freemasonry. The origins of freemasonry are not well documented but the first Grand Lodge became public in 1713 and there has been a continuous line of records since then.

  Is this a religion?

No. This is covered in detail on many many other masonic sites. All Masons profess a belief in God and this is one of the basic requirements for membership. We do not require, or even ask about, membership in a particular church or faith.

  Is this a secret society?

No. If it were, it would be one of the worst kept secrets in history. The only secrets kept within a lodge are our methods of recognition. Yes, there is a secret handshake

 Why are there good people who are saying such bad things about masons and masonry?

Historically, there have been problems between the Masons and several of the organized religions. This has included a papal bull denouncing us and a litany of charges about what we say and do. The Catholic Church agreed decades ago that there is no heresy in masonry and that their members are welcome to join. There are other churches and cults that seem to feel that Masons are engaged in religious and anti-religious activities that are in conflict with their faith. There is not enough space here to address each concern individually but there is much information on both sides scattered throughout the web.

  Who cares? Why would anyone want to be a mason when there is so much good stuff on TV?

No one ever actually asks this question but it is the root of a lot of trouble. Masonry, like any other fraternity takes time, it takes effort, and it takes emotional energy.  Putting on a suit and going downtown to meet with a bunch of  old geezers (excuse me, elderly gentlemen)  to recreate ancient rituals together is an unusual way to spend your precious time. What we gain from it is different for each member but the benefits include an opportunity to meet as equals with men of every age and every walk of life and the opportunity to learn to speak publicly and skillfully in an environment of friends. We provide the opportunity to learn more about the character of your own ancestors who may have been masons; as well as the principles that shaped the United States and other countries around the globe. We provide an avenue to the Shriners, the Eastern Star, De Molay, and many other excellent organizations that require masonic affiliation. We provide an incentive to finally learn to use that VCR to record the TV shows that are broadcast on your lodge night for later viewing. Oh, and we have free food every lodge night.

How much does it cost?  

The initiation fees for Oriental Lodge #87 are $200 including the first year's dues. The dues for 2007 are expected to be $65.

  How do I become a Mason?

Ask any mason.

 Does it matter which lodge I join? ich lodge I join?

Naturally we feel that Oriental Lodge #87is the best in the city but there are dozens of other excellent lodges you can join. Any member of any recognized lodge can come to any of our meetings and is welcome at any of our events. You should join a lodge that is convenient to your home or work, or that has members who you know and like. Perhaps both. If you need help finding a lodge, contact the Grand Lodge of Colorado (or whatever region is applicable for you). They will be happy to help you out.

Where are the women?

Since the beginning Masonry has been an organization about and for men. In recent years many other groups that have historically been open only to men have begun to accept women. Masons have been one of the few holdouts to this trend. We believe that it is important for men to have an environment where they can relate to each other as men. Allowing women to join would substantially change this. There are many places where men and women can meet together, there are almost none left where men can meet alone.

Do Masons discriminate on the basis of race?

No. Masonry has always been open to members of all ethnic groups.

  What is AF& AM? Are there other kinds of masons?

The AF&AM in our name stands for Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons. This is a designation of our affiliation with the Grand Lodge of Colorado AF&AM and with all other AF&AM Grand Lodges. There are other Grand Lodges that are not part of this system. Some, such as the Prince Hall Grand Lodges, are recognized by the Grand Lodge of Colorado as valid lodges and their members are welcomed at all AF&AM lodge functions. There are other organizations that use the Masonic names that are not recognized by the Grand Lodge and their members are not considered to be Masons.

   If masonry isn't a religion, why do masons call people "Worshipful" and buildings "Temples"?

Masonry has been around since at least the 16^th century and much of the ritual work and names were created long ago. In old English, the word "Worshipful" was used in the same way that the word "Honorable" would be used today. For lack of any compelling reason to change, masons prefer to use the old word because that is the way we have historically done it. "Temple" was a word used to represent any building disserving of respect. This included most public buildings, courts, civic centers, churches, and buildings where masons met. As with other words, we prefer to use the historic definitions.

 How can I research an ancestor who may have been a member of the lodge?

Contact the secretary or the master. They will lead you from there. Please be prepared to give as much information as possible but in particular we will need the correct spelling of his name, and some idea about the dates of his membership.

  How do I get an Oriental #87 scholarship and are there any restrictions on how I can spend it?

See the scholarship section on this web page. You must contact any member of Oriental Lodge #87 for an application. You must spend it on higher education at a Colorado school. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to remain in the program.

  What is the difference between a lodge and a temple?

A lodge is a group of men. A Temple is a building where they meet.

I am a widow of a member of your lodge and I'm having some difficulties. Can you help?

Maybe. Contact the secretary or the master. We will do our best to help out. Part of our basic charter involves caring for widows and orphans. Naturally, our ability to help depends on what your specific problems may be and what resources we have available.