Each and every Freemason is a builder. But instead of using the tools of architecture to erect a physical structure out of stone and mortar, he uses these same tools symbolically for intellectual, moral, and spiritual development. "Thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens."

Freemasonry does not conflict with a man's family or his religion. It encourages him to be a better member of society, and to regulate his behavior by ethical principles. It is not a church, or a substitute for one. It expects each member to be loyal to his country, to provide for his family, and to conduct himself at all times to earn the respect and trust of others.

Freemasons are not only devoted to high ideals and principles but to community service and benevolence. California Masons maintain homes for the elderly and for children, provide college scholarships without regard to race, creed, or color, and support the public schools system. Hospitals for children and language disorder clinics are supported by Masonic affiliated organizations such as the Shrine and Scottish Rite, while the York Rite provides funds for eye research. The expenditure for these community services in the United States and Canada exceed two million dollars a day. This spirit of working together is at the heart of Freemasonry.

Throughout history, many distinguished men have found it desirable to join the Fraternity and unite with their brethren for the common purposes of bettering themselves and being of service to their fellow man. Fourteen U.S. Presidents have been Masons, as well as an incalculable number of world statesmen, authors, artists, musicians, actors, and more.

All of these men shared the basic values of the Fraternity: the belief in personal and religious freedom, the belief in a Supreme Being, and the belief that the actions of a single man can have a profound and lasting impact in making the world a better place.

Freemasonry is a Fraternal Order dedicated to the three principle tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

Brotherly love is the idea that all of us are brothers and sisters under the Fatherhood of the Great Architect of the Universe (G.A.O.T.U.). This is the name we use to refer to whatever divine principle is applicable to a man’s personal faith. How he chooses to practice this faith is entirely up to him. We do not discuss either religion or politics within a Masonic lodge.

Relief is the flower that stems from the root of brotherly love. Since we share this bond of brotherhood, it is our obligation to provide relief for the distress of another, especially our brothers in Freemasonry. This relief may take the form of monetary assistance, but more often it is exemplified in other ways. If a brother is in need, we will extend to him the hand of friendship and brotherly love. We will assist him in his endeavors, lending support where needed, and offering good counsel when necessary.

Truth is a two-fold idea. On the one hand it means being honest and forthright in all our doings. Thus, Masonry takes a good man and makes him a better man by inculcating universal moral principles that teach him the value of integrity, good citizenship, charity, fidelity, and so on.

In Freemasonry, we use the allegory, or story, of the building of King Solomon’s Temple as the means of instructing the candidate in universal Masonic values. The candidate participates in various degrees which are ritualized dramas designed to impress upon his mind and conscience the importance of the three Principle Tenets, as well as other moral virtues.

The lessons of Freemasonry are illustrated by the use of symbols. Symbols are probably the oldest form of instruction known to man, and they are present everywhere. A stop sign is an easily recognizable symbol that is familiar to us all. The difference between a stop sign and a Masonic symbol, however, is that in the case of the street sign it means just what you think it means. In the case of a Masonic symbol, there are deeper and more profound meanings than what may be immediately obvious. To unlock these hidden meanings, it is necessary for the Freemason to study diligently and dedicate himself to the search for Light.

The working tools of the operative stonemason are some of the most common symbols used in Speculative Masonry to inculcate moral virtues. For example, the trowel is used by the operative mason to spread the cement that binds together individual stones into a single great edifice. As Speculative Masons, we also use the trowel, but for a more noble and glorious purpose. The trowel is an instrument made use of by Speculative Masons to “spread the cement of brotherly love and affection.”

1. Talk to someone you know who is a Freemason, or if you do not know anyone who is a member of the Fraternity, just find a lodge close to your home. For those who were sent specifically to this site, request an application or more information from the person who sent you, or contact Temecula Catalina Island Lodge #524 in Temecula CA. For those in the Temecula Valley CA area, contact Temecula Catalina Island Lodge #524 in Temecula CA, and for those living in other areas of California, the Roster of California Lodges on the Grand Lodge web site can be used to locate the closest lodge. Remember, you must ask to become a member of your own free will and accord. When you get in touch with your local lodge, it will be necessary for you to express your interest in joining.

2. Once you have located a lodge, you can then petition for membership. The form to be filled out can be provided by the lodge secretary. It is about four pages long and includes a number of questions which at first glance may seem rather personal. However, these questions are asked for very important reasons. To protect the lodge from dishonest applicants, to maintain the good name of the Fraternity, and to ensure that a candidate will be mature enough to appreciate the lessons that will be shown to him, it is imperative that each Masonic lodge guard the door to the Craft unfailingly. Only a man who meets the aforementioned qualifications is permitted to enter. At this time, you will also be asked to submit the Degree Fees, which vary from lodge to lodge. They usually range from about $100 to $200 or so.

3. After you present your petition to a local lodge, it appoints three members to meet with you and discuss Freemasonry in general and their lodge in particular. They will review your petition with you and answer any questions you might have at this time. The investigative process may take a number of months, so it is best to try to remain patient.

4. If the investigation process is favorable, a vote by secret ballot is then taken on your petition. It must be unanimously accepted by the lodge. After the vote, you will be notified when to appear to receive the First Degree of Masonry.

A lodge confers three degrees. Your initial application fee covers all three. After each degree, you will be required to commit to memory a portion of the ritual, consisting of a series of questions and answers about the degree. The fee for the degrees average between $150 to $250.  There are additional required contributions to the California Masonic Memorial Temple ($9.00), the George Washington Masonic National Memorial ($5.00), and the Masonic Homes of California ($25.00). The application fee for Temecula Catalina Island Lodge #524 is $200, which includes the aforementioned required contributions.

Annual dues for a lodge vary from as little as $12.00 per year to more than $100 per year, with each lodge setting its own dues. The annual dues of Temecula Catalina Island Masonic Lodge #524 are $68 per year.

For further information, contact a lodge in your community, the Grand Lodge of California or Temecula Catalina Island Lodge #524 at: