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Freemasons: Beliefs, History, Stages, Lodges, and Myths Unveiled

The mysterious world of the Freemason fraternity recently found itself in the Kenyan spotlight after the Nairobi County government raided the iconic Freemasons’ Hall on Nyerere Road over a Ksh. 19 million land rates debt. The incident reignited public curiosity and online searches around Freemasonry, a subject long shrouded in secrecy, suspicion, and misinformation.

What exactly is Freemasonry? Is it a religion, a secret society, or a charitable organisation? Who are its members, and what do they believe?

This article explores the Freemason fraternity’s core beliefs, historical roots, stages of membership, lodge operations, and widely misunderstood facts, particularly in the East African context.


What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is not a religion, but rather a global fraternal organisation built on spiritual symbolism, personal development, and moral conduct. Rooted in the medieval guilds of stone masons, the modern Freemason society brings together men of all faiths who believe in a Supreme Being—referred to as the Great Architect of the Universe.

Despite widespread myths, Freemasonry is not satanic nor secretive in the sinister sense. It is a society with secrets—not a secret society—governed by ethical standards and built upon three key virtues: Brotherly Love, Relief (charity), and Truth.


Freemasonry in East Africa: A Brief History

Freemasonry formally arrived in East Africa in 1905, when the first Lodge was established in Zanzibar under British colonial rule. Membership was initially exclusive to Europeans, with rare exceptions. One of the notable African Masons, Sir Jayantilal Keshavji Chande of Tanzania, became a leading figure in breaking racial barriers within the fraternity.

Sir Chande was initiated in 1954 and later served as the District Grand Master of East Africa from 1986 to 2005. He played a significant role in demystifying the craft across the region and addressed various allegations, including claims of devil worship during the Moi-era investigations in Kenya.


Beliefs and Principles of Freemasonry

Freemasonry encourages members to be faithful to their religion, ethical in their dealings, and charitable toward others. Freemasons are not required to convert or abandon their religious beliefs. Instead, the fraternity promotes spiritual reflection, personal growth, and unity among men of diverse backgrounds.

According to Sir Andy Chande:

“Freemasonry teaches great truths concerning the nature and existence of one Supreme Deity… and the immortality of the soul.”

Freemasons are expected to:

  • Believe in a Supreme Being
  • Practice high moral standards
  • Support humanitarian causes
  • Avoid political or religious debates within Lodge meetings
  • Uphold confidentiality on symbolic signs and rituals

Stages of Freemasonry: The Degrees

Freemasonry follows a structured path of learning and initiation, known as the Degrees of Freemasonry:

  1. Entered Apprentice – The foundational stage where a candidate is initiated and introduced to Masonic principles.
  2. Fellowcraft – The second level, focusing on education, wisdom, and intellectual growth.
  3. Master Mason – The highest standard degree within Craft Masonry, emphasizing full membership and deeper philosophical insights.

Beyond these, there are additional degrees in affiliated Masonic bodies (e.g., Scottish Rite, York Rite), but they are optional.


Masonic Lodges and How They Operate

A Lodge is the basic organisational unit of Freemasonry. In Kenya, one of the most famous is the Freemasons’ Hall on Nyerere Road, which serves as both a meeting place and a symbol of legacy.

Within the Lodge:

  • Rituals are performed using symbolism drawn from the tools and craft of ancient stonemasons.
  • Sacred texts such as the Bible, Qur’an, and Bhagavad Gita are available, showing inclusivity of all faiths.
  • Members gather for fellowship, personal development, and charitable planning—with strict prohibition on religious or political discourse.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Freemasonry has long been misunderstood in Kenya and globally. Here are the facts that dispel some of the most common myths:

MythTruth
Freemasonry is satanic or involves witchcraftFalse – It promotes ethical living, charity, and belief in God
Freemasons are secretive and powerful elitesFalse – Many are regular professionals and community leaders
Freemasonry guarantees wealth or influenceFalse – Wealth is neither promised nor allowed as a motive
Only Christians can be FreemasonsFalse – All faiths are welcome, provided belief in a Supreme Being
Freemasons worship a specific deityFalse – Each member worships based on their own religious faith

Controversies Around Freemasonry

Globally, Freemasonry has faced religious scrutiny. In 1738, Pope Clement XIV issued a decree forbidding Catholics from joining the fraternity. This stance has been reaffirmed by many church bodies, including Kenya’s Catholic Church.

In Ghana, the public admission by a ministerial nominee, George Opare Addo, triggered a wave of debate over whether Freemasonry aligns with Christian values.

Even in Kenya, President Daniel Arap Moi’s government formed a commission in the 1990s to investigate supposed “devil worship,” in which Freemasonry was heavily scrutinised.


Modern Decline and Public Curiosity

Despite its long history—spanning over 300 years, Freemasonry has seen a decline in global membership over the past three decades. Yet, as recent events in Nairobi show, the public fascination with the group remains high, largely fueled by secrecy, symbolism, and conspiracy theories.

Freemasonry’s impact on society remains understated, with much of its charitable work and philosophical teachings often overshadowed by myth.


Conclusion

Freemasonry, far from the devilish caricature many imagine, is a centuries-old fraternity focused on ethical living, spiritual reflection, and community service. It does not replace religion but encourages its members to deepen their faith and live honorably.

As Nairobi County’s action against the Freemasons’ Hall reignites national interest, Kenyans must approach the topic with facts, not fear. Understanding the Freemason society begins with unlearning the myths and embracing the truth of its teachings.

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