Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It is dedicated to promoting improvement in the character of its members.  A Mason is taught to be a good citizen, to be of good character, & to care for those less fortunate. Freemasonry traces its roots to the Middle Ages. It is from associations of stone masons, who built the magnificent cathedrals, castles, and monasteries of Europe that the fraternity started. These groups, eventually, began to accept members who were not actual working masons. They adopted the term "Accepted" Masons, and Freemasonry was born.