A mason, in the context of Freemasonry, is a member of a fraternity known as Masonry or Freemasonry. Freemasonry refers to fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local guilds of stonemasons from the end of the 14th century. Modern Freemasonry consists of two main recognition groups: Regular Freemasonry and Continental Freemasonry. The basic, local organizational unit of Freemasonry is the Lodge, and the Masonic lodge is the basic unit where the bulk of Masonic ritual takes place, including degree ceremonies for the initiation of candidates into Freemasonry
. In summary, a mason is a member of the world's oldest and largest fraternity, which is comprised of adult men of good character from every country, religion, race, age, and income
