• A voluntary association of men.
• A system of moral conduct.
• A way of living life.
• A fraternal society.
• It is religious in character.
• It teaches the golden rule.
• It seeks to make good men better men.
• It teaches morality through symbolism
• It uses rites for ceremonies to instruct its members.
• It is based in a firm belief of:
  • The Fatherhood of God,
  • The Brotherhood of Man, and
  • The Immortality of the Soul.

(Public Relations Committee of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico)