There are many ways to describe Freemasonry, the worlds oldest and largest fraternal organization. The first Masonic Grand Lodge describes the fraternity in this way. (United Grand Lodge of England)
" Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides."
Or from Christopher Haffner, "Structure in Freemasonry, p. 21."
"Freemasonry is a series of independent societies which trace their descent, directly or indirectly, from the operative masons of medieval Europe, consiting of good men and true of any religious faith. They meet privately to perform ceremonies which have a symbolism based upon the art of building in general and upon legends connected with structures whose erection is recorded in the Old Testament in particular. This is done with a view to inculcating moral attitudes and creating a brotherhood based upon a common belief in the Fatherhood of the Creator of the Universe."