The Grand Lodge of Ontario, Canada states it well.

“Freemasonry is the oldest and largest worldwide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.

The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, each sovereign within its own territory. There is no central authority governing all Grand Lodges. However, to be acknowledged by others, acceptable traditions, standards and practices must be maintained.”

In Ohio, the governing body is called The Grand Lodge of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons. It is under the leadership of the Grand Master, who serves a one-year term. He is supported by the Grand Lodge officers and presides over about 100,000 Masons who belong to one or more of the approximately 500 lodges in Ohio. Each of these lodges is under the direction of a Worshipful Master.

All lodges share their organizational structure, common ceremonies and other codes/bylaws which are established by the collective Grand Lodge. Most lodges are geographically-based, but there are specialized lodges dedicated to education, research and related topics. Lodges vary significantly in their character, style and activities, since they are given significant freedom to act according to the dictates of their membership.