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About Masonry |
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Masonic History How or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed is still widely debated. It is commonly accepted among Masonic scholars that it arose from the stonemasons’ guilds during the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in the fraternity’s rituals come from this era. One of the oldest documents that makes reference to Masons is the Regius Poem, printed about 1390, which was a copy of an earlier work. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, and records from that point on are more complete. Within thirty years, the fraternity had spread throughout Europe and the American Colonies. Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. George Washington was a Mason, Benjamin Franklin served as the head of the fraternity in Pennsylvania, as did Paul Revere and Joseph Warren in Massachusetts. Other well-known Masons involved with the founding of America included John Hancock, John Sullivan, Lafayette, Baron Fredrick von Stuben, Nathanael Greene, and John Paul Jones. Another Mason, Chief Justice John Marshall, shaped the Supreme Court into its present form. Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy. During the late 1700s it was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment: the dignity of man and the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of public education. Masons supported the first public schools in both Europe and America. During the 1800s and early 1900s, Freemasonry grew dramatically. At that time, the government had provided no social "safety net". The Masonic tradition of founding orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew. Today in North America, the Masonic Fraternity continues this tradition by giving almost $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children’s hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes. The four million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow. What do Masons do? Charity is at the heart of most Masonic activities. Each year Masons donate millions of dollars to both small and large philanthropic causes. Another result of the Masons' spirit and brotherhood is the Masonic Homes. Established to help Masons and their families, the Masonic Homes provide housing and health care to Masons and their wives or widows. Originally a refuge for orphaned children called the Masonic Home for Children offers care and assistance for children who suffer from neglect or abuse. Since 1899, more than 1,800 children have thrived in this caring and compassionate environment which is open to all deserving children. It is important to note that Masonic charities receive no local, state or federal funding and are supported entirely by member contributions. |
Ancient or Antient Freemasons Mostly Irish freemasons formed this Grand Lodge in London in 1751. Properly titled the "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England according to the Old Institutions," it is also called Atholl freemasons, after the third and fourth Dukes of Atholl. Free "It is quite likely that the word 'freemason' represented at least three distinct meanings, each having respect to a different century." Skilled mediaeval builders worked with an even-grained limestone or sandstone called freestone, first mentioned in 1212 in Normandy. The term free-stone mason is recorded in 1375 and the term was easily condensed to free mason. Centuries later this meaning became secondary, if not forgotten, when town mason guilds became more powerful. It is hypothesized that a Free Mason was free of his Guild; he had the freedom of its privileges and was entrusted with certain rights. The London Company of Freemasons changed its name to that of Masons in 1655-56, perhaps recognizing that the term had undergone yet another change in meaning. Members who were not stonemasons could be accepted in the Company and were termed speculative, free or accepted. In time the terms became synonymous and "free" then referred to an inner fraternity of speculative masons. There are many other discredited theories. The tradition that sixth and seventh century builders travelled France and Italy freely by authority of Papal bull is unfounded. Another theory has it that a mediaeval freemason was either not tied to the land or else, being attached to a monastery or ecclesiastical order, was free from the guilds. During the height of the abbey and church building period, there were few, if any, town mason guilds so this derivation is suspect. Free and Accepted This term was first used in 1722 in J. Roberts', The Old Constitutions belonging to the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons. Accepted "Acception" was an Inner Fraternity of speculative freemasons found within the Worshipful Company of Masons of the City of London. Operative members were "admitted" by apprenticeship, patrimony, or redemption; speculative members were "accepted". First recorded use of the term dates from 1620. Lodges and Grand Lodges charters' are granted by the United Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Lodge of Ireland or the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland use the expression, A.F.& A.M. Those Grand Lodges that don't use the appellation "Ancient", are descent from the "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the constitution of England" during the period from 1717 until 1813. Hence the designation of F&AM. The UGLE (Universal Grand Lodge of England) was constituted from four lodges on June 24, 1717 and was designated "Modern," although the preferred term is "Premier." The "Moderns" and "Ancients" united in November 25, 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England [now styled the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England]. The choice of style is not universal as some Grand Lodges simply chose one or other title for reasons of their own. The usage has no bearing on regularity or recognition. |
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