Freemasonry, or Masonry, refers to any of a number of fraternal organizations that trace their origins to local guilds of stonemasons.
Not specifically a religion, the Masons have taken on several of the characteristics of an esoteric religion, although its members generally hold memberships in other established religions.
There is no clear line of progression by which the trade guilds became the Masonic Lodges of today. However, a Masonic poem from 1425 portrays a mythologized history of the craft and of oaths of fidelity that are to be taken upon joining. Ceremonial regalia associated with masonic guilds were in evidence during this time period, as well.
Masons were heavily involved in the construction of cathedrals during the Middle Ages. With the decline in cathedral building, some guilds of working masons began to accept honorary members in order to bolster their declining membership. It appears that these were the lodges that first demonstrated the use of the symbols that characterize Freemasonry today.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, several of these lodges had adopted the rituals and trappings of ancient religious orders, and of chivalric brotherhoods.
As the masonic guilds evolved into the Masonic Lodges, there was an interrelationship between the Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, which share a number of rituals and symbology.
The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) in Scotland may have been the first Masonic Lodge. The first Grand Lodge was founded in England in 1717. This was the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, which later became the Grand Lodge of England, which was an association of four existing London lodges. In 1751, a rival lodge, the Antient Grand Lodge of England, was formed, which is now the Ancient Grand Lodge of England.
The first Masonic lodges in North America were established in Pennsylvania in the early 18th century. After the American Revolution, Grand lodges were established in each American state.
Prince Hall Freemasonry came about because early American lodges refused to admit African-Americans. In 1775, An African-American by the name of Prince Hall was initiated into a British military lodge with a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and fifteen member African-Americans were given the authority to meet as a lodge, but not to initiate new Masons. African Lodge was formed in 1784. Eventually, Prince Hall lodges were formed throughout the country. Today, most US Grand Lodges recognize their Prince Hall counterparts, which are now open to all men, regardless of race.
The Masonic Lodge is the organizational focus of Freemasonry. Lodges meet to conduct usual business, as well as to perform ceremonies to confer a Masonic degree, or to receive a lecture on some aspect of Masonic ritual or tradition.
Masonic rituals are largely made up of degree ceremonies. Candidates are initiated into the entry-level degree known as Entered Apprentice. Later, they may progress to the degree of Fellowcraft. Finally, they will be raised to the Master Mason degree. During these ceremonies, the candidate is provided with passwords, signs, and secret handshakes known as grips, which are specific to each degree achieved.
Another ceremony is held for the installation of the Master and officers of the Lodge. Some Masonic jurisdictions recognize Installed Master as a separate rank, with its own secrets.
Besides the local Masonic Lodges, there are also special Lodges, where Masons meet to celebrate events or for Masonic research.
Once a Mason has achieved the Master Mason degree, he is entitled to advance through other degrees, which are administered separately. As each Masonic jurisdiction is independent, procedures can be expected to vary.
Most Masonic Lodges require candidates to declare a belief in a supreme being, and some jurisdictions may require members to belong to a specific religion or denomination. The Swedish Rite, for example, only accepts Christians.
During his initiation, a candidate is required to swear, on a Bible or other sacred text, to fulfill the obligations of a Mason, one of them being to keep the secrets of their degree from members of lower degrees and from those who are not Masons. They also swear to assist fellow Masons in distress.
Some Masons explore the ritualistic aspects of the craft, while others involve themselves solely in the social or charitable works of the Masons.
Blue Lodge Freemasonry offers only the three traditional degrees, plus the rank of past or installed master. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite includes a system of thirty-three degrees, including the three Blue Lodge degrees, which are administered at the local or national levels. The York Rite administers three orders, the Royal Arch, Cryptic Masonry, and Knights Templar.
Recommended Resources
Throughout most of the history of Freemasonry, the fraternity has faced opposition from various churches, groups, and individuals. Created and maintained by someone who is pro-Mason, the site outlines several objections that have been made against the organization, then refutes them in an apologetics manner. Topics include purported relationships between the organization and the New World Order and other conspiracies, religious objections, and others.
http://www.masonicinfo.com/
From as far back as the 1700s, one of the largest and most vociferous opponents of Freemasonry has been the Roman Catholic Church. Papal condemnations of the fraternal organization have been lodged by Popes Clement XII, Benedict XIV, Clement XIII, Pius VI, Pius VII, Leo XII, Pius VIII, Gregory XVI, Pius IX, Leo XII, Pius X, Benedict XV, and Pius XI, which are highlighted here, along with other statements of the Church regarding the Freemasons.
http://www.destroyfreemasonry.com/
Operating independently of the Freemasons, the online news and information site discusses, editorializes, and analyzes the history, growth, and future of Freemasonry, with a focus on the role that the fraternity plays with society and the internal workings of the organization, Masonic education, esoteric Masonry, symbology, holidays, Masonic videos, and a directory. Masonic books and other products may be purchased online.
http://freemasoninformation.com/
Representing Masons in Victoria, Australia, the fraternity is highlighted, internationally and in Victoria. Its topics include a description of its membership policies, its history, heritage, and that of the international organization are delineated. Famous Aussie Masons are acknowledged, a gallery of photographs is displayed, and career opportunities are posted to the site. A private member login is available.
https://fmv.org.au/
With more than 50,000 members in California, the fraternity represents the Masonic lodges and other Masonic facilities and programs in the state. Its admission policies and an accounting of its activities, sponsored charities, educational programs, and videos are available, along with a calendar of programs and events, a library of documents and reports, a lodge locator, and directory of related organizations.
https://www.freemason.org/
Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry
Maintained by Master Masons of a Grand Lodge of Ancient, Accepted Free Masons, PS Review is the oldest online magazine for Freemasonry. Among the topics covered by the magazine include educational material for Masonic Lodge lectures, daily advancements in Masonic knowledge, and a free encyclopedia of Freemasonry. Other resources include Masonic papers, downloadable electronic books, and Masonic jokes.
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/
Freemasonry is one of the leading fraternal organizations in the world. Representing Masonic lodges, facilities, and programs in Ohio, the site offers a profile of the Masons and of the Ohio group, with an overview and links to other Masonic organizations, membership information, and a directory of lodges in Ohio. Its charitable and community service projects are acknowledged, and a private area for members is available.
http://www.freemason.com/
The Masonic Service Association of North America
Formed in 1919 by the Grand Lodges of the United States for the purpose of performing a number of services under one central organization, the MSA provides education and information, disaster relief, and hospital visitation, particularly for those who have served in the military. Its origins, programs, and publications are featured, along with member statistics, fact sheets about Freemasonry, and an online store.
http://www.msana.com/
Established in 1928, the Philalethes Society is the oldest independent Masonic research body in North America. Available through membership or by subscription, its magazine features articles on Masonic symbolism, philosophy, rituals, literature, and history. Also presented is a history of the Society, and its executive committee, editorial board, fellows, and honorees are acknowledged, and a calendar of events is included.
http://www.freemasonry.org/
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, often referred to simply as the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of Freemasonry that Master Masons may join for further exposure to the principles of Freemasonry. An overview and history of the Scottish Rite and the House of the Temple in Washington, DC are highlighted, with details of its philanthropic projects, membership policies, and schedules.
https://scottishrite.org/
UGLE is the governing body for most Freemasons in England and Wales, also representing member lodges in countries outside of the United Kingdom that were formerly British. General information about Freemasonry, internationally and in the UK, is provided here, along with membership data, a description of UGLE’s library and museum, and other facilities and programs. An online shopping area is included.
https://www.ugle.org.uk/
