Masons, or Freemasons as they are officially known, are members of one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations. Masonry has a long and rich history dating back hundreds of years, with many fascinating myths and misconceptions surrounding the group. At its core, Freemasonry is based on moral and spiritual principles, focused on making good men even better through self-improvement, philanthropy and fellowship.
Origins and History of Freemasonry
The exact origins of Freemasonry are shrouded in mystery. Most researchers trace its beginnings back to medieval stonemasons guilds in Europe. These guilds worked together on cathedrals and other major building projects and had secret methods, signs and symbols used to verify each other’s credentials and level of skills. Over time, as cathedral building declined, some lodges began accepting non-masons as members, evolving into more of a social organization. By the 1700s, Freemasonry had spread throughout Europe and the American colonies.
Some key dates and events in Masonic history include:
- 1390 – The Regius Poem, the oldest known Masonic text, was written.
- 1717 – The first Grand Lodge was formed in London, England formally establishing Freemasonry as an organized institution.
- 1733 – The Grand Lodge of Ireland was established.
- 1736 – The first Masonic lodge in North America was founded in Boston.
- 1776 – According to legend, nine signers of the Declaration of Independence were Freemasons.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Freemasonry grew rapidly, spreading across the globe with lodges established in India, Asia, Australia and Africa. New Grand Lodges and Masonic orders were formed as the fraternity evolved.
Core Beliefs and Principles
Freemasonry is not a religion, but it is a fraternal organization that requires belief in a Supreme Being from all its members. Masons refer to this supreme being as the “Grand Architect of the Universe” or GAOTU. Different religions may use other terms for the divine such as God, Allah or Jehovah. Masons unite under this shared principle of faith in a higher power.
Beyond belief in a Supreme Being, Masonry’s core principles are:
- Brotherly love – caring for others through friendship, compassion and charity
- Relief – providing assistance and aid to those in need
- Truth – being honest and sincere
Masons also follow three great principles:
- Every Mason must believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
- Freemasonry unites men of differing faiths, despite their religious differences.
- Masonic actions are guided by morality, ethics and charity.
Secrecy
Masonry has often been shrouded in secrecy which leads to misconceptions by outsiders. In truth, most of the rituals and symbols of Freemasonry were made public long ago. The “secret society” aspect serves as a means of bonding and building trust between members.
Rituals and Symbols
Freemasonry uses rituals and symbols as a means of imparting moral lessons. Masonic rituals dramatize principles like honesty, integrity and charity to members. Common symbols in Masonry include the compass, square, apron, eye of providence and stonesmason tools.
Organizational Structure
The basic unit of Freemasonry is the Masonic Lodge which brings together Masons in a local area. Each lodge operates under a Grand Lodge which provides oversight for lodges within a geographical jurisdiction. There are hundreds of Grand Lodges worldwide overseeing millions of Masonic lodge members in their regions.
Some of the largest Grand Lodges include:
| Grand Lodge | Location | Members |
|---|---|---|
| United Grand Lodge of England | London, England | 250,000 |
| Grand Lodge of Scotland | Edinburgh, Scotland | 100,000 |
| Grand Lodge of Ireland | Dublin, Ireland | 25,000 |
| Grand Lodge of California | California, USA | 60,000 |
There are several different levels within the Masonic organizational structure, known as degrees. The three main degrees are Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. Members move up in degrees through initiation. Master Mason is the highest degree attainable in mainstream Freemasonry.
Leadership
Each Masonic lodge elects officers to lead the lodge. The Worshipful Master oversees all activities and serves as leader. Other officer positions like Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and Treasurer support the Worshipful Master in managing lodge operations and administrative functions.
Committees
Lodges have a number of standing committees that focus on areas like membership, charity, social events and lodge maintenance. Much of the work of the lodge is planned and implemented through its various committees.
Notable Masons
Throughout history, many influential leaders around the world have been Masons. Some notable Freemasons include:
- George Washington, revolutionary war general and first U.S. president
- Benjamin Franklin, founding father of the U.S.
- Winston Churchill, British prime minister
- Mark Twain, American author
- Buzz Aldrin, American astronaut
- Oscar Wilde, Irish writer
- William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet
Requirements for Membership
To become a Mason, a candidate must:
- Be a man age 18 or older (women are eligible for Masonic organizations like the Order of the Eastern Star)
- Believe in a Supreme Being
- Be of good character and reputation
- Apply of his own free will and accord
A new member must be recommended by at least two members and get approval from the Masonic lodge they wish to join. Once accepted, the initiate goes through three initiation ceremonies where they learn the symbols and meanings of Freemasonry.
Famous Masonic Lodges
Masonic lodges around the world have gathered impressive member rosters over the years. Some of the most well-known include:
- St. John’s Lodge – Boston, MA – Founded the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts in 1733.
- Door to Virtue Lodge – Massachusetts – Counted Paul Revere and Joseph Warren among members.
- Holland Lodge No. 1 – New York City – George Washington was initiated here.
- House of the Temple – Washington D.C. – Headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
- Naval Masonic Hall – New Hampshire – Over 100 Freemasons from the USS New Hampshire Battleship Lodge.
Masonic Ranks and Titles
Masonic ranks provide a hierarchy within Freemasonry. Higher-ranking Masons have more privileges and responsibilities. The officer ranks within a lodge include:
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Worshipful Master | Leader of the Lodge |
| Senior Warden | Second in command |
| Junior Warden | Third in command |
| Treasurer | In charge of financial accounts |
| Secretary | Administrative duties |
The main masonic degree levels are:
- Entered Apprentice (First degree)
- Fellow Craft (Second degree)
- Master Mason (Third degree)
Other advanced or side degrees exist after Master Mason for Masons seeking more light including:
- Royal Arch Mason
- Cryptic Masons
- Knights Templar
- Scottish Rite
- Shriners
Earning Masonic Titles
Masons earn degrees and titles by demonstrating knowledge at each level. Advancement recognizes a Mason’s experience, contributions and ability to take on more responsibility. Higher-degree Masons may take roles in running their lodge or Grand Lodge.
Major Masonic Bodies and Orders
There are several affiliated Masonic groups and orders that Master Masons can join for further education. Some of the most well-known include:
York Rite
A collection of progressive degrees focused on ancient craft Masonry. Composed of Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons and Knights Templar.
Scottish Rite
Requires the York Rite degrees before joining. Members earn 33 degrees through education and performance. The Southern Jurisdiction and Northern Masonic Jurisdiction are the two branches in the U.S.
Shriners International
Best known for their philanthropy supporting children’s hospitals. Members must first achieve Master Mason status.
Order of the Eastern Star
Masonic order open to both men and women. Lessons focus on Biblical heroines.
Masonic Gatherings and Meetings
Masonic lodges hold regular meetings for members to conduct business, vote, socialize and take part in rituals and degree work. Meetings often follow a set ritual format and incorporate symbols and scripted dialogue.
Some common Masonic gatherings and meetings include:
- Regular or Stated Communications – Monthly lodge business meetings.
- Emergent Communications – Special meetings held for a particular purpose like a Masonic funeral service.
- Annual Communications – Yearly meeting mandated by the Grand Lodge.
- Grand Communications – Grand Lodge annual general assembly.
- Masonic Festivals – Events open to Masons and their families.
Most gatherings involve Masonic rituals, regalia, invocations, pledges and ceremonies. Historically they were men-only but now often include wives and families.
Masonic Temples and Halls
Masonic lodges meet in Masonic temples or halls. These structures are designed with lodges rooms, ceremonial spaces, libraries, dining areas and offices to serve Masonic activities.
Famous examples include:
- Freemasons’ Hall, London – Headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England.
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Virginia – Memorial and museum with observation deck.
- Masonic Temple, Philadelphia – Grand Masonic temple with 1,700 seat auditorium.
- Detroit Masonic Temple – The largest Masonic temple in the world, covering over 160,000 square feet.
Controversies Surrounding Freemasonry
Throughout its long history, Freemasonry has been the subject of numerous controversies and conspiracy theories, including:
Religious Opposition
Some religious groups like Catholicism and Islam have strongly condemned Freemasonry, believing its principles are contradictory to religion. Masons have been prohibited from joining such faiths.
Political Influence
Critics have accused Freemasons of secretly influencing politics and government policies. High profile politicians who were Masons have fueled such theories.
Occult and Mysticism
Masonic rituals with esoteric symbols and occult overtones have led to allegations of mysticism and even magic taking place behind lodge doors.
Exclusion of Women
Restricting regular Freemasonry to men has brought ongoing criticism from women’s rights activists. Female-only Masonic orders like Eastern Star only admit Master Masons.
While sensational claims make headlines, most Masonic scholars contend these controversies stem from misunderstandings rather than nefarious intents.
Conclusion
At its core Freemasonry has a simple goal – to make good men better. Masons pursue this through moral lessons, self-discipline, charity and a sense of purpose in their lives. They unite under a common set of beliefs based on virtue, faith and equality. While shrouded in mystique, Masonic principles and philosophy remain rooted in improving humanity no matter one’s background.
