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Freemasonry is a Fraternal Organization . Members are joined together by shared ideals of both a Moral and Metaphysical nature and, in most of its branches, by a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being . Organisationally, Freemasonry is governed on a geographic basis by independent, Sovereign Grand Lodge s and Grand Orient s which may, or may not, be in a state of Mutual Recognition .http://www.grandlodge-england.org/pdf/cr-rule-update2-141205.pdf Aims and Relationships of the Craft Para 9 THE NATURE OF FREEMASONRY Freemasonry is an amongst members within the Ritual . Emulation Ritual ISBN 0 85318 187 X pub 1991, Londonhttp://www.grandlodge-england.org/masonry/YQA-secret-society.htm ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE See Also: Grand Lodge There are many jurisdictions within Freemasonry, each sovereign and independent of the others, and usually defined according to a national or geographic territory. There is no central Masonic organizational structure or authority, and in any event many practices are determined by Lodge custom, so any general description will inevitably be inaccurate in respect of some places. The authority in any Masonic jurisdiction is vested in a '' Grand Lodge '', or sometimes a ''Grand Orient''. Subject to the size of the Grand Lodge the geographic area of coverage may be sub-divided into Provinces, each governed by a Provincial, District or Metropolitan Grand Lodge. The first Grand Lodge in Freemasonry was founded in 1717 when four existing Lodges met at the Goose & Gridiron Alehouse in London to form the governing body. Throughout the early half of the eighteenth century, a number of lodges operating in London and in other parts of England chose to remain independent from this new Grand Lodge. These lodges were often called "St. John lodges," and their members were called "old Masons," "Ancients" or "St. John Masons." Five of these independent lodges joined in forming a competing Grand Lodge at the Turk's Head Tavern, in Greek Street, Soho, in 1751.Batham, Cyril N. (1981). "The Grand Lodge of England According to the Old Institutions, otherwise known as the Grand Lodge of the Antients". The Collected Prestonian Lectures, 1975-1987, Vol. Three. London: Lewis Masonic. ISBN-085318-155-1. Claiming that the earlier Grand Lodge had broken with a number of traditions and was divergent from the principles of Freemasonry, members of the second Grand Lodge derisively referred to the older Grand Lodge as the "Moderns" Grand Lodge. The second, rival Grand Lodge became known as the ''Ancients'' Grand Lodge. The two finally merged in 1813, to become the United Grand Lodge Of England (UGLE). It is today the only Regular Craft jurisdiction in England , and generally considered to be the oldest Grand Lodge jurisdiction in the world. Coil, Henry W. (1961). Article: "England, Grand Lodge of." Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia (rev. ed. 1995) Richmond, Va: Macoy Publ. Co. Inc. The oldest jurisdiction on the continent of 2006 . is currently the only French Grand Lodge that is in ''regular amity'' with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and its many concordant jurisdictions worldwide. In most Latin countries, the GOdF style of European Continental Freemasonry predominates, although in most of these Latin countries there are also Grand Lodges that are in "regular amity" with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the worldwide community of Grand Lodges that share "fraternal relations" with the UGLE. The rest of the world, which accounts for the bulk of Freemasonry, tends to follow more closely to the UGLE style, although many minor variations exist. In short, Freemasonry is often said to consist of two different branches:
Regularity See Also: Regular Masonic jurisdictions Regularity is a constitutional mechanism whereby Grand Lodges afford one another mutual recognition, in turn allowing formal interaction at the Grand Lodge level and members the opportunity to attend meetings at Lodges in recognized jurisdictions. Conversely, it also proscribes interaction with Lodges that are not recognized. Regularity is based around a number of ''Landmarks'' which are those items set down in the UGLE Constitution and the constitutions of the Grand Lodges it is in amity with. There is some variance within the quantity and content of the Landmarks from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but there are a few Landmarks which do not vary (list forthcoming). Grand Lodges which afford mutual recognition and allow intervisitation are said to be ''in amity''. However, even without formal recognition of regularity, many Grand Lodges continue informal relations and a number of vehicles for this exist. The Masonic Lodge See Also: Masonic Lodge A Lodge, often termed a ''Private Lodge'' or ''Constituent Lodge'' in Constitutions, is the basic organisation of Freemasonry. Every new Lodge must be warranted by a Grand Lodge, but is subject to its direction only in enforcing the published Constitution of the jurisdiction. A Master Freemason is generally entitled to visit any Lodge in any jurisdiction in amity with his own. He is first usually required to check, and certify, the regularity of the relationship of the Lodge - and be able to satisfy that Lodge of his regularity of membership. Freemasons meet ''as'' a Lodge not ''in'' a Lodge, although Masonic premises may be called ''Lodges'', as well as ''Temples'' ("of Philosophy and the Arts"). In many countries ''Masonic Centre'' or ''Hall'' has now replaced these terms to avoid arousing prejudice and suspicion. Several different Lodges, or other Masonic organisations, often use the same premises at different times. According to Masonic Tradition ''operative'' lodges, of medieval stonemasons engaged in the construction of ecclesiastical buildings, constructed a lodge building adjacent to the work site to allow meetings for shelter, instruction and social contact. Normally this was on the southern side of the site, with the sun warming the stones during the day in Europe. The social gathering, ''Festive'' or ''Social Board'', of the lodge is sometimes called ''the South''. Early ''Speculative'' Lodges, whose membership included those who were not actually stonemasons, would meet in a Tavern or other convenient meeting place with a private annex. Many Lodges are formed by Masons living within a given town or neighbourhood. Other Lodges, particularly in urban areas where there are many Lodges close together, are formed by persons who share a particular interest, profession or background; schools, universities, military units or hobbies such as Motorcycling or SCUBA Diving . In some lodges of this latter type the interest may be of historic interest only as over time the membership has expanded into other areas. There are also specialists Lodges of Research, membership being open to interested Master Masons of other lodges with an interest in Masonic research such as history, philosophy or collections. Whilst research lodges are fully warranted lodges they generally do not initiate candidates. A Lodge of Instruction allows Masons to rehearse and learn ritual in support of their office within a working lodge, enabling preparation for participation in the initiation, passing and raising of candidates. Such a Lodge requires a warrant but is not a separately constituted Lodge, instead being closely associated with a warranted Lodge. Prince Hall Freemasonry See Also: Prince Hall Freemasonry Prince Hall Freemasonry derives from historically unique events which led to a tradition of separate, predominantly African American, Freemasonry in North America. Prince Hall Masonry has always been '' Regular '' in all respects except constitutional separation. In 1775, an 2005 . was initiated into an Irish Constitution Military Lodge then in Boston, Massachusetts, along with fourteen other African Americans, all of whom were free born. When the Military Lodge left North America , the African Americans were given the authority to meet as a lodge, form Processions on the days of the Saints John, and conduct Masonic funerals, but not to confer degrees, nor to do other Masonic Work. In 1784 these individuals applied for, and obtained, a Lodge Warrant from the Premier Grand Lodge of England and formed African Lodge, Number 459 (Premier Grand Lodge of England). When the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) was formed in 1813, all U.S. based lodges were stricken from their rolls – due largely to the U.S. And British War, 1812 To 1815 . Thus, separated from both UGLE and any concordantly recognised U.S. Grand Lodge, African Lodge re-titled itself as the African Lodge, Number 1 - and became a ''de facto'' "Grand Lodge". (This Lodge is not to be confused with the various Grand Lodges on the Continent of Africa ). As with the rest of U.S. Freemasonry, Prince Hall Freemasonry soon grew, and organised on a Grand Lodge system for each State. Widespread Segregation , in the 19th and early 20th century North America, made it difficult for African Americans to join lodges outside of Prince Hall jurisdictions - and impossible for inter-jurisdiction recognition between the parallel U.S. Masonic authorities. Prince Hall Grand Lodges are, presently, recognized by some UGLE Concordant Grand Lodges and not by others, but appears to be working its way toward full recognition, with the majority of US Grand Lodges granting at least some degree of recognition. Prince Hall Masonry Recognition details , Paul M. Bessel, accessed November 14 2005 . It is now quite usual for both Prince Hall lodges and non-Prince Hall Lodges to have ethnically diverse membership. See Also: Regular Masonic jurisdictions Other degrees, orders and bodies See Also: Masonic Appendant Bodies Whilst there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Masonhttp://www.grandlodge-england.org/pdf/cr-rule-update2-141205.pdf Aims and Relationships of the Craft a number of organisations exist which require one to be a Master Mason as a prerequisite for membership,Beyond the Craft: The Indispensable Guide to Masonic Orders Practised in England and Wales, Keith B Jackson, ISBN 0853182485, Pub 2005 none of which are considered to have any authority over the Craft. These organisations are considered as additional or appendant, membership being discretionary in order to provide a different perspective on some of the allegorical, moral and philosophical content within Freemasonry. Appendant bodies are administered separately from craft Grand Lodges and within each there is a system of offices which confer rank within that order alone, these bodies are frequently styled ''Masonic'' due to the membership requirement that one hold the ''Master Mason'' degree, or even be a ''Past (Installed) Master'' in the craft. Freemasonic jurisdictions vary in their relationships with such bodies, if at all. Some offer formal recognition, while others consider them wholly outside of pure Craft Freemasonry. As such, some such bodies are not universally considered as ''appendant bodies'', being simply as separate organizations that happen to require prior Masonic affiliation for membership. Some of these organizations have additional religious requirements (e.g. requiring members to profess Trinitarian Christian beliefs). A number of youth organizations exist, mainly North American, open to the family of Masons, which are associated with Freemasonry, but are not Masonic in their content. These offer an extended social network around the lodge. There are some organisations which are commonly perceived as being related to Freemasonry, but which are in fact not part of Freemasonry, such as the Orange Order . Styled along Masonic lines, using similar regalia and ritual, they are not however accorded recognition as being regularly Masonic. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS A candidate for Freemasonry must apply to a ''Private'' (or ''Constituent'') Lodge in his community, obtaining an introduction by asking an existing member. After enquiries are made, he must be freely elected by secret ballot in open Lodge. Members approving his candidacy will vote with "white balls" in the voting box. Adverse votes by "black balls" will exclude a candidate. The number of adverse votes necessary to reject a candidate, which in some jurisdictions is as few as one, is set out in the governing Constitution. Lodges conduct these elections in a number of different ways; a wholly secret ballot where every member is given the means to vote either way, or semi public where members who choose to vote go to the ballot box and cast a secret vote. General requirements Generally to be a Regular Freemason, one must:
A candidate is asked 'Do you believe in a Supreme Being?'. Since an initiate is obligated on that sacred volume which is applicable to his faith, a sponsor will enquire as to an appropriate volume once a decision has been made on the applicants suitability for initiation. A number of Grand Lodges allow a Lewis, the son of a Mason, to be initiated earlier than the normal minimum age for that jurisdiction. Being of "sound body" is thought to be derived from the operative origins of Freemasonry, an apprentice would be able to meet the demands of their profession. In modern times Grand Lodges tend to encourage the use of the ritual in ways to mitigate for difficulty. The "free born" requirement remains for purely historical reasons. Some jurisdictions have done away with it entirely. Some Grand Lodges in the United States have a residence requirement, candidates being expected to have lived within the jurisdiction for certain period of time, typically six months.http://www.ilmason.org/Basic1/bainfo.htm It is notable that the requirement for the candidate to have a belief in a Supreme Being is not present in some, but not all, Co-Masonic bodies, leading to a significant divergence in organisational direction and philosophy. See Also: Regular Masonic jurisdictions See Also: Co-Freemasonry See Also: List of famous Freemasons Membership and religion , Spain ]] Freemasonry explicitly and openly states that it is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion. There is no separate "Masonic God," and there is no separate proper name for a deity in any branch of Freemasonry UGLE: Is Freemasonry a religion? , accessed January 21 2006 .http://www.mqmagazine.co.uk/issue-13/p-46.php. Freemasonry requires that its candidates believe in a ''Supreme Being'', the nature of that being subject to the conscience of the candidate. As the interpretation of the term ''Supreme Being'' is left up to the individual members can be drawn from a wide range of faiths; the Abrahamic Religions and other Monotheistic religions. Some members of non-monotheistic religions are accepted subject to answering ''Yes'' to the question asked, these include, for example, Buddhists and Hindus . In the '' Irregular '' Continental European tradition, since the early 19th Century, a very broad interpretation has been given to a (non-dogmatic) Supreme Being — usually allowing Deism and naturalistic views in the tradition of Spinoza and Goethe (himself a Freemason), or views of The Ultimate or Cosmic Oneness, along with Western atheistic Idealism and agnosticism. The Freemasonry that predominates in Scandinavia , known as the Swedish Rite accepts only Christians.Freemasons for Dummies, by Christopher Hodapp, Wiley Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, 2005, p.65, sec. "Religion and the Masons". WOMEN AND FREEMASONRY See Also: Co-Freemasonry The position of women and Freemasonry is complex, although traditionally, only men can be made Freemasons, in '' Regular '' Freemasonry. A supposed exceptional, (very . Apparently, she removed a brick and saw the ceremony in the room beyond. After being discovered, Elizabeth's situation was discussed by the lodge. It was decided that she should be initiated into Freemasonry. The story is supported by other accounts of her being a subscriber to the Irish Book of Constitutions of 1744. She frequently attended, wearing her Masonic Regalia , and gave entertainments, under Masonic auspices, for the benefit of the poor and distressed. She married Mr. Richard Aldworth of Newmarket, and it is reported that when she died she was accorded Masonic honours at her burial. The systematic admission of women into International Co-Freemasonry began in France in 1882 with the initiation of Maria Deraismes into the Loge Libre Penseurs (Freethinkers Lodge), under the Grande Loge Symbolique de France. In 1893, along with activist Georges Martin, Maria Deraismes oversaw the initiation of sixteen women into the first lodge in the world to have both men and women as members, from inception, creating the jurisdiction Le Droit Humain (LDH). Again these are regarded as irregular bodies, by ''Regular'' Freemasonry. In North America , women cannot become Regular Freemasons ''per se,'' but rather join an associated separate body with its own traditions. Order Of The Eastern Star (OES) was created in the United States in the mid-19th Century for female Masonic relatives and Master Masons. Its members are mainly the wives and daughters of Master Masons. Le Droit Humain and number of other irregular masonic organisations have a presence in North America which are open to women either in an androgynous or wholly feminine manner. These orders work similar rituals to regular Freemasonry and their work contains similar moral and philosophical content to regular freemasonry. In the Netherlands , there is a completely separate, although Masonically allied, sorority for women, the Order Of Weavers (OOW), which uses symbols from weaving rather than stonemasonry. The GOdF and other jurisdictions, in the Continental European tradition, give full formal recognition to Co-Freemasonry and women's Freemasonry. The UGLE, and other jurisdictions concordant in that ''regular'' tradition, do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women. The UGLE, has stated - since 1998 - that two local women's jurisdictions are regular in practice, except for their inclusion of women, and has indicated that, while not formally recognized, these bodies may be regarded as part of Freemasonry, when describing Freemasonry in general. PRINCIPLES AND ACTIVITIES Both 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica and 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia agree that Freemasonry, according to the official English, Scottish, American, etc., Craft rituals, is most generally defined: ''A peculiar'' (some say ''particular'' or ''beautiful'') ''system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.''http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia. (1911 Encyclopædia Britannica agrees) The continued use of this definition is illustrated in the example of the 1991 printing of the English Emulation Ritual Emulation Ritual ISBN 0 85318 187 X pub 1991, London As such Freemasonry uses ritual to convey the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth" - otherwise related, as in France: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".Freemasons for Dummies, by Christopher Hodapp, Wiley Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, 2005, p.783, sec. "Masons marked for life". Moral lessons are communicated in a ritualised manner, the candidate progressing through ''degrees'' gaining in knowledge and understanding of himself, his relationship with others and his relationship with that Supreme Being to which he adheres. Outside the ritual context the fraternity is widely involved in charity and community service activities, as well as providing a social outlet for the members. The balance between ritual, philosophical and spiritual, charitable service and social interchange aspects varies subject to the cultures of the various Grand Lodges which govern Freemasonry around the world. Nevertheless, philosophy and esoteric knowledge remains a deep interest to many individuals. The philosophical aspects of the ''Craft'' tend to be discussed in Lodges of Instruction or Research, and sometimes informal groups. Freemasons themselves frequently reprint the scholarly studies that are available to the public. CHARITABLE EFFORT Freemasons collect money internally which is attributed to charitable purposes. A number of structures exist within Freemasonry to disburse this money, a proportion of which goes to non-Masonic charities either locally or on a provincial or national basis. Masonic charities include
CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES As with other fraternal organisations in the 21st Century, Freemasonry in some districts of the United States, the UK and other jurisdictions has been losing members, faster than it can replenish themhttp://www.cornerstonesociety.com/Insight/Articles/Cornerstone%20Society%20%20Whither%20directing%20our%20course%202.pdf. The Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA)http://msana.com attributes the loss to six possible causeshttp://www.msana.com/itsabouttime_intro.htm:
Many Grand Lodges in the U.S. have tried a variety of, often-controversial, measures to address declining membership. These have included "one-day ceremonies" of all the three degrees for large groups of candidates, (as opposed to individual degree conferrals taking months or years to complete); advertising on billboards, and even active recruitment of new candidates by members, (as opposed to the tradition of considering only those who actively seek membership for themselves). Some Masons object to the traditions and principles of Freemasonry being diluted by these changes, feeling that the Fraternity has survived centuries of social change without changing itself; others cite a need for Freemasonry to modernize and make itself relevant to new generations. RITUAL AND SYMBOLISM Freemasonic Ritual uses the ''. However, as Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for any of these symbols. http://www.mqmagazine.co.uk/issue-10/p-61.php. The square and compasses are displayed at all Masonic meetings, along with the open ''Volume of the Sacred Law'' (VSL). In English-speaking countries, this is frequently the 2006 . It is otherwise whatever book a particular jurisdiction authorizes. In many French Lodges, the Masonic Constitutions are used. A candidate for a degree will normally be given his choice of religious text for his Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking. ''UK Government information on Courts system'' Accessed 2006 . Christian candidates will typically use the Lodge's Bible while those of other religions may choose another book that is holy to them, to be displayed alongside the Lodges' usual VSL. In lodges with a mixed religious membership it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed representing the beliefs of the individuals present. In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the attributes of ''Great Architect of the Universe'' (G.A.O.T.U.), ''Grand Geometer'' or similar. Freemasons use a variety of forms of words in make clear that their reference is generic, not about any one religion's particular God or God-like concept. Degrees The degrees of ''Craft'' or ''Blue Lodge'' Freemasonry are those of: # Entered Apprentice (EA) # Fellow Craft (FC) # Master Mason (MM) As a Freemason works through the degrees, and studies the lessons they contain, he interprets them for himself. No Mason is dictated to as to the interpretation he personally gives, bounded only by the Constitution within which he works. A common structure of speaking symbolically, and universal human archetypes, provides for each Freemason a means to come to his own answers to life's important philosophical questions. Especially in Europe, Freemasons working through the degrees are asked to prepare papers on related philosophical topics, and present these papers in an open Lodge. There is no degree of Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason. Although some Masonic bodies and orders have degrees named with higher numbers, these degrees are considered to be supplements to the Master Mason degree rather than promotions from itBeyond the Craft: The Indispensable Guide to Masonic Orders Practised in England and Wales, Kieth B Jackson . Nevertheless, it is essential for one to be a Master Mason in order to qualify for these further degree bodies, each of which is organized and administered more or less similarly to Freemasonry itself. In each organization there is a system of offices which confer rank within that degree or order alone. Signs, grips and words Freemasons use signs (hand gestures), grips (hand shakes) and passwords to gain admission to their meetings and identify that a visitor is legitimate. Over the years many exposés have been written claiming to reveal these signs grips and passwords for the uninitiated. However, as each Grand Lodge is free to create its own ritualshttp://www.mqmagazine.co.uk/issue-10/p-61.php, the signs, grips and passwords can and do differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as noted clearly by Christopher Hodapp.Christopher Hodapp, Freemasons For Dummies, Wiley Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, 2005, p.18. He further points out that these differences can cause difficulties for Masons who visit other Jurisdictions. Grand Lodges have had to issue "Masonic Passports" and dues cards to prove membership and ease this confusion. Furthermore, according to historian John J. Robinson Grand Lodges can and do change their rituals frequently, updating the language used, adding or omitting sections.John J. Robinson, A Pilgrim's Path, M. Evans and Co., Inc. New York, p.129 The logical conclusion of Hodapp's and Robinson's assertions is that any exposé is only valid for a particular jurisdiction at a particular time, and therefore may or may not be accurate with respect to modern ritual. Landmarks The Landmarks are the ancient and unchangeable precepts of Masonry, the standards by which the regularity of a Freemasonic Lodge and Grand Lodges are judged. Each Grand Lodge is self-governing and no single authority exists over the whole of Freemasonry. The interpretation of these principles can and do vary, leading to controversies of recognition. The concept of Masonic Landmarks appears in Masonic regulations as early as 1723, and seems to have been adopted from the regulations of operative masonic guilds. Nowadays the term ''Landmark'' is generally understood by the definition of Dr. Albert Gallatin Mackey, who laid down three requisite characteristics, namely: (1) immemorial antiquity (2) universality (3) absolute irrevocability. In 1856, Mackey attempted to set down the actual Landmarks as he saw them. He determined there were 25 in all. Seven years later, in 1863, George Oliver published Freemason's Treasury in which he listed 40 Landmarks. In the last century, a number of American Grand Lodges attempted the daunting task of enumerating the Landmarks, ranging from West Virginia (7) and New Jersey (10) to Nevada (39) and Kentucky (54). ''Masonic Landmarks'' , by Bro. Michael A. Botelho. Accessed 7 February 2006 . HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY See Also: History of Freemasonry Origin theories Freemasonry is a ''system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbol'' and in the ritual context employs an allegorical foundation myth of foundation of the fraternity by the builders of King Solomon’s Temple. Beyond myth, there is a distinct absence of documentation as to Freemasonry’s origins, which has led to a great deal of speculation among historians, both from within and from outside the fraternity. Hundreds of books have been written on the subject. Much of the content of these books is highly speculative, and the precise origins of Freemasonry may very well be permanently lost to history. Freemasonry has variously been attributed to ''A History of Freemasonry'' by H.L. Haywood and James E. Craig, pub. ''ca'' 1927 :
It is thought by many that Freemasonry is unlikely to be a straightforward outgrowth of medieval guilds of stonemasons. Amongst the reasons given for this conclusion are the facts that stonemasons lived near their worksite and thus had no need for secret signs to identify themselves, and that the "Ancient Charges" of Freemasonry are nonsensical when thought of as being rules for a stonemasons' guild. Alternatively, it is widely thought that stonemasons, unlike virtually all Europeans except the clergy, were not bound to the land on which they were born, and were, thus, "free". The various skills required in building ever more complex stone structures, especially churches and cathedrals, allowed skilled masons to travel and find work at will. They were "lodged" in a more temporary structure either attached to, or near, the main building. In this lodge, they ate, slept and received their work assignments from the master of the work. The freedom they enjoyed was beyond price. To maintain such freedom required exclusivity of skills, and thus, as the apprentice was trained, his instructors attached moral values to the tools of the trade, binding the young man to his fellows. Especially amongst York Rite Freemasons, Freemasonry is said to have existed in the 10th century CE, at the time of King Athelstan of England. Athelstan is said to have been converted to Christianity in York, and to have issued the first Charter to the Masonic Lodges there. The story of his conversion is unsubstantiated, as that royal dynasty had been Christian for centuries. Current theory ''English Speculative Freemasonry: Some possible Origins, Themes and Developments. The Prestonian Lecture for 2004 in Ars Quatuor Coronatum 2004'' by Trevor Stewart, pub ''London'' 2005 suggests that the development of Freemasonry has two distinct growth periods. :Stage 1 Freemasonry being operative in nature and likely to have been associated with the craft guilds. Ritual elements are simple and there is no evidence of a sophisticated philosophical outlook. :Stage 2 emerges in the 18th Centry with a gentrification processhttp://www.cornerstonesociety.com/Insight/Articles/articles.html and is evidenced by an increasing non-operative membership notable for their social position and position in English, particularly London based, society. The Prestonian ritual and lectures demonstrate an infusion of enlightenment philosophy and increasing use of ritual as a vehicle for the communication and exploration of that philosophy. Naming The word Freemason may refer to these masons being "free" from work—as they met to talk about Masonic theory rather than practice—or it could relate to the liberal or "free" arts upon which much of freemasonry is based. It may simply refer to the superior grade of masons working in freestone, as used in early English statutes, or it could mean free to travel about the country from job to job. In the middle ages many craftsmen were bound to a lord of a specific region. In medieval France, the term "franc-maçon," or "freemason," simply meant that masons and lodges employed in the erection of churches and monasteries were given "franchises" to work without taxation by the local municipal or state authorities. From foundation to 1717 A more historical source asserting the antiquity of Freemasonry is the Halliwell Manuscript, or Regius Poem - believed to date from ca. 1390. This makes reference to several concepts and phrases similar to those found in Freemasonry. The manuscript itself seems to be an elaboration on an earlier document, to which it refers. There is also the Cooke Manuscript, dated 1430 - the Constitution of German stonemasons. The first appearance of the word 'Freemason' occurs in the Statutes of the Realm enacted in 1495 by Henry VII Of England , however, most other documentary evidence prior to the 1500s appears to relate entirely to operative Masons. By 1583, the date of the Grand Lodge manuscript, the documentary evidence begins to grow. The Schaw Statues of 1598-9(4) are the source used to declare the precedence of Lodge Mother Kilwinning in Kilwinning , Ayrshire, Scotland over Lodge Mary's Chapel in Edinburgh . These are described as Head and Principal respectively. As a side note, following a dispute over numbering at the formation of the Grand Lodge Of Scotland (GLS) - Kilwinning is numbered as Lodge Mother Kilwinning Number 0 (pronounced 'Nothing'), GLS. Quite soon thereafter, a charter was granted to Sir William St. Clair (later Sinclair) of Roslin (Rosslyn), allowing him to purchase jurisdiction over a number of lodges in Edinburgh and environs. This may be the basis of the Templar myth surrounding Rosslyn Chapel . From the early 1600s references are found to Freemasonry in personal diaries and journals. Elias Ashmole (1617-1692), was made a Mason in 1646, and notes attending several Masonic meetings. There appears to be a general spread of the Craft, between Ashmole's account and 1717, when four English Lodges meeting in London Taverns joined together and founded the Grand Lodge of England (GLE). They had held meetings, respectively, at the Apple-Tree Tavern, the Crown Ale-House near Drury Lane, the Goose and Gridiron in St. Paul's Churchyard, and the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Westminster. With the foundation of this first Grand Lodge, Freemasonry shifted from being an obscure, relatively private, institution into the public eye. The years following saw new Grand Lodges open throughout Europe. How much of this growth was the spreading of Freemasonry itself, and how much was due to the public organization of pre-existing private Lodges, is uncertain. The introduction of the Third Degree In 1723, , who was that year elected Grand Master of the Masons of Pennsylvania. Sometime after 1725, a third degree, the Master Mason's degree, began to be worked in London lodges. Its origins are unknown, and it may be older than its recorded appearance indicates. But it does not appear in the records of any lodge until April 1727, and its actual conferral does not appear in the records of any lodge until March 1729. Exposures of Masonic ritual, which began to appear in 1723, refer to only two degrees until the publication of Samuel Pritchard's "Masonry Dissected" in 1730, which contained the work for all three degrees. The Master Mason's degree was not official until the Grand Lodge adopted Anderson's revised Constitutions of 1738.Coil, Henry W. (1961). Article: "Degrees; 17. Master Mason," pp. 195-196. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia. (rev. ed. 1996). Richmond, Va: Macoy Publ. & Masonic Supply Co. Inc. The Ancients' Grand Lodge—1751 Throughout the early years of the new Grand Lodge there were any number of Masons and lodges that never affiliated with the new Grand Lodge. These unaffiliated Masons and their lodges were commonly referred to as "Old Masons," or "St. John Masons, and "St. John Lodges".Coil, Henry W. (1961). Two articles: "England, Grand Lodge of, According to the Old Institutions," pp. 237-240; and "Saints John," pp. 589-590. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia. (rev. ed. 1996). Richmond, Va: Macoy Publ. & Masonic Supply Co. Inc. During the 1730's and 1740's hard feelings increased between the London Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland. Irish and Scottish Masons visiting and living in London felt that the London Grand Lodge had deviated considerably from the ancient practices of the craft that they were familiar with. As a result, Irish and Scottish Masons living in London felt a stronger kinship with the unaffiliated lodges of London. The aristocratic nature of the London Grand Lodge and its members further encouraged the working class Masons of the city to identify with the unaffiliated lodges.Jones, Bernard E. (1950). Freemasons' Guide and Compendium, pp. 193-204. (rev. ed. 1956) London: Harrap Ltd. On 17 July 1751, representatives of five lodges gathered at the Turk's Head Tavern, in Greek Street, Soho, and formed a second, rival, Grand Lodge. They termed it "The Most Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons." As they believed that they practiced a more ancient and therefore purer form of Masonry, they called their Grand Lodge "The Ancients' Grand Lodge." And at the same time they called those affiliated to the Premier Grand Lodge, "the Moderns." These two epithets stuck.Batham, Cyril N. (1981). "The Grand Lodge of England According to the Old Institutions, otherwise known as The Grand Lodge of the Antients." The Collected Prestonian Lectures, 1975-1987, Vol. Three. London (1988): Lewis Masonic. An illustration of how deep the division was between the two factions is the case of Benjamin Franklin who was a member of a Moderns' lodge in Philadelphia early in the eighteenth century. By the time he returned from France and died, his lodge had gone over to (and received a warrant from) the Ancients Grand Lodge, and would no longer recognize him as one of their own — declining to give him Masonic honours at his funeral.''Revolutionary Brotherhood'', by Steven C. Bullock, Univ. N. Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 1996 The great schism that wasn't For many years, "The Great Masonic Schism" was a name applied to the sixty-two year division of English Freemasonry into two separate Grand Lodges. Some even attempted to attribute the division to the changes in passwords made in 1738-39 by the Premier Grand Lodge. Even the great Masonic historian Robert F. Gould in his "History of Freemasonry (1885) referred to the Ancients Grand Lodge as "schismatics." However, Henry Sadler, Librarian of the U.G.L.E., demonstrated in his book "Masonic Facts and Fictions" (1887) that the Ancients Grand Lodge was formed in 1751 primarily by Irish Masons living and working in London, who had never affiliated with the older Grand Lodge. 72 of the first 100 names on the roll of the new Ancients' Grand Lodge were Irish. In 1776, the Grand Secretary of the Moderns' Grand Lodge referred to them as "the Irish Faction (Ye Ancient Masons, as they call themselves)." And so the myth of a "Great Masonic Schism" in English Masonry was laid to rest.Coil, Henry W. (1961) Article: "England, Grand Lodge of, According to the Old Institutions," pp. 237-240. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia. (rev. ed. 1996). Richmond, Va: Macoy Publ. & Masonic Supply Co. Inc. The Union of 1813 The two competing Grand Lodges were amalgamated into the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) in 1813, by virtue of an agreement known as "The Articles of Union." These twenty-one articles specified the agreements made between the two factions regarding the various points of contention. A special lodge, the Lodge of Promulgation, was established and was given the task of promulgating the ancient landmarks of the Order, as well as instructing and negotiating with the members of the two factions to include the discontinuation of any innovations or changes introduced by the Moderns. As a result, the Union largely confirmed the Ancients' forms and ceremonies, and therefore considerably revised the Moderns' rituals. One of the most important changes to effect the Moderns was the inclusion in Article Two of the Royal Arch Degree as a part, and therefore the completion of, the Master Masons' Degree, a practice that had always been peculiar to the Ancients lodges.Jones, Bernard E. (1950). Freemasons' Guide and Compendium, pp. 217-223. (rev. ed. 1956) London: Harrap Ltd. Both the Antients and the Moderns had ''daughter'' lodges throughout the world, and because many of those lodges still exist, there is a great deal of variability in the ritual used today, even between UGLE-recognized jurisdictions in amity. Most private lodges conduct themselves in accordance with an agreed-upon single Rite. The great schism of 1877 A great schism in Freemasonry did occur, however, in the years following 1877, when the Grand Orient de France (GOdF) started accepting atheists unreservedly. While the issue of atheism is probably the greatest single factor in the split with the GOdF, the English also point to the French recognition of women's Masonry and co-Masonry, as well as the tendency of French Masons to be more willing to discuss religion and politics in Lodge. While the French curtail such discussion, they do not ban it as outright as do the English.see Masonic U.S. Recognition of French Grand Lodges in the 1900s , Paul M. Bessel. Accessed November 14 2005 The schism between the two branches has occasionally been breached for short periods of time, especially during the First World War when American Masons overseas wanted to be able to visit French Lodges. Concerning religious requirements, the oldest constitution found in Freemasonry — that of Anderson, 1723 — says that a Mason ''"will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine"'' if he ''"rightly understands the Art"''. The only religious requirement was ''"that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves"''. Anderson's Constitutions , accessed November 14 2005 . Masons debate as to whether ''"stupid"'' and ''"irreligious"'' are meant as necessary, or as accidental, modifiers of ''"atheist"'' and ''"libertine"''. It is possible the ambiguity is intentional. In 1815, the newly amalgamated UGLE modified Anderson's constitutions to include: ''"Let a man's religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the Order, provided he believes in the glorious Architect of Heaven and Earth, and practices the sacred duties of morality."'' In 1849, France (GOdF) followed the English (UGLE) lead by adopting the ''"Supreme Being"'' requirement, but pressure from Latin countries produced by 1875, the alternative phrase ''"Creative Principle"''. This was ultimately not enough for the GOdF, and in 1877 it re-adopted the original Anderson document of 1723. They also created an alternative ritual that made no direct reference to any deity, with the attribute of the Great Architect of the Universe. This new Rite did not replace the older ones, but was added as an alternative, as Continental European jurisdictions, generally, tend not to restrict themselves to a single Rite — offering a menu of Rites, from which their lodges may choose. There is some controversy, originating in the Roman Catholic Church, over how divided the jurisdictions were, with some American Freemasons in the early twentieth century (before the partial reconciliation of Freemasonry in the First World War) stressing the unity of Freemasonry."There is no universal church, no universal body of politic; but there is an universal Fraternity, that Freemasonry; and every Brother who is a worthy member, may feel proud of it" Past Grand Master Clifford P. MacCalla of Pennsylvania, The Freemason's Chronicle, 1906, II, page 132, footnote 172, in Masonry (Freemasonry) in the See Also: Regular Masonic jurisdictions CRITICISM, PERSECUTION, AND PROSECUTION See Also: Anti-Masonry Freemasonry has historically attracted criticism and suppression from the politically (i.e. the former Communist states in Eastern Europe ). The fraternity has encountered both applause for “founding”, and opposition for supposedly thwarting, Liberal Democracies (such as the United States of America). It has also attracted criticism and suppression from Theocratic States and organised religions for supposed competition with religion, or Heterodoxy within the Fraternity itself. Perhaps influenced by the assertion of Masons that many political figures in the past 300 years have been Masons, Freemasonry has long been the target of Conspiracy theories, which see it as an Occult and evil power. Often associated with the New World Order and other "agents", such as the Illuminati , the fraternity is seen, by conspiracy theorists, as either bent on world domination, or already secretly in control of world politics. In 1799 English Freemasonry almost came to a halt. In the wake of the . The words may be varied across Grand Lodges, but the sense in the obligation taken is always there in ''regular'' Freemasonry. In 1826, William Morgan disappeared from Batavia, New York , after threatening to publish an exposé of Freemasonry's rituals. His disappearance resulted in claims that he had been kidnapped and even killed by rogue Freemasons. Despite the fact that no evidence was ever brought forward to implicate Freemasonry, these accusations helped an Anti-Masonic movement grow throughout the Untied States . This movement culminated in an Anti-Masonic Party being formed, which fielded candidates for the Presidential elections of 1828 and 1832. In modern democracies, Freemasonry is still sometimes accused of being a Network , where individuals become Freemasons through Patrimony ; and where political influence and illegal business dealings take place. This is officially and explicitly deplored. An individual must ask freely and without persuasion to become a Freemason in order to join the fraternity. In Italy, the '' Illicit '' and '' Irregular '' P2 lodge (aka Propaganda Due ) has been investigated. In the wake of financial scandals that nearly bankrupted the Vatican Bank in the late 1970s, there is suspicion of involvement in murders, including the head of Banco Ambrosiano , Roberto Calvi . He was found hanging under Blackfriars Bridge in London , England . In Nice , France , the Head Prosecutor has accused some judges and other judicial personnel of deliberately stalling or refusing to elucidate cases involving Freemasons. The 2006 . ''UK Government Report'' Accessed March 4 2006 . This was challenged under 2006 . is that the UK Government honours Freemasons amongst those who suffered and died (see ''Holocaust'', below). Christian religious opposition See Also: Christianity and Freemasonry Although sections of other faiths cite objections, in general, it is Christianity and Freemasonry that has had the highest profile relationship, with various Christian denominations banning or discouraging members from being Freemasons. Those Grand Lodges in amity with UGLE explicitly and adhere to the principle that Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion; There is no separate "Masonic god", and there is no separate proper name for a deity in Freemasonry. UGLE: Is Freemasonry a religion? , accessed January 21 2006 . While regular Masonry has always tended as much to Rationalism as it does to Mysticism , the very existence of the possibility of Hermetic interpretations within Freemasonry has led Anti-Masonic activists to quote works such as Albert Pike's ''Morals and Dogma'' to try to show Freemasonry as Satanic . However, since it is not a religion, Freemasonry is Non-dogmatic and Constitutionally governed. Pike's opinions are his own personal (and now somewhat outdated) interpretations. Most tellingly, Pike himself admits that his book is more culled from other sources than his original work. Most importantly, Pike is but one commentator amongst many, and no one voice has ever spoken for the whole of Freemasonry. Catholicism and Freemasonry See Also: Catholicism and Freemasonry The Catholic Church has often been seen to be in conflict with Freemasonry , a fraternity it sees as tending to Anticlericalism . The Church Forbids Catholics from becoming Freemasons while Freemasonry allows Catholics to become members. A number of Papal pronouncements were issued against Freemasonry. The first was "In Eminenti" by Pope Clement XII and was issued on April 28, 1738. The last was "Ab Apostolici" by Pope Leo XIII and was issued on October 15, 1890. Holocaust See Also: Holocaust s''']] Freemasons were categorised as political prisoners, and many were murdered under the Nazi regime. It is estimated that between 80,000 and 200,000 Freemasons died.Freemasons for Dummies, by Christopher Hodapp , Wiley Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, 2005, p.85, sec. ''Hitler and the Nazi''. There is a high degree of ambiguity about the figure because no one knows the number of Freemasons from Nazi occupied countries who were killed, either as Freemasons or for other reasons. The United Kingdom Government established Holocaust Memorial Day to recognise all groups who were targets of the Nazi regime, and counter Holocaust Denial . In '' Mein Kampf '', Adolf Hitler writes that Freemasonry has "succumbed" to the Jews and has become an "excellent instrument" to fight for their aims and to use their "strings" to pull the upper strata of society into their alleged designs. He continues, "The general pacifistic paralysis of the national instinct of self-preservation begun by Freemasonry" is then transmitted to the masses of society by the press.A. Hitler, ''Mein Kampf'', pages 315 and 320. The ''Enabling Act'' ('' 2006 . Consistently considered an ideological foe of Nazism in their world perception (''Weltauffassung''), special sections of the Security Service (SD) and later the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA) were established to deal with the Freemasonry. Freemasonic Concentration Camp inmates were graded as “Political” prisoners, and wore an inverted (point down) '' Red Triangle ''. ''The Encyclopedia of the Holocaust'', volume 2, page 531, citing Katz, ''Jews and Freemasons in Europe''. On August 8 , 1935 , as Führer and Chancellor , Adolf Hitler announced in the Nazi Party newspaper, ''Voelkischer Beobachter'', the final dissolution of all Masonic Lodges in Germany. The article accused a conspiracy of the Fraternity and “World Jewry” of seeking to create a “ World Republic ”. Bro. E Howe, ''Freemasonry in Germany'', Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No 2076 (UGLE), 1984 Yearbook. German Freemasons are believed to have worn blue 2006 . The little blue 2006 . CULTURAL REFERENCES
NOTES SEE ALSO
Appendant bodies and orgainzations with Masonic affiliations See Also: Masonic Appendant Bodies EXTERNAL LINKS
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