Origin Of The Grand Lodges
In 1717 four Masonic Lodges in London met together and decided to form a Grand Lodge, possibly for no other reason than to strengthen and preserve themselves. In 1723 they adopted a Constitution. Their success led to the establishment of still other Grand Lodges. In 1725 some of the Lodges in Ireland formed a Grand Lodge and a similar body was instituted in Scotland in 1736. Moreover the original Grand Lodge in England did not remain without rivals, and at one time in
the eighteenth century three Grand Lodges existed in England in addition to the one organized in 1717.
Two of these died out without influencing the history of Masonry in general, but the third had a great part in the spread and popularizing of Masonry throughout the world. It called itself the Ancient Grand Lodge. The two surviving Grand Lodges were long and vigorous rivals, but they finally united in 1813 into the present United Grand Lodge of England. Thus, from one of these two Grand Bodies in England, or from those of Ireland or Scotland, all other Grand Lodges in the world today are
decended.
Titles of Grand Lodges in the United States also vary. Some Grand Lodges are called A. F. & A. M. which means Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The most commonly used title, like that used in California, is F. & A. M., or Free and Accepted Masons.
Masonry was established in France sometime between 1718 and 1725. The first lodge in Spain was established in 1728. A lodge was established in Prague in 1729, in Calcutta in 1728 and in Naples in 1731. Masonry came to Poland in 1734 and Sweden in 1735.
The growth of Freemasonry and its ideals and beliefs came not without opposition. Masons are taught that all men are equal - We meet upon the level. Individual freedom of thought and action, as well as morality and ethics, are the concepts and ideals upon which our order is founded. The teachings are a condemnation of autocratic government, who in turn condemn Freemasonry.
Freemasonry's Frequently asked Questions
The following is a brief response to questions often asked about Freemasonry: what is Freemasonry, what is its origin, when and where did it start, who started it, and what is its purpose.
Freemasonry is the oldest and the largest fraternal order in the world. It is a universal brotherhood of men dedicated to serving God, family, fellowman and country.
The heritage of modern Freemasonry is derived from the organized guilds or unions of stone masons who constructed the beautiful cathedrals and other stately structures throughout Europe during the middle ages. The skills and architectural genius of these craftsmen and their commitment to the highest standards of moral and ethical values were universally applauded, and unlike other classes of people, they were allowed to travel freely from country to country. Thus, during
this period, the word "Free" was prefixed to the word mason, and these craftsmen,
and the generations of masons who followed, were referred to as Freemasons.
Until about the sixteenth century, masons were strictly an operative craft-stone masons and architects building those magnificent cathedrals and palaces, many of which still adorn the landscape of the European country side. Early in the seventeenth century, membership in these unions or operating lodges of stone masons began to decline, and probably to compensate for their loss in members, they began to admit certain men of prominence in society who were not craftsmen or
stone masons. This class of members were initially considered patrons of the Fraternity,
and over the years became known as "accepted masons." At the conclusion of the seventeenth century, a radical transformation had evolved; these accepted masons had become predominant, and the older lodges of Freemasons began to emphasize and teach moral philosophy rather than the technical and operative art of earlier centuries. Tools of the stone masons are still used in the Fraternity today, but only to symbolize moral virtue, not to build cathedrals.
Although the moral philosophy of Freemasonry is founded upon religious
principles, it is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion.
Candidates for membership (adult males) are however, expected to profess
a belief in a Supreme Being and be of good moral character.
One of the definitions of Fremasonry that I like is the Mission Statement
of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia:
"Freemasonry is a worldwide, charitable, educational, nonsectarian and
social society of men of every race & culture. It is a philosophy of
life, linked together by trust in God and dedicated to building men
through the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
The mission of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia is to pursue
the principles of Freemasonry in conformity with the accepted landmark
and its lodge system as handed down to the Craft from time immemorial.
The Grand Lodge has the responsibility to determine the goals and
direction of the Craft in this Grand Jurisdiction; to administer Masonic
Law, to set the standards and see that those standards are met; and to
support the lodges in their activities.
It shall adhere to the common practices and the ceremonies required to
admit to its membership worthy men of all races, religions, diverse
backgrounds and education, and will endeavor to take its rightful place
in the community by the power of example."
What Is A Mason
"A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the
uniform unrestricted rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in
fear of punishment which the law might inflict; they are religious in
expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next
world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine
except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every
climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before
the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessing he has received
and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good
men of all religions. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to
be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot
discharge, because he is honest upon principle."
(The Farmers Almanac, 1823 - Author Unknown)
If you are a good man and want to be part of this great fraternity, and
make your contribution to the Masonic philanthropies, knowing that
thousands of children each year are being helped because of the good
works attributed to the Masons. Send an e-mail requestin information and
a member will contact you. It doesn't matter whether you are requesting
more information on Freemasonry in general, or requesting membership in a
Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite or the Mystic Shrine. Helping you
will be our main objective and your request can be forwarded to any place
in the Southern California Masonic Fraternity.
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