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The Origins of Freemasonry date back some 600 years to the period
known as the middle ages. In those days, industry and commerce were carried
out mainly by associations called Guilds. These consisted of various crafts,
of Carpenters., Weavers and Stone Masons. The Guild of Masons consisted of
those who were skilled in the construction of stone buildings, such as
Cathedrals. These men are now referred to as operative Masons. They were
the ones who designed the buildings, dressed the stone, and raised the pillars and
columns. They had great knowledge about the application of geometry and
Engineering, as well as skill in Stone masonry. The beauty of their
Church’s and Castles testifies to their patience and craftsmanship. They were
truly the great artists of their time. The masons involved in these projects, were organized into Lodges,so named after the lodge hut in which they planned their work and kept their tools and instruments, and rested. The pre-requisites for membership were, experience and proven skill. These were operative Masons but, with the ever changing World, the demand for those Gothic style buildings ceased to exist. The result was the general decrease in numbers of operative Masons. In order that they were able to maintain their Lodges. They permitted non-operative Masons into membership, and these men were said to be "Accepted" into the Lodge. Today, we are referred to as: "Free and Accepted Masons."In 1717, four such Lodges,
in London England, established themselves under one "Grand Master". modern Freemasonry can be traced back to the builders of the early Middle ages. Whereas the Masons of those far off days erected buildings, today the Freemason is dedicated to building men of "good standing - Sound judgement - and strict morals." The tools once used for building have now been transformed into emblems of moral and spiritual laws. Masonry is not a Secret Society, (As it is sometimes referred to) but, it is a Society with Secrets. Freemasonry is not a Religion. but a non believer or atheist, cannot be admitted to our membership. Freemasonry admits members from every Race and Creed and, each and every Religion.Masonry is not a Benevolent society, or Social club. It supports benevolence to those who are less secure or fortunate than others, and to many charitable and benevolent causes and Projects. No monetary rewards are promised or can be expected by its members. Masonry has no policy of evangelism or reformation and it does not strive to convert or rehabilitate immoral men. In fact it strives to ensure they do not enter its ranks. It does seek to make good men better, and: encourages charity in Act - Deed - and Thought. Freemasonry
is often defined as being a system of Morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Masonry is a noble science,
that can provide a spiritual awakening into an order and quality of life previously
unexperienced. It is designed to teach self knowledge, and the true meaning of
the Order of Freemasonry, a sincere wish to be of service to his fellow men. We are constantly re-examining our goals and values, as we
seek to relate them into this changing world. In Freemasonry, you will find:
men of good will and high ideals. Men who believe in the existence of a
Supreme Being, and who endeavour to live In a spirit of universal brotherhood. The
principles which they believe, are proven and tested. A Masonic Lodge, is one
place in which Freemasonry is striving to build a better World by building better men to live in it. |
