A set of moral teachings, rituals, and symbolism practiced by groups of fraternal organizations with origins traced back to the stonemasons who built the churches and cathedrals of England.
Manuscripts dating from the late fourteenth century trace the legendary origin of the Freemasons to the biblical flood story, the Egyptian pyramids, and Solomon’s Temple, but Freemasonry as an institution is dated at June 24, 1717, when the Grand Lodge of England, the first national Masonic organization, was formed. There is no central organizational authority; autonomous national grand lodges determine local rules and customs.
In the early eighteenth century, Freemasonry spread into France and became identified with the Enlightenment. The Freemasons also incorporated the legends of other groups, such as the Knights Templar and Teutonic Knights, into their rites and became staunch advocates of political and social reform. By the late eighteenth century, Freemasonry experienced a schism between the “Ancients” and the “Moderns,” signifying class distinction. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Freemasonry continued to develop into two groups: the English and French.
The teachings of the Freemasons have remained stable over time. The main concept is the transformation of humans from a primitive personality to that of a higher consciousness. Freemasonry’s stress on the improvement of moral character rather than redemption placed it at odds with other religions. Despite its secrecy and radical social beliefs, Freemasonry has a worldwide membership governed by independent grand lodges. The organizations are racially mixed, but independent black lodges do exist.
Lisa A. Ennis
See also: Religion.
Stemper, William H., Jr. “Freemasons.” In The Encyclopedia of Religion, editor in chief Mircea Eliade. New York: Macmillan, 1987.
Freemasonry, a movement founded by builders in medieval Europe, has long advocated the benefits of trade and economic enterprise. Shown here is President Calvin Coolidge greeting an international delegation from the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, including John Henry Cowles, the sovereign grand commander, to the president’s right. (Library of Congress)