THE FREEMASONS
FOUNDED: The exact date is unclear, since early records have been lost. The origins of Freemasonry can be traced back to local fraternities of stonemasons throughout Great Britain in the late 14th century, but a Grand Lodge was not established until 1717 in London.
STATUS: Active the world over.
EXCLUSIVITY FACTOR: Members must possess have high morals and be voted into the lodge by current members, but contemporary Masons aren’t terribly exclusionary (except when it comes to women).
SECRECY FACTOR: At this point, many “secrets” of this society have been revealed, though members continue to stay mum. Masonic Lodges are often open to the public for community events, but there are certain rooms where only Masons are permitted.
THREAT FACTOR: Most likely pretty low—many important historical figures have been Masons, but the fraternity no longer has the political pull it once had.
QUIRK FACTOR: Masonic “Easter eggs” pop up everywhere, with references in literature, movies, popular TV shows like The Simpsons and 30 Rock, and even avant-garde works of art like Matthew Barney’s Cremaster Cycle.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The formidable Freemasons are the largest and possibly the most well known fraternal organization in existence. They have chapters all over the world, perhaps even in your town. They appear frequently throughout European and American history, counting kings, presidents, movie stars, musicians, sportsmen, astronauts, robber barons, and titans of industry among their membership. So how did what began as a network of fraternities for medieval stonemasons become so widespread and influential?
Constructing massive castles and cathedrals was a dangerous job in the Middle Ages, with no workman’s comp insurance coverage if a laborer was hurt. So, the stonemasons of Great Britain formed guilds to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those who were killed on the job. Non-masons saw the advantages of this set-up—essentially, Masons had each other’s backs—and by the 1600s, they, too, were invited to join. And so, the Freemasons evolved from a medieval craft guild into a fraternity.
Masons meet in lodges, which today are often spectacular buildings, but centuries ago, a pub or a member’s home could serve as a lodge. In 1717, four London lodges came together to form the first “Grand Lodge” under the tutelage of one Grand Master (elected by his fellow Masons), establishing a lasting structure for Masonic groups everywhere. And in 1813, two English Grand Lodges united to form the United Grand Lodge of England, which led to the standardization of Masonic ritual and procedure.
Over the centuries, Freemasonry has broken off into many different divisions and affiliated groups. In the 1800s, there was a schism between English Freemasonry and the brand practiced in Continental Europe, particularly France. But despite these variations, Masonic ritual is centered around the ascension through three “degrees”: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. A member advances through the degrees by strengthening and improving his character, and memorizing the history and mythology behind the fraternity. Freemasonry may best be described as “a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by signs and symbols.”
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
At the top of the list of requirements for wannabe-Freemasons is a strong and true moral compass. In the 1734 book Constitutions of the Freemasons—originally published in 1723, then edited and re-published by Master Mason Benjamin Franklin in 1734, and still used by Masons today—it says:
The Persons admitted Members of a Lodge must be good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age, no Bond-men (slaves), no Women, no immoral or scandalous Men, but of good Report.
According to this decree, women are officially not permitted to become Masons, but that changed in 1882 when a woman was initiated into a French lodge. “Co-Masonry,” as the mixed male and female membership came to be known, spread to England twenty years later, but never really took off the way it did on the continent. Even today, women in the few English lodges that permit them are not considered legitimate Masons by most. There are several organizations for female relatives of Freemasons that share many of the same rituals the same rituals as their male counterparts. The most popular of these in the US is the Order of the Eastern Star, founded in 1850.
Freemasonry claims not to be a religious organization, but all members are expected to believe in God or have a religious faith of some kind. However, not all churches are so keen on having Masons in their congregations, as the group’s secrecy has caused some to suspect Masons to be guilty of evil deeds such as Satan worship and plotting world domination. By most present-day accounts, these suspicions are unfounded—the Masonic altar and other ceremonial regalia and the mysterious rituals they practice are just fancy trappings of a group focused on personal development, charity, and camaraderie. Discussion of religion and politics is expressly forbidden at lodge meetings, as it could disrupt the atmosphere of brotherly love.
Aspiring Masons must petition a lodge and be subject to a secret ballot where all members present must approve his application. Even one negative vote can bar a prospective member’s acceptance. This process might seem harsh, but surprisingly, the vast majority of applicants are approved. Perhaps most people attracted to the fraternity tend to be good guys. Some of these good guys throughout the ages are listed on page 52.
INSIDE THE FREEMASONS
There are lots of high falutin’ Freemasons, but there are also plenty of regular dudes in the fraternity—garbage men, fry cooks, farmers, teachers, et cetera—recalling the organization’s original purpose as a brotherhood of working class men laying stones. In the Lodge, all are united on a common level.
No matter who they are, every Mason must rise through the ranks in the same manner. An intensive question-and-answer session is a part of initiation to each of the degrees, and it gets more involved at each stage as the Mason’s knowledge grows. This is where the expression “to give someone the third degree” comes from.
The first degree, Entered Apprentice, symbolizes a kind of spiritual birth, starting out on the path of knowledge. The Entered Apprentice studies with another Mason to learn the basic tenants of Freemasonry, and then must recount these from memory (and the many symbols associated with them) when, at the initiation ceremony, he is questioned by the primary officers in the lodge. Following this interrogation, the initiate kneels at the altar, and with his hand on the Bible or the Volume of Sacred Law, takes the obligation (oath) of an Entered Apprentice, which includes a promise to keep secret everything entrusted to him.
The second degree is called Fellow Craft. In this stage, a man’s task is to acquire knowledge and apply it to the building of his character and the improvement of society. Once he achieves this, he can petition to be a Third Degree Master. By the time a Mason is raised to this “Sublime Degree,” he has not only demonstrated virtues of fidelity, faith, and fortitude, but also has reached a spiritual level where he is assured that his soul will live on after death.
Perhaps the most arcane Masonic ceremony takes place at the third degree—a drama staged in the lodge based on the legend of Hiram Abiff. This distinguished man was the architect of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, a building that is the inspiration for many of the decorations found in Masonic Lodges. Hiram Abiff was allegedly murdered by three disgruntled workers who demanded he reveal to them the secrets of a Master Mason. Abiff refused to snitch and consequently died a noble death there in the temple. The ritual marking a Mason’s entry into the third degree involves a dramatic reenactment of this event.
A Master Mason is also privy to the handshake and password that Masons use to identify one another. The secret’s out that the grip is given by pressing the thumb between the joints of the second and third fingers where they join the hand, and the password is “Tubal-cain,” the name of another Biblical figure (this one a metal worker). But anyone trying to impersonate a Mason probably won’t be able to keep up the ruse for long, as the group has so many symbols, rituals, and secrets that an imposter is unlikely to know. In addition to other fine personal qualities, being a Mason requires a sharp memory!
But lodge life isn’t all about solemn rituals. Most men seem to be attracted to Freemasonry simply for the camaraderie it builds between members, and meetings are social events after the business is out of the way. Some Masons close their meetings with a drink and a traditional toast that includes the words:
Then to our final toast tonight,
our glasses freely drain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part,
happy to meet again.
BIG NAME MASONS
GEORGE WASHINGTON, First President of the United States
BUZZ ALDRIN, astronaut
SILVIO BERLUSCONI, Prime Minister of Italy (though he has been expelled due to his wild and unethical antics)
SIMÓN BOLÍVAR, leader of South American independence
MARC CHAGALL, Russian artist
WILLIAM CLARK AND MERIWETHER LEWIS, explorers
DAVY CROCKETT, American folk hero
CECIL B. DEMILLE, movie director
DUKE ELLINGTON, jazz musician
HENRY FORD, founder of the Ford Motor Company
CLARK GABLE, Academy Award-winning actor
FEDERICO GARCÍA LORCA, Spanish poet and playwright
HARRY HOUDINI, escape artist
CHARLES INGALLS, father of Laura Ingalls Wilder
JESSE JACKSON, US Civil Rights leader and politician
RUDYARD KIPLING, author of The Jungle Book (as well as many writings inspired by Freemasonry)
HARPO MARX, comedian
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, composer
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, NBA basketball star
ARNOLD PALMER, professional golfer
PRINCE PHILIP, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II
RICHARD PRYOR, actor and comedian
PAUL REVERE, American Revolutionary hero
JOSEPH SMITH, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement
DAVE THOMAS, founder of Wendy’s
OSCAR WILDE, Irish playwright, novelist, and poet
THE RINGLING BROTHERS, American circus promoters
MASONIC SYMBOLS
The Masons are big on symbolism. These cryptic emblems may add to their enigmatic allure, but they likely came into use for practical reasons. At the time of the group’s conception in the Middle Ages, most of the population was illiterate, so pictures were necessary to convey data. These are just a few Masonic symbols that can be seen throughout lodges. Many are derived from Judeo-Christian theology or tools actually used by stonemasons.
LAMB
Traditionally, the lamb symbolizes innocence and purity. Masons are given a white lambskin apron upon initiation. An apron was required for actual stonemasons to keep their clothing clean, but today it is a symbolic reminder for Masons to keep themselves from moral defilement. Deceased Masons are even buried with their aprons.
THE ALL-SEEING EYE OR THE EYE OF PROVIDENCE
This represents the eye of God, whom Masons call “The Great Architect of the Universe.” Apparently he can even keep watch from your wallet, since the symbol is incorporated into the Great Seal of the United States, which is shown atop a pyramid on the US dollar bill. Some believe this use of the symbol is proof of a Masonic conspiracy with roots in the founding of the country.
MASONIC GAVEL
Much like an auctioneer or a judge, the Master of a lodge uses a gavel to keep order to the proceedings. The Masonic gavel has a rectangular head, is flat on one end, and comes to a point on the other end. Stonemasons used this type of gavel to break the rough edges of stones to fit them into place. Now, it is a Master’s emblem of authority.
MOSAIC PAVEMENT
The ground floor of a Masonic Lodge is decorated with a checkerboard mosaic of black and white stone. Legend has it that Moses used this pattern of stones in the Temple of Solomon, but historians call into question this belief. The black and white stones are interpreted as symbols of the evil and good of human life. The checkerboard mosaic is surrounded by a border of stones of various colors, cut or notched into inequalities resembling teeth, a motif that represents being surrounded by blessings and comforts. This border is known as the Indented Tessel, and is known as one of the “Ornaments of the Lodge,” along with the mosaic pavement and blazing star.
THE BLAZING STAR
The Blazing Star is a highly important Masonic symbol that can be seen in the center of a Lodge’s checkered floor. Its significance, however, is disputed. Some say the star represents truth—for, by advancing in knowledge, a Mason becomes like a blazing star, shining with brilliancy in the midst of darkness. Others interpret it as a symbol of prudence, its central placement in the Lodge a reminder to Masons to uphold this virtue.
SQUARE AND COMPASS
This is the universal logo of Freemasonry, displayed outside of lodges and on Masonic jewelry such as rings and cuff-links. Both of the instruments incorporated in the logo were tools used by stonemasons to create true and perfect lines and angles. Since there can be nothing “truer” than a perfect right angle, the square represents a Mason’s moral obligation to be truthful and honest to his fellow man. The compass, then, is symbolic of boundaries. Masons are expected to use wisdom of conduct to circumscribe desires and passions within due bounds. There is usually a letter “G” between the square and compass, which stands for Geometry under the Great Architect of the Universe (God).
YOUNG MASONS — BUILDING A FUTURE
Freemasonry is sometimes thought of as an old boys’ club, but young people, like twenty-year-old Robert Griffith, are welcome to join to keep the tradition alive. Robert is a third degree Master Mason who joined the fraternity as soon as he was old enough to do so, which is eighteen in his home state of California. Here, Robert answers some of our most burning questions about being a Mason.
What inspired you to join the Freemasons?
A variety of reasons, really. I was born with a bone disease called Blount’s Disease, which caused severe bowing of the growth plates in my legs. I was treated at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children [the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as Shriners, is an appendant body to Freemasonry]. Without the Shriners, whom are all Masons, I would never have been able to walk, and would have been in a wheelchair the rest of my life. They performed all of my operations up until I was sixteen without charging my family a dime. I joined to both assist them in their nonprofit charities, and make friends with the people who saved my life. Aside from that, every Mason I had met before joining—my grandfather, great grandfather, uncles, two of my teachers, and a close friend of mine—were amazing people who I aspired to be like.
What traits should an ideal Mason possess?
This is a very good question! There are a lot of traits that would be ideal, because the entire fraternity’s goal is to “build” upon yourself and become a better person. Loyalty, kindness, charity, respect, and discipline would all be adequate responses.
What was your Masonic initiation like?
Well, I can’t really say “Hey, here’s what we did,” because that wouldn’t follow tradition that has been carried out for ages! However, I will say, it was nothing like I’d expected. It involved so much history about the fraternity in general—and so little like the conspiracy stuff everyone buys into. To sum up the entire initiation without giving away what happened: You’re asked if you truly want to join, you say yes, they teach you about the fraternity, and you’re in. It’s a bit more complex than that, but that’s the pattern!
What are meetings like?
The meetings are very simple. Once a month there is a stated meeting—our lodge is every 1st Thursday. Essentially, you go in, sit down, and talk about business. “What kind of business?!” conspiracy nuts ask me. Well, charity opportunities, lodge bills, and any information about the lodge or brothers (illness, surgery, et cetera). Not much to it but a simple get-together. The nights that are the most awesome is when there is a new brother, or when you can attend someone’s raising to a degree, because you can watch the history being taught.
What’s the most valuable thing you learned/gained by being a part of the Masons?
Agh! This is a hard one! If I had to choose, I think I would say that the most valuable things that I’ve learned are ways to better myself. The most valuable thing that I have gained is friendship. As a Mason, you will never have to worry about being alone. If you’re in a really tight spot, you have friends to talk to, and even if you’re traveling around the world, you’ll have friends everywhere you go!
Do Masons have any special advantages outside of the lodge that we non-Masons may not be aware of?
Boy, I wish! As nice as it would be to instantly get a job for being a Mason, or get some sort of secret to the universe—no such luck! However, we do have an obligation to uphold: If someone is in a dire situation (i.e. their life is in danger), we are to do anything and everything in our power to help them. There’s a reason we call each other “Brothers.” You’re instant family!
What do you do when you meet another Mason out in the world? Is there a special handshake, or other gesture of recognition?
There is a special handshake, one for each of the three degrees. Each handshake has a name that only Masons will know—a password, essentially. And there are other means of recognition, the most common being the Dues Card—it has your name, your signature, the signature of the lodge secretary, and info of where you attend lodge and if you have paid your yearly membership dues. This is the best way to prove that you are a Mason.
What was your proudest moment as a Mason?
My proudest moment was when I became a Master Mason. I’ve learned so much history and have so much more that I need to study, and to go back and reflect on. But hearing the words that I was now a Master Mason of Hartley Lodge #199 . . . I don’t know how to describe it! It is a LOT of memory work, and reaching that level shows your dedication to your friends.
Tell us something surprising about the Masons that non-members might not know.
That we are actually planning world domination—one pancake breakfast at a time. Or . . . that we don’t control everything, only the important stuff!
All jokes aside, the biggest thing that most non-Masons don’t know is the promise that we swear regarding the protection of each other as brothers. You watch out for one another, and would help your brothers and their families and trust them to do the same if the need ever arose.
Would you recommend the Masons to other young people looking to join a fraternal order? What is the best way to get started?
Absolutely! But only if they are interested. As a Mason, you are told to never solicit someone to join—it must be of their own free will. Those who are interested can start the process relatively easily. You can look up the lodge closest to you, and by emailing the lodge secretary, giving them a phone call, stopping by at one of their dinners, or talking to a Mason who you know, they can provide you with an application. You fill that out and send it in, and the waiting process begins. The only challenging part is memorizing all of the history once you’re in!
Freemasonry is definitely a great fraternity to be a part of. They are great men and have given me emotional support and friendship in a time when I really needed it. 
To find out more about becoming a Mason, check out www.thewindingstairs.com. There, Freemason Juan Sepúlveda hosts a Podcast called geared to young Masons. Also featured on his site is a helpful guide where visitors can find the Grand Lodge of every US state.