Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a very large worldwide organization mostly for men, but there are some branches that also accept women and a few exclusively for women. Local branches are called 'lodges', and the members meet together and perform rituals, similar to short plays, based on Biblical imagery mostly concerned with the building of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem. For most types of Freemasonry there is a rule that the members must believe in a god or supreme being, who is sometime poetically called 'The Great Architect of the Universe'.

Masonic legends claim various far fetched and improbable theories about its origination. Some claim that it was founded by Pythagoras or Euclid, both ancient Greek geometers, which is supposed to explain Masonry's obsession with geometric symbolism.

Standard Freemasonry, like many other fraternal societies, is divided into three degrees. In Freemasonry, the first is called Entered Apprentice, the second is Fellow Craft, and the third is Master Mason. Progressing through the degrees traditionally involves memorization. After the third degree a Freemason may go on to other masonic bodies such as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and the York Rite

There is little known for certian about the early beginnings of Freemasonry. In 1717 four lodges met together at a pub in London and formed the Grand Lodge of England, and this later chartered grand lodges in other countries.

Membership dues can vary widely between jurisdictions and individual lodges. Meals are often eaten before or after meetings. Lodges also frequently raise money for charity.

External links

• Masonry Catholic Encyclopedia.
• World Conference of Grand Masters
• Origin of Free Masonry Historical Documents: Thomas Paine