Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one god.

Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of The United States, beginning with George Washington. Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!" All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other. Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as "the world's greatest philanthropy!"

The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity.)Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

The Candidate attends three meetings (one per month) to receive the three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new Member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a "Brother" in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.Membership in the brotherhood of Masons means many things.

It means being part of an unbroken tradition that stretches back over 500 years to a time when guilds of freemasons traveled throughout Europe laying the stones of the great Gothic cathedrals.
It means sharing the values of our nation's founding fathers; the ideals of men who believed in the brotherhood of man are firmly rooted in the Constitution of the United States.
It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. It means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography.
But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for others without expecting anything in return. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

There have been many different explanations of how a Mason should wear his ring. On his finger pops to mind as a good place! Seriously, a Mason should wear his ring to tell others he is proud to be a member of our Ancient Fraternity.

The great debate arises over whether the ring is worn compass points out (toward the finger nail) or in (toward the hand). My grandfather, who brought me into the Craft, gave me this explanation: A Mason should wear his ring with the Square and Compasses "out", that is, the compass points toward the fingernail. A Mason should do this for two reasons; First, he should be proud to tell others he is a Mason; and second , should he ever have to remind himself that he is a Mason, he must turn his hand around and view the Square and Compasses on the front side of his fist, like he is ready to punch himself in the nose for having to remind himself. Sounds good to me!

Additionally, I have heard that one of the Grand Lodges in the U.S. has a tradition that all Masons wear their rings "in" because that was the way they saw the Square and Compasses upon being brought to light except for Masters and Past Masters who wear theirs out because, by sitting in the East, they have seen the Square and Compasses from the other direction.

These are just a few thoughts from a Brother to further muddy the waters. I think the most important thing is to WEAR THE RING, period. If we are to survive as a Fraternity, we must be willing to stand up and tell others, "Yes, I am a Mason, and I am proud to be so privileged. If you would like to find out how you, too, can be a Mason, ask me." (This explanation was humbly submitted by Past Master, John S. Ranck, East Gate Lodge #222, F&AM, Spokane, WA)

No one really knows when Freemasonry began. The first written reference to Masonry as an organization appeared in 1356 when a Code of Mason Regulations was formally drawn up at the Guildhall in London, England. In 1376 we find information about London Masons' Company and it's interesting to note its early evolution. According to Grand Lodge, it leased in 1463 some land and buildings for 99 years, and the buildings were converted into the first Masons' Hall. ( in the 99th year it purchased this property outright); in 1472 the company was given a Grant of Arms with the motto "God Is Our Guide," and later changed to "In the Lord is all our Trust.". The Arms , but slightly changed, remain part of the Arms of the United Grand Lodge of England today. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

The Regius Manuscript is the first known document about Freemasonry which was written in 1390 and was evidently copied from an older document. It is written in Middle English making it difficult for the non-linguist to decipher. Over the years several linguists have translated it into modern English.

A non-Mason named J.O. Halliwell-Phillips (the "Phillips" was added much later to appease the father-in-law) was the first to determine what the manuscript was and in 1839 Halliwell presented a paper on this manuscript. A portion of the paper was published in Archaeologia in 1840 and has been reprinted many times since. According to the manuscript Athelstan (925-940), virtually King of all England, called the masons to meet, then gave them "modernized charges" and sent them forth to carry them out. James Anderson said this took place at York, England, in 926.

It was first cataloged a "A Manuscript of Moral Duties.", the original of which is kept in the British Museum. Its early history is unknown, but it apparently belonged at one time to John Thomas. The first known owner of records was John Thayer, an antiquarian who died in 1673; his grandmother Ann Hart Thayer offered his library to Bodley Library at Oxford, but they didn't accept it, so it was sold to Robert Scott, a London book dealer. Then it was sold to Charles II after 1678. The volume at that time was valued at two schillings! It eventually became part of the Royal Library of Henry VII ( thus the name "Regius~' attached to the manuscript, and in 1757 the library was presented to the British Museum by George II in whose honor the collection is known.. The Regius Collection."

Gothic or Manuscript Constitutions, such as the Cooke Manuscript of 1410, contained the first link between the Craft and King Solomon's Temple. Harry Carr from Grand Lodge of England recorded the following excerpt from this manuscript: "..and at the making of Solomon's Temple that King David began--King David loved all Masons, and gave them charges right nigh as they are now. And at the making of the Temple in Solomon's time, as it is said in the Bible, in III book of Kings ... that Solomon had four score thousand Masons at his work; and the King's son of Tyre was his Master Mason." (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

In Scotland the earliest lodge records still in existence were recorded in Aitchison's Haven in 1598; minutes of Mary's Chapel Lodge at Edinburgh are unbroken from 1599; in England according to Gould, only the records of Alnwick between the dates of 1700 and 1717 are known to have been recorded. Grand Lodge tells us: "Early evidence relating to other [than Acception] non-operative Lodges is very scarce." From many sources we learn of Elias Ashmole's entry on October 16, 1646 in his diary: "I was made a Free-Mason at Warrenton in Lancashire" along with "Coll: Henry Mainwaring of Karincham in Cheshire." He added names of seven members of the lodge. The records of this lodge have disappeared. As far as when Masonry entered Ireland no one really knows. It was some time after a Grand Lodge was formed in England. Without a doubt Masonry was known there at least as early as July 11, 1688. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

As with many things we can only speculate as to where the word "Lodge" derived. Dictionaries say that it probably came from the buildings, or huts, where the craftsman worked and lived. Lodges of masons are mentioned at York Minster in 1352; at Canterbury Cathedral in 1429; at the Church of St. Giles, Edinburgh in 1491. "Lodge" first referred to non-permenant bodies, but gradually reverted to fixed localities, such as Edinburgh in 1598. To be historically accurate, one cannot go beyond six centuries to find lodges of masons accepting men other than operative craftsmen. And for many centuries few, other than actual craftsmen, were accepted. But it is not unreasonable to assume clerics and other educated men were readily united with the craftsmen (most of whom couldn't read or write).

Grand Lodge says the first record of non-operatives being accepted was in July 1634 when Lord Alexander, Sir Anthony Alexander, and Sir Alexander Strachen were admitted "fellow craft" in the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel). Coil dates non-operative masons from 1600 in the Lodge of Edinburgh, but McLeod believes this is incorrect. The non-operative, John Boswell, attended a trial of a warden, not a meeting of the Lodge. But this Lodge did admit Lord Alexander of Menstrie in 1634 as a Fellowcraft. Then Coil finds non-operatives in Kelso, 1652; Aberdeen, 1670; and Kilwinning, 1672. He found the last of the operative masons as members of a lodge in Lodge Glasgow , 1842. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

In 1598 these Statutes, or rules and regulations, were enacted in Scotland to cause the craftsman to observe the ancient usages and to live charitably together. Fines were made enforceable. Obedience to Wardens, deacons and masters was enjoined. Cowans were prevented from working under any master, and other rules and regulations pertaining to craftsman were made mandatory. In 1599 these statutes were amended at the request of Kilwinning Lodge in an attempt to receive royal recognition. The masters convened at Edinburgh and thirteen articles were adopted. Royal recognition was obtained in part. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

Basic to most of the world's great religions is the belief in what some might call the "old fashioned" values of honesty, fair play and unselfishness in dealing with others.

Freemasonry shares many of the same beliefs; and, through its traditions and teachings, attempts to instill in its members both the desire and the means to improve themselves and the lives of others.

However, while it may adhere to many of the same values associated with a religious faith, Masonry is not a religion. It is a brotherhood of men from every country, sect, and opinion, joined in a common effort to make themselves better people, to ease the suffering of others, and to make the world a better place.

To achieve these goals, Masonry does not promote itself or its individual members. Instead, it teaches by example. New members are not publicly recruited; they are attracted by the example of good men performing good works and living good lives. (Masonic Trivia by Allen E. Roberts)

ANCIENT TIMES
As soon as two men associated to grater there was a need for mutual assistance. Shortly thereafter some form of elementary fraternity appeared. In many primitive societies was a Men's House. Here the leaders of the tribe met and admitted members with secret ceremonies. As the new members became proficient they were advanced from degree to degree. Some have sought to link these associations with Freemasonry of today, but there are too many missing links. All that is certain is that these Men's Houses had certain elements that resemble Freemasonry and may have been one of the ancestors of the Masonic Craft.

2781 B.C. - For scholars of "ancient" Masonry The Egyptian calendar is presumed to have started. Egyptian scientists determined each year to be of 365 days in length, divided into 12 months of 30 days each, and an extra five days added at the end. The Egyptian calendar was the basis for the Gregorian calendar, the one in use today in the Western world, July 19. (Source: American Mason Files)

1000 B.C. - Hiram Abif born about this time. Date unknown.

967 B.C. - Solomon's Temple begun.

960 B.C. - Solomon's Temple finished.

715 B.C. – Numa Pompilius organized Roman workers into various Collegia; he attached one to each legion of the army so that the Roman arms and arts went hand in hand into the outlying parts of the empire. The stone workers or masons were the most numerous and became very powerful. There were some similarities between these groups and a modern lodge. Each Collegia was required to have at least three members; the head was called the Magister or Master; they used their tools as symbols; and they looked after the widows and orphans of the members.

587 B.C. - King Solomon's Temple destroyed.

582 B.C. - Pythagoras, character in Master Mason degree born.

CHRISTIAN ERA
1 A.D. - As the time to Christ there existed in Palestine three religious sects: The Essenes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees. The Essenes were the strictest group with a high moral code, a secret ceremony. It is sometimes urged that Jesus Christ was a member because he was not on the scene from childhood until manhood. He spoke against the other two sects but never against the Essenes, he was celibate (as they were), and he lived a pure and spotless life (as they urged).

290 A.D. - On November 8, the Emperor Diocletian executed Claudius Castorius, Sempronianus, and Nicostratus, Sempronianus, for refusing to carve a statue to the god Aesculapius. Their names were forgotten for a time. Several years later, Severus, Severianus, Carpophorus, and Victorinus, (Christians), were executed for refusing to pay homage to the same pagan god. They were later honored as the Four Crowned Martyrs. When the names of the other five were discovered they were added to the list. So that now the nine Martyrs are honored under the term "Four Crowned Martyrs."

MIDDLE AGES
500. A.D. - The theory has been advanced by Leader Scott (Mrs. Lucy Baxter) that upon the fall of Rome certain skilled workmen retired to the Isle of Como and preserved the Stone Masons' art; that they later emerged and came to the continent to erect the many cathedrals built in the middle ages. The theory was urged with great skill and energy for many years by Ravsenscroft. It was accepted by many as the missing link between the associations of the ancient world and the modern world. It is a highly debatable subject.

926 A.D. - In a number of ancient manuscripts ins the legend that in this year Prince Edwin, son of King Athelstan, presided over a meeting of Masons at York.

1080 A.D. - There existed in Germany about this time a group of stone masons known as the Steinmetzen. They were well organized operative workmen with rules, ceremonies, and titles that have caused some to claim that they are the ancestors of the Craft.

1136 A.D. - Melrose Abbey Church being built. Traveling Masons placed their marks on some of the stones.

1147 A.D. - Companies of Norman Masons emigrated to Chartres to help build the Cathedral there.

1187 A.D. - Jerusalem falls to the Saracens. A formal separation came between the Order of Sion and the Knights Templar. This separation was marked by a ceremony at Gisors, France, referred to as the "cutting of the elm." Henceforth the Knights Templar operated autonomously.

1189 A.D. - Following the death of his father Henry II, Richard Plantagenet (the Lionheart) was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey in London on September 3. While King of England he spent the vast majority of his ten-year reign abroad, devoting himself to the Crusades. Richard's constant companions were knights from the Order of Knights Templar who participated in his Crusade to recover Jerusalem. The Knights Templar were formally under the control of the Order of Sion created a half century earlier by Godfroi de Bouillon. (Source: Holy Blood Holy Grail (Dell))

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