Freemasonry is a Fraternal Order, or society, that is considered the oldest in the World. It’s made up of men who share a belief in the brotherhood of mankind and the fatherhood of God. Freemasonry is known for its emphasis on fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance.
Here are some things to know about Freemasonry:
- Origins Freemasonry’s origins can be traced back to the stonemasons’ guilds that regulated the qualifications of stonemasons in the late 14th century. The first recorded gentleman joined an Edinburgh stonemasons’ lodge in 1599.
Membership
Freemasonry is open to men of good reputation who believe in Deity. In the early 21st century, estimates of worldwide membership ranged from two to more than six million.
Values
Freemasons are committed to bettering themselves, their community, and the world. They uphold principles such as brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Ceremonies
Freemasonry’s values are passed down through a series of ceremonies and degrees. The three degrees are Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
Handshakes
Freemasons greet each other with a variety of handshakes, with each degree having its own handshake.
Symbolism
The beehive is a lesser-known Masonic symbol that represents the industriousness of the lodge.
It is my belief the mighty Oak Tree trunk provides a visualization for the non member of the foundation of the Masonic Order. All the branches of the tree can visually represent the many different appendant organizations which came after the growth of the Masonic Order. Appendant bodies are organizations that are affiliated with Freemasony and recognized by the Grand Lodges. They are based on the principles of Freemasonry, but they don’t include the Blue Lodge degrees.