About Freemasonry
The Origins of Freemasonry
There is a great deal of speculation on the subject of Freemasonry and it's origins, with numerous books written on this subject by scholars, both Freemasons as well as the general population. Much of the early history of Freemasonry is clouded in speculation and the mists of myth and it is difficult to pin the exact place or time of the birth of Free and Accepted, or "speculative" Masons. We use the term "speculative" Masons to differentiate between actual stone masons whom we refer to as "operative" masons.Whatever the ancient origins of Freemasonry, the following can be said for sure. In London, England in 1717, four lodges came out into the public and formed the first Grand Lodge. They convened a general assembly of Masons in London and constituted "The Grand Lodge of England" which recognized only three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. George Payne was elected the Grand Master and he then began to gather together many ancient manuscripts along with charts, rituals and other documents on the usages of the Fraternity. From these documents would come the first code of laws, regulations and doctrines.
Grand Lodges continued to form. Early countries to do so included France, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Germany and the English Colonies in the Americas. Right from the start, established churches were wary of this newly public fraternity. In 1738, Pope Clement XII issued a bull of excommunication against practicing Freemasons. Many Masons believe that this was caused by a fear on the part of the Pope and other high clergy of a large, powerful organization that was so tolerant of the many interpretations of monotheistic religion and which answered to no pope, bishop or other high prelate. The same can also be said concerning the monarchist governments of this period. Edicts were passed against the Fraternity in Russia (1731), Holland (1735) and France (1737, '38, '44 and '45).
Remarkably, in the face of this opposition by the royalty and clergy of those times, Freemasonry flourished. The question may certainly be asked, "How did Freemasonry survive such strong opposition and grow into the fraternity that exists today?" This was largely due to the wonderful system of teaching and messages of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth which the Fraternity exemplifies and presents to the world.
Freemasonry's Foundations
Modern Freemasonry is based upon the tools and titles that were used by operative stonemasons during the construction of the celebrated and magnificent Temple of Solomon in Israel. In I Kings, chapters 5 and 6 we find the chronicle of this great endeavor. We are told that King Solomon of Israel purposed to build a great house to be dedicated to God. King Hiram of Tyre desired to share in the glory of Solomon's reign and a partnership was formed between these two kings to build this Temple. At the building of the Temple, I Kings 5 15-16 tell us that there were threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains; ... and that there were three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought the work. The three degrees of Masonry reflect these three classes of workmen at the temple. Entered Apprentices are the initiates who must learn the rudiments of the craft, they perform the tasks requiring lesser skills. Fellowcrafts are workers on their way to mastery. They were the hewers of stone in the quarries and the fellers and shapers of the timbers that were used to construct the Temple. Master Masons oversee the labor, making sure that the work is according to the plans that were provided by the architect. The Masters are the teachers, giving knowledge to the Fellowcrafts and Entered Apprentices.Stonemasons of that period used simple tools to create their magnificent structures, and it is amazing that such wonders of the age could be built with hand implements. Squares, levels, plumbs, measuring sticks called "gauges", common gavels (hammers), and trowels are some of the most prevalent tools that have found their way into Symbolic Masonry. These symbols are used to teach and remind Speculative Masons important truths and wisdom. The usage of these symbols has actually affected the common language where Freemasonry can be found. The term "A square deal" is Masonic in origin. "Acting upon the square" is a Masonic phrase reminding us to use the Golden Rule when dealing with our fellow men. By using these simple symbols and rituals in which to present them to the initiate, Freemasonry has succeeded for ages in it's primary goal: To make good men better.
How Do I Join?
Membership is open to all men of good character who have known a Master Mason for one year and who profess a belief in a Supreme Being. If joining Canyon Lodge No13 sound intriguing to you, click here for more information.Click here to go to the Canyon Lodge No13 Join Page
Home | What is a Mason? | Online Petition