Many subjects are covered in these 100 Questions and Answers besides those specifically mentioned in the Questions. For ready reference, this index has been compiled by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Website.

MASONRY PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF GRAND LODGES

1. When and where did Masonry originate?

It was not the work of any single man or group of men. Its beginning is not recorded, although there were certain organizations from which Masonry has borrowed extensively through the centuries in its evolutionary process.

2. What are the Old Charges or Old Constitutions?

Medieval manuscripts that outline the legendary history of Freemasonry and present the rules and laws governing the conduct of early operative masons.

3. What is the Regius Poem?

The oldest of the so-called Old Constitutions dating from approximately 1390, its Masonic character being revealed years later. It was named the Regius Poem (Latin: rex, regis, king) because it was part of the Royal Library of England and later presented to The British Museum by King George II. It is written in verse, whereas all other copies of the Old Charges are in prose.

4. What other Old Charges are there?

More than 100 of these old documents have been discovered. Almost all of them are in Great Britain, but three have been brought to this country. Two are in the possession of The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Boston. Another, "The Carmick Manuscript of 1727" is in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

5. What were the Guilds?

Organizations composed of workers such as tailors, dyers, builders, potters.

6. Of What interest are Guilds to Masons?

The prevalent theory of the origin of Freemasonry suggests that eventually Guilds of the building trade developed into lodges of operative masons from which, it is supposed, present-day Freemasonry evolved.

7. Who were Masons prior to 1600?

Operative masons who made their living by working at one of the building trades.

8. How did Operative Masonry develop into Speculative Masonry?

Beginning about 1600, men of prominence who were interested in learning about all types of sciences, particularly architecture and building, became members of some of the lodges of operative masons and finally assumed leadership therein. They used the tools, language and principles of operative masonry to teach the rules of life.

ENGLISH GRAND LODGE HISTORY

9. When and where was the first Grand Lodge established?

On June 24, 1717, in London

10. How was it formed?

By action of four existing Lodges that were accustomed to meeting at the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house in St. Paul's Church-yard; Crown Ale-house in Parker's Lane near Drury's Lane; Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden; and Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

11. When were other early Grand Lodges formed?

Grand Lodge of Ireland, 1725; Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1731; Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1733; Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1736, in addition to several formed in England, which were of short duration.

12. What other Grand Lodge was organized in England in 1751?

Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England, according to the Old Constitutions, also known as the "Antients."

13. What names were given to these two groups?

The members of the Grand Lodge of 1751 referred to themselves as "Antient Masons." The members of the Grand Lodge of 1717 were known as "Modern Masons."

14. What was the principle difference between them?

A difference in the Ritual, having to do particularly with the Third Degree.

15. How was their rivalry ended?

By their merger in 1813 to form The United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England.

16. Who were the leaders in the union of 1813?

The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Kent (sons of King George III,) the Grand Masters of the Moderns and the Antients, respectively.

17. Is the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house still standing?

It was torn down in 1894.

18. What Lodges of the 1717 Grand Lodge of England are in existence?

The Lodge at the Goose and Gridiron, now called Antiquity No. 2; the Lodge at the Rummer and Grapes, now called Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No. 4; the Lodge at the Apple Tree Tavern now called Lodge of Fortitude and Old Cumberland No. 12.

19. Why were the Antients sometimes called Atholl Masons?

This was due to the fact that the Dukes of Atholl presided over them as Grand Masters.

20. What effect did the existence of two competing Grand Lodges in England have upon Freemasonry in the United States?

Inasmuch as numerous Lodges had been constituted in America by the Moderns, while others had come into existence under Antient auspices, quite naturally much of the Ritualistic difference (and also the intense rivalry) occurred here. This was complicated somewhat by the fact that there were also Lodges in America of Irish and Scottish origins. The settlement of differences in England in 1813 was followed by similar action in America within a few years.

21. Does the answer to the previous question apply to Pennsylvania?

Not entirely; because few of the Modern Lodges survived the Revolutionary War and consequently, Pennsylvania Masonry is substantially Antient subsequent to 1785.

22. What was the original printed code of laws in English Masonry?

The Constitutions of 1723 compiled by James Anderson. This was followed by a revised edition in 1738.

23. What is the Ahiman Rezon?

Originally it was the Constitution of the Antient Grand Lodge as compiled by Laurence Dermott, Grand Secretary. The name is Hebraic in origin, but has no true and concise English equivalent. "A Help to a Brother" is one of many suggested translations. The Ahiman Rezon is the book of Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

AMERICAN MASONIC HISTORY

24. Who was the first Provincial Grand Master in America?

Daniel Coxe who was appointed in 1730 for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England.

25. How was the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania formed?

It was the voluntary association of several Lodges for the mutual advantages to be derived from such a union - the same process followed by the two previous Grand Lodges (England and Ireland).

26. Which Presidents of the United States were Freemasons?

George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Gerald R. Ford. Some authorities also include Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, but documentry evidence is lacking. Lyndon B. Johnson received the Entered Apprentice Degree, but did not advance.

27. Which other famous Americans, during the Revolution, were Masons?

Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul Revere, John Marshall, Joseph Warren, and John Paul Jones are but a few Masons noted in history.

28. Which Presidents were Grand Masters?

Andrew Jackson of Tennessee and Harry S. Truman of Missouri.

29. Who was the first native-born American to become a Mason?

Jonathan Belcher, who became Governor of Massachusetts in 1730, according to a letter he wrote to the "First" Lodge of Boston in 1741 stating that he had been made a Mason in 1704 in London.

30. When and under what circumstances was the Cornerstone of the National Capitol laid?

On September 18, 1793 by Bro. George Washington with a Masonic Ceremony.

31. Who owns the Gavel used at that time?

Potomac Lodge No. 5 of the District of Columbia, formerly Columbia Lodge No. 19 of Maryland.

32. Where has this gavel been used in Pennsylvania?

In the Laying of the Cornerstone of the Masonic Temple at Philadelphia in 1868, and in 1898, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, and again in 1986 at the redepositing of the Capstone at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, the laying of the Cornerstone of the renovated Washington Grist Mill in Perryopolis in 1992, and at the Dedication of the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historic Park in 1997.

33. Who gave George Washington a beautiful Masonic Apron which he wore while laying the Cornerstone of the National Capitol?

Brother Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Montier, more commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette.

34. Where is this apron now?

In the Collection of the Grand Lodge, on deposit with the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

35. What were Military Lodges?

Duly constituted Lodges which had no permanent place of meeting but traveled with regiments or other military organizations to which they were attached.

36. In the early 1700's how were Lodges formed?

Under the "time immemorial usage," a number of Masons were permitted to meet, form a Lodge and practice the Rites of Freemasonry. .

37. When and where was George Washington made a Mason?

On November 4, 1752 in the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia.

38. Who was Warrant Master of Alexandria Lodge when it ceased to be No. 39 of Pennsylvania and became No. 22 of Virginia?

George Washington.

39. Upon what Bible was George Washington sworn in as President of the United States, and by whom was the Oath of Office administered?

The Bible that belonged to St. John's Lodge No. 1, New York City. The Oath of Office was administered by Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State who at the time was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. Although not part of the text of the Oath in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, Washington pronounced the words, "so help me God" and kissed the Bible, setting a precedent that every President has followed to this day.

40. What was the first book dedicated to Brother George Washington?

The 1783 Pennsylvania edition of the Ahiman Rezon.

PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC HISTORY

41. Who was the first Mason reporting informal Masonic Meetings in America?

In 1715 John Moore, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, wrote in a letter that he had "spent a few evenings of Masonic festivity with my Masonic Brethren."

42. What was the first printed reference to Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania?

In the issue of The Pennsylvania Gazette, dated December 8, 1730, its editor, Benjamin Franklin (not then a Mason) refers to "several Lodges of Freemasons" having been "Erected in this Province."

43. What is the oldest Masonic Lodge Record in America?

The account book, "Liber B," 1738 of St. John's Lodge of Philadelphia, owned by The Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

44. Who succeeded Daniel Coxe as Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennylvania?

William Allen in 1731.

45. Who were some of William Allen's successors?

Humphrey Murray, Benjamin Franklin, James Hamilton, Thomas Hopkinson, William Plumstead; Joseph Shippen, Philip Syng.

46. Where was the first Masonic Hall in America?

"Freemasons' Lodge" built in 1755 in Philadelphia on the south side of Norris (or Lodge) Alley, which extends west from Second Street and is parallel to and north of Walnut Street.

47. Where were other early Masonic meeting places in Philadelphia?

Tun Tavern on the east side of what was known as King Street, between Chestnut and Walnut Streets (1730); Indian King Tavern (1735); Royal Standard Tavern, High Street near Second Street (1749).

48. What was the first Masonic Book printed in America?

The "Constitutions of the Free-Masons" (a reprint of Anderson's Constitutions of 1723) printed by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1734 "for the Use of the Brethren in North America."

49. What Pennsylvania Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master became President of the United States?

James Buchanan of Lodge No. 43, Lancaster.

50. What Grand Master of Pennsylvania became Vice President of the United States under President Polk?

George M. Dallas

RITUALISM AND SYMBOLISM

51. When was King Solomon's Temple Erected?

It was started about 972 B.C.

52. Who was Hiram of Tyre?

He was King of Tyre, a friend and ally of King David. At Solomon's request he furnished assistance in the construction of the Temple.

53. Who was Hiram Abif?

He was a talented workman, skilled in metals, wood, stone and linen. He was sent by King Hiram to help in the erection and adornment of King Solomon's Temple.

54. What Masonic penalties are actually enforced?

Censure, suspension and expulsion. Other penalties mentioned in the Ritual are only symbolic.

55. What is lawful Masonic information when vouching for a Brother?

Lawful information that a person is a Brother Mason may be secured (1) by sitting in a Symbolic Lodge with him, (2) by a known Mason vouching for him as such, and (3) by his passing the examination of a committee appointed by the Worshipful Master.

56. What is a Masonic Monitor?

A Manual published by most Grand Lodges containing portions of the Ritualistic Work, usually in code. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania does NOT permit the use of such monitors, however, prayers and the Ancient Charges are printed.

57. What is meant by the Golden Fleece, Roman Eagle, and the Star & Garter?

The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Duke Phillip of Burgundy in 1429. The Roman Eagle was the symbol of the power and might of Rome during its heyday two thousand or more years ago. The Order of the Star was founded by King John II of France in the 1300's. The Order of the Garter was created by King Edward III of England about the same time. The use of the apron as a badge is actually older than any of these.

58. What is an oblong square?

A rectangle with its length greater than its breadth, or, as applied to the shape of a Lodge Room, the east-west dimension being greater. In ancient times, the world was supposed to be shaped like an oblong square, surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Symbolically, this is the form of the Lodge Room.

59. What is the Masonic interpretation of "profane?"

A "profane" is a person who is not a Mason.

60. Where was Joppa?

A seaport at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, the nearest access to Jerusalem.

61. What does "hele" mean?

"Hele," pronounced "hail," is derived from the Anglo-Saxon and means to cover or conceal.

62. What are High Twelve and Low Twelve?

Noon and Midnight.

63. Why is Acacia a Masonic symbol?

Acacia, an evergreen, is hardy and frequently sprouts from timbers of that species. Hence, the Jews planted Acacia on graves as a symbol of life and of the immortality of the soul.

64. What does "So mote it be" mean?

"So mote it be". The word "mote" is derived from the Anglo- Saxon word "motan" meaning "to be allowed". Hence, the phrase "So mote it be". These are the last words in the Regius Poem.

65. What is the symbolism of Freemasonry?

The use of the tools and terms of the builder's trade to express invisible or spiritual ideas and thereby illustrate moral concepts and basic truths in the life of mankind.

66. Is the Hiramic Legend true?

From a purely factual sense, it is not true although it does have an historical background as written in the Bible in I Kings and II Chronicles.

67. Why do Masonic Rituals vary in different Jurisdictions in the United States?

The Rituals vary in words and details. This results from the fact that Freemasonry in the United States has been derived from a number of sources (England, both Antient and Modern, Ireland, Scotland). Likewise, from time to time many Grand Lodges have modified their Ritualistic Work.

FREEMASONRY - GENERAL

68. Who was St. John the Evangelist?

One of the Apostles, born in Galilee and known for his effective preaching in Asia Minor and at Ephesus. A man of great energy and poetic fire, he became one of the Patron Saints of Freemasonry, earning that distinction because of his constant cultivation of Brotherly Love. The day consecrated as the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27th, at High Noon, is the beginning of a new Masonic Year in Pennsylvania.

69. What do A.D. and A.L. mean and why?

A.D. is an abbreviation for the Latin words Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of our Lord," and is the Christian method of designating the number of years following the birth of Christ. Freemasons' nomenclature in this respect comes from the old belief (entirely erroneous) that the world was created 4,000 years before Christ, and therefore calculates the date as 4,000 years plus the current year, for instance, 1999 A.D. or 5999 A.L., which is an abbreviation for the Latin words, Anno Lucis, meaning "in the year of Light" or the time of Creation.

70. What is meant by the Volume of the Sacred Law?

The holy book of one's prevailing faith and the Great Light in Freemasonry.

71. Which Grand Lodge removed the Volume of the Sacred Law from the altar, and why?

The Grand Orient of France in 1877 to stress its adherence to the basic principle of universality. Practically all other Grand Lodges withdrew their official recognition of the Grand Orient.

72. Must all Masons be obligated on the Bible?

The primary requirement of a Freemason is a belief in a Supreme Being, whether He be called God or Allah or Jehovah or any of the names by which the Supreme Architect of the Universe may be designated. Hence a candidate for Freemasonry should be obligated on a book he considers to be a Volume of the Sacred Law of his religious faith, (e.g. Holy Bible, Torah, Koran).

73. Who was the first non-operative Masonic member of record?

John Boswell, Laird of Auchenleek, who was present at a meeting of Mary Chapel Lodge of Edinburgh on June 8, 1600.

74. Why are we called Freemasons?

The name definitely dates back to the days when Masonry was almost wholly operative in character. Numerous explanations have been suggested, such as (a) masons worked in free stone (which could be carved), and hence were called "free-stone masons", later shortened to "freemasons" (b) they were free men, not serfs; (c) they were free to move from place to place as they might desire; (d) they were given the freedom of the towns or localities in which they worked; (e) they were free of the rules and regulations that were usually imposed upon members of guilds.

75. When does a candidate for the Degrees of Freemasonry become a Member of a Lodge?

Although not entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Lodge until he is Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, in Pennsylvania the candidate becomes a member of the Lodge at the time he receives his Entered Apprentice Mason's Degree.

76. Who are the Members of Grand Lodge?

The Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past Masters by one year's service and the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of all Symbolic Lodges lawfully Warranted and duly Constituted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and under its Jurisdiction.

77. Where can additional information concerning Freemasonry be obtained?

Write to: The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-2598. Pennsylvania Masons may also use this website to borrow books from the Grand Lodge Library's Circulating Library.

78. Is Freemasonry a charitable organization?

It is not a charitable organization as such, but it engages in many acts of charity. In Pennsylvania three outstanding examples of this are the Masonic Villages in Elizabethtown, Warminster, Sewickley and Lafayette Hill, the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for Children. The individual Lodges assist needy members, their widows, orphans, and community cases as need arises and funds are available.

79. Is there any reason that a Roman Catholic cannot be made a Mason?

There is nothing in the Constitution, rules, regulations, edicts or customs of Freemasonry that prohibit a Roman Catholic from becoming a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

80. When and where did African-American Freemasonry start in the United States?

On March 6, 1775, in Boston, when the degrees of Masonry were conferred upon Prince Hall and fourteen other African-American men in a Military Lodge (No. 441 on the Irish Register) in the English Army attached to the 38th Regiment.

81. Who was Prince Hall?

It is recorded that he was born in Barbados, British West Indies. He came to Boston, became the leader of the free African-Americans of that city, and was an ordained minister.

82. Did these African-American Masons have a Lodge of their own?

On September 29, 1784, the Grand Lodge of England issued a Charter for African Lodge No. 459 of Boston. It was instrumental in forming the first African-American Grand Lodge in the United States.

83. What is a recognized Grand Lodge?

From the standpoint of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, it is one which is considered as being accepted as regular and legitimate. The Grand Lodges of the United States have different ideas on this subject, and as a result, some Grand Lodges in other countries are recognized by some Grand Lodges in our country but others are not.

84. What Lodges may be visited?

Only Lodgesthat are under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges your Grand Lodge recognizes as being legitimate. When traveling in other jurisdictions and planning Lodge visits, it is important to make inquiries of your Lodge Secretary, and your District Deputy Grand Master, before starting on your trip.

85. What are the "Higher Degrees" in Freemasonry?

There are none, although there are additional degrees other than the three of Symbolic Masonry. The degrees of the Scottish and York Rites are dependent on the Three Degrees of the Symbolic Lodge.

86. To what extent may a Mason talk about Freemasonry to those who are not members of the Fraternity?

Masons need not be reticent in speaking about Freemasonry to those who have an honest desire for knowledge. Three informative folders, "Friend to Friend" "ASK!, " and "Freemasonry--A Way of Life," published by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, are available to be given to interested non-Masons. Questions asked in sincerity for the purpose of obtaining reasonable information concerning Freemasonry should be answered in the spirit in which they are asked. (Your attention is directed to Question No. 100.)

87. Why are Lodges in some Jurisdictions known as A.F.& A.M. and others as F. & A.M.?

There were two Grand Lodges in England between 1751 and 1813, one was called "Moderns" (actually, the older of the two) and one was called "Antients." The latter used the title Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) while the original Grand Lodge used Free and Accepted Masons (F.& A.M.). Warrants to Lodges in the United States were granted by these two Grand Lodges and thus the differences. Twenty-four Grand Jurisdictions in the United States use A.F. & A.M., twenty-five use F. & A.M., South Carolina uses A.F.M. and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia uses F.A.A.M.

88. How is a Lodge formed in Pennsylvania?

Fifteen or more Master Masons, having resigned from the Lodges to which they belonged, may petition the Grand Lodge for a Warrant to form a Lodge and practice the Rites of Freemasonry. The petition must be signed not only by the applicants, but by three well-known Masons, Members of a subordinate Lodge, by the District Deputy Grand Master, and must be recommended by another Lodge. After the petition has been approved by Grand Lodge, the Lodge is duly Constituted by the Grand Master or by someone delegated by him to perform that duty.

89. What is the oldest existing Lodge record?

That of Edinburgh Lodge No. 1 dated July 30, 1599.

90. What is a "Moon Lodge?"

In former times when roads were poor and traveling difficult, numerous Lodges met on the date of the Full Moon or, in some instances, a certain number of days before or after the Full Moon so that those going to and from Lodge Meetings might have the light of the moon to make the journey safer and easier. In recent years a number of former "Moon Lodges" have changed their Meetings to a specific date. Some Lodges, however, still meet on, or a certain number of days before or after, the Full Moon.

91. What was the origin of the expression "Blue Lodges?"

There are several theories, of which two have the most adherents. Some believe that operative Masons felt that blue, the color of the sky both by day and by night, was associated in their minds with the purity of Deity, which Masons attempt to emulate. Others refer to the change made by speculative Masons shortly after the establishment of the original Grand Lodge of England when blue was substituted for white as the official Masonic color, presumably because it was the color of the Order of the Garter of which a number of Masonic leaders were members.

92. What are the qualifications of a petitioner for Freemasonry?

That he believes in the Supreme Architect of the Universe (by whatever name He may be called); that he applies for initiation and membership of his own free will and accord; that he is recommended by two Master Masons, one of whom must be a Member of the Lodge to which he desires to apply; that he is of good character; that he be a man, freeborn, and of mature age (18 in Pennsylvania.)

93. What is the meaning of the letters G.A.O.T.U?

Grand, or sometimes, Great Architect of the Universe.

94. What is the Cerneau Rite of Freemasonry?

A clandestine, spurious and irregular order of men claiming to be Masons with various degrees of success in its organization from the year 1807. It is believed that this Rite no longer exists.

95. What is an Edict?

In Pennsylvania, a ruling issued by the R.W. Grand Master that has the effect of Masonic Law.

96. What is Ancient Craft Masonry?

The Three Symbolic Degrees-- Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

97. What is a Lewis?

The son of a Mason who becomes a member of the Craft before he reaches lawful age. In England the term "Lewis" is a symbol of strength, a man's strength being represented in his son.

98. What is Esoteric?

The unwritten work of the Ritual, which is not to be revealed, except to one entitled to receive it.

99. When is a man a Mason?

Joseph Fort Newton answers this question in the last paragraph of "The Builders," probably the most popular of all Masonic books, in these words: "When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage, which is the root of every virtue. When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic and as lonely as himself; and seeks to know, to forgive and to love his fellow man. When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea even in their sins - knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds. When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them and above all, how to keep friends with himself. When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child. When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life. When starcrowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response. When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and see majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into a wayside puddle and sees something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has kept faith with himself, with his God; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song; glad to live, but not afraid to die! Such a man has found the only secret of Freemasonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all the world."

100. What can you tell a non-Mason about Freemasonry?      

The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Volumes have been written about it. Yet, to many, Freemasonry remains a mystery.

History - Some historians trace Freemasonry to the Tenth Century, B.C., during the building of King Solomon's Temple. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced into England in 926 A.D.

Many other historians believe that Freemasonry is directly descended from the association of operative masons, the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing the secrets and skills of their crafts.

In the 17th Century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stone-masons, known as "Operative Masons" or "Free Masons," started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons' craft, calling them "speculative Masons" or "Accepted Masons."

It was from these groups, comprised mostly of "Adopted or Accepted Masons," that Symbolic Masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning.
A more recent theory suggests that Freemasonry grew out of the survivors of the destruction of the Order of the Temple in 1314 by King Philip The Fair of France. Many Templars fled France and hid in England, Scotland and Ireland. To maintain their Order, they developed another organization, giving it a legendary ancient history to contribute to its cover from the authorities who wished it destroyed. John Robinson's book, BORN IN BLOOD, is an excellent text describing this theory in detail.

Grand Lodges - In 1717, four Lodges of Freemasons meeting in London, England, formed the first Grand Lodge.

The first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including the United States.

Today, there are more than 160 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with a membership of more than 3.6 million. In the United States there are 51 Grand Lodges. There are approximately 1,600,000 Freemasons in the 51 Jurisdictions of the United States.

Symbolic Lodge - The basic unit of all Grand Lodges is the Symbolic Lodge, or "Blue Lodge," as it is commonly known.

It is the Symbolic Lodge that issues petitions for initiation and membership, acts on petitions and confers the three Symbolic Degrees, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees.

There are more than 430 Symbolic Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania with a membership of approximately 130,000.

Membership - Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.

A man becomes a Freemason through his own volition. No one is asked to join its ranks. When a man seeks admission to a Symbolic Lodge, it is of his own free will and accord. The choice is his.

One of the customs of Freemasonry is not to solicit members. One seeking admission must have a desire and must request a petition form from one whom he believes to be a Mason.

The petitioner must be recommended by two Master Masons, one of which must be a Member of the Lodge to which he desires to apply and pass a unanimous ballot. The petitioner must be 18 years of age, mentally competent, of good moral character and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.

Masonic Secrecy - Contrary to what many believe, Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does not hide its existence or its membership.

There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry. It is an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection.

Freemasonry and Religion - Freemasonry is not a religion even though it is religious in character.

It does not pretend to take the place of religion nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members.

Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions. An essential requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.

It teaches monotheism. It teaches the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men better through its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

What Freemasonry Is Not - Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized for profit. However, the charity and services rendered are beyond measure.

Tenets of Freemasonry - The Tenets of Freemasonry are ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men. It teaches tolerance toward all mankind.

It is known throughout the world.

Freemasonry proudly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection.

It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular. It seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics.

Freemasonry is not a forum for discussion on partisan affairs.

A Way of Life - Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and above all reverence and love for God.

Freemasonry is many things, but, most of all:

FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE