101 Secrets of the Freemasons

The Truth Behind the World's Most Mysterious Society

Barb Karg, John K Young

• Publisher: Adams Media
• Year: 2009
• ISBN:
  9781440513770
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Ancient History
• Index: History

From the illustrious George Washington and the infamous J. Edgar Hoover to brilliant imaginer Walt Disney and bad boy of baseball Ty Cobb, Freemasons have influenced every aspect of American life. Yet this secret society remains as controversial and mysterious as ever. In this book, you'll learn the truth about:

• The power and meaning behind the symbols, rites, and rituals
• Alleged connections with Jack the Ripper, the KKK, and the Holy Grail
• Freemasons vs. the Nazis
• The centuries-long rivalry with the Catholic Church
• Freemasonry's growing influence here and abroad

As the largest - and oldest - fraternal organization, the Freemasons will continue to shape the world we live in for the foreseeable future. With this tell-all guide, you'll unravel the mystery of this intriguing society - one secret at a time!

Part 1

WHO ARE THE
FREEMASONS?

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. It is a social and educational group well known for its philanthropic work with numerous charities. Often called a “secret society,” the fraternity, arguably more misunderstood than elusive, has attracted and nurtured thousands of individuals and communities over the centuries. Despite all the speculation and conspiracies surrounding the Brotherhood, or perhaps because of them, the bond between Freemasons has endured and flourished.

1
A VEIL OF SECRECY

Everyone loves a good secret, especially when they’re on the receiving end of it. If you don’t happen to be “in the know,” however, the mere mention of the word secret begins gnawing away at the psyche, winding its way through indifference and frenzy until it reaches full paranoid maturity. Freemasons have lived with the moniker “secret society” for a very long time, and while during ancient and medieval eras it can be argued that they were more secretive, it doesn’t necessarily apply to the modern age. Or does it?

The classic definition of Freemasonry is that it’s a “system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” It’s fair to say that most individuals don’t really know much about Freemasonry, which has undoubtedly led to its mysterious reputation. What Freemasonry isn’t, however, can be stated easily enough. It’s not a religion or a religious cult. Its members are not Satanists or Luciferians. Its rituals are not bloody oaths to the death. The brethren have no connection to the Holy Grail or to the Knights Templar of the Crusades. They’re not a political organization, and above all, they’re not a secret group of powerful men hell bent on achieving world domination.

What Freemasonry is all about is much easier to convey. At its simplest definition, Freemasons are a benevolent, social, charitable organization whose members seek to learn more about themselves in order to benefit their families and communities. Masons are knowledge seekers, their fraternal education focusing on lessons that help them on a journey to achieve moral and spiritual enlightenment. They are nonsectarian, and while their membership must profess a belief in a Supreme Being, it can be any Deity. Individuals of all faiths are welcome to join.

So what’s all the hoopla about? Why is so little known about such a historic organization? Why so much controversy? In truth, there is plenty of information on Freemasonry both in print and on the Web, but more often than not it’s a bit confusing and often limited to a specific opinion or theory. At the root of the problem is, perhaps, their alleged secrecy, but in reality all Masons are free to acknowledge their membership, and their rules, constitutions, rituals, and ceremonies have all been written about publicly. It stands to reason that if the Masons were indeed a secret society, none of this information would even be known.

In reading these pages, one will see that there are no definitive answers when it comes to the origin of Freemasonry. Despite the astounding amount of information available on the Brotherhood, including literature, historical records, documentaries, archives, Web sites, legends, expert commentary, anti-Masonic conjecture, and conspiratorial speculation, there remain many diverse opinions in regard to who they really are, what they do, and how they evolved.

Historians, scholars, writers, and researchers have dedicated an impressive amount of ink and energy in attempting to discover the true origin of Freemasonry. It’s a subject that to this day remains a constant source of debate. One theory is that it goes back as far as the construction of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem during the eighth century b.c. One of the legends that permeates Masonic rituals and teachings revolves around King Solomon’s Master Mason Hiram Abiff. His story and tragic death play a great role in Freemasonry.

Many individuals have speculated that Freemasons are somehow linked to the valiant Knights Templar, an order of warrior monks who fought during the Crusades. Though no proven links have been established, there has been much written about the Masons and their possible connection to the Templars and by association to such legendary artifacts as the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant.

Another school of thought is that Freemasons evolved from medieval masonic guilds, but the generally accepted beginning of organized Masonry is the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717.

2
A CONTROVERSIAL FRATERNITY

There have definitely been times in Masonic history when controversy has plagued the Brotherhood, and it was those early controversies that led to a new breed of critic called an anti-Mason. Anti-Masons have proven to be a constant, and sometimes deadly, force to be reckoned with. Famous anti-Masons include Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Millard Fillmore, Pope Pius IX, Edgar Allan Poe, Hermann Göring, General Francisco Franco, and Pat Robertson.

In the past, there has been no shortage of theories when it comes to the writings and ritual practices of the Brotherhood. In regard to the latter, much has been made of the alleged “blood oaths” that initiates are made to endure, which in reality are strictly symbolic and relate to the Legend of Hiram Abiff.

In relation to Masonic writings, conspiracists and religious groups have had a field day, choosing to analyze and ultimately misinterpret Masonic literature and even portray the Brotherhood as Satanists and Lucifer worshippers. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings are clearly the result of allegory and semantics taken out of context.

Freemasons strive to help make the world a better place for themselves, their families, and their communities. In order to do that, they subscribe to certain principles and virtues that give them strength as individuals while at the same time solidifying their bond as brothers. Masons are independent men who work toward peace, love, and fraternity, and who shun all forms of ignorance and tyranny. They believe very strongly in family, country, and God, and take very seriously their moral and spiritual values, the first of which are brotherly love, relief, and truth.

There are three great tenets, or principles, of Freemasonry—brotherly love, relief, and truth. Brotherly love embraces the concept of equality among men, especially in an organization where men of all statures, professions, and faiths bind together in tolerance and respect for their fellow man. That show of fraternal love is especially strong in regard to religion, as each member privately practices his own faith, yet is bound to his brethren by their unified belief in a Supreme Being.

Fraternal bonds are further strengthened by the concept of relief, with brothers working together to help those in distress. It is, in fact, the duty of all Masons to show compassion, sympathy, and aid to all who suffer, no matter the cause. This applies not only to fellow brethren, but to all individuals who require assistance in troubled times.

Truth is, perhaps, the touchstone of the three great tenets, as it philosophically pervades all aspects of Freemasonry. As a tenet it signifies the foundation of all virtue, and that a man must be sincere, honest, and straightforward in his expression. To Masons, truth is a Divine attribute that drives each man’s conduct. To be true to oneself, to one’s family, to mankind, and to God, moves one closer to the truth of pure spirit. The pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and, ultimately, knowledge cannot be obtained without truth.

3
THE THREE VIRTUES

Masons are driven by many different virtues, but three of the most important are faith, hope, and charity. Masonic teachings of these virtues begin at a candidate’s first initiation ceremony, with the Rite of Destitution. During the ritual lecture he learns of Jacob’s ladder and its three rounds: “the greatest of these is charity; for faith is lost in sight, hope ends in fruition, but charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.”

For an initiate, faith is synonymous with trust and confidence, especially in God. The description of faith being “lost in sight” refers to the fact that faith isn’t seen, but can be demonstrated. Once an individual has established faith in God, he attains hope, which in this scenario represents immortality. Charity as a Masonic virtue is an extension of grace, a gift that brothers freely give to all who require support. Masons firmly believe in these virtues and the practice of them toward achieving a higher moral standard.

One of the main requirements an individual must have in order to join the Freemasons is a belief in a Supreme Being and immortality of the soul. The term Supreme Being refers to Deity, and being that Masonry is nonsectarian and individuals of all religions are welcome, each Mason’s Supreme Being is different. The more commonly used term among the brethren is Grand Architect of the Universe. The only individuals who aren’t eligible to apply to the Craft are atheists.

Masonry is not a religion and it doesn’t offer salvation, but its members do have faith. One of the overriding rules of the Craft is that the brethren may never discuss religion or politics in a lodge. Masons believe that how an individual chooses to worship is private and done of his own accord. They encourage members to pursue their faith, but they never interfere in anyone’s religious undertakings. Inside every lodge is a Volume of the Sacred Law. In the United States, this is typically the Holy Bible, but the sacred text varies depending on a lodge’s membership. During initiation rites, a man can have any sacred text he chooses laid open on the altar or table.

4
LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY

Like many mainstream organizations, Freemasons have landmarks that define Masonry and serve to guide the brethren in their fraternal pursuits. The first list of General Regulations was compiled in 1720 by the Grand Master of England and approved by the Grand Lodge three years later. In those regulations, however, the landmarks were not clearly defined.

In 1858, revered Masonic writer Albert Gallatin Mackey outlined twenty-five landmarks, which he later published in Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence. Many of his landmarks were generally accepted and adopted by various lodges, but have since been adapted. As a benchmark, most lodges and Grand Lodges agree on seven of Mackey’s landmarks:

1. Monotheism is the sole dogma of Freemasonry.

2. The ultimate lesson of Masonic philosophy is immortality of the soul.

3. The Volume of the Sacred Law is indispensable in a lodge.

4. An integral part of Craft Masonry is the legend of the third degree, which tells of the construction of Solomon’s Temple.

5. Masonic modes of recognition are to be kept inviolate.

6. Symbolism derived from the operative art of Masonry, or tools of the trade, are to remain intact.

7. A Mason must be an adult male who is born free.

Landmarks by definition are historic and unchangeable precepts, but given that Masonic lodges are self-governed, these precepts can vary. Individuals who join the Freemasons are amid impressive company. Over the centuries, thousands of individuals from all over the world and from all walks of life have taken part in the Craft. Its historic membership is replete with royalty, aristocrats, presidents, politicians, scientists, adventurers, inventors, entertainers, writers, philosophers, revolutionaries, and pioneers. Many of these Masons changed history; others changed the lives of their communities, their governments, and even their social systems.

But that’s not the main reason for joining the Masons. In truth, many individuals join the fraternity or one of their appendant bodies, such as the Shriners or the Daughters of the Eastern Star, for social and charitable reasons. The Masonic family is enormous, with organizations established all over the world. The lives of thousands of men, women, and young adults have been enriched by their association with Masonry, and regardless of their undertaking, they have made a difference and continue to do so to this day.

Freemasonry is also an avenue by which individuals can focus on personal growth. Much like other membership-based organizations, the Craft seeks to teach good men to become better men so that they can use their skills to benefit themselves, their families, and the world in general. The way an individual does that is by ascending various levels of the fraternal structure.

5
DEGREES

Upon entering the Brotherhood an initiate begins his journey by earning a degree, or level. There are three basic degrees in Freemasonry, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. These are commonly referred to as the three degrees of Freemasonry or Ancient Craft Masonry, or in the United States, blue lodge Masonry. When an individual completes all three degrees he is considered to be an official Freemason.

The degree ceremonies contain rituals that are highly allegorical and symbolic. Each degree serves to spiritually and morally educate an initiate and further his knowledge and history of the Craft. There are many lessons, or lectures, associated with each level. Throughout most of the degrees of Freemasonry there is a central ritual that symbolically focuses on the building of the Temple of Solomon and the events surrounding Master architect and Mason Hiram Abiff.

Once an individual has become a Master Mason he can either stay at that level, or choose to enter one of Freemasonry’s two main concordant bodies—the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite or the York Rite, both of which confer additional degrees. Or he can enter one of the Masonic social groups, like the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or Shriners.

Freemasonry is enveloped in allegory, ritual, and especially symbolism. Many of the symbols the Craft uses pay homage to medieval stonemasons and include the tools of their trade. Each symbol i...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Introduction
• PART ONE: WHO ARE THE FREEMASONS?
• PART TWO: MEMBERS ONLY, OR, HOW TO BECOME A FREEMASON
• PART THREE: FREEMASONRY FRIENDS, FOES, AND FOUNDING FATHERS
• PART FOUR: DEMYSTIFYING FREEMASONRY
• PART FIVE: IT’S A CONSPIRACY! (OR IS IT?)
• APPENDIX A: RECOMMENDED READING
• APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY