History

King Solomon's Temple

When the great temple of King Solomon was built in Jerusalem (956 BC), thousands of workmen contributed to its completion. The architects and masons who built the legendary temple were learned and highly skilled men. The men who knew how to cut, measure, layout and build with stone carefully guarded the secrets of their craft. Their knowledge contained fundamental principles that they used as a rule and guide for their lives. With their knowledge came the respect of their communities and the ability to support their families and colleagues.


King Solomon's Temple


Chartres Cathedral

Medieval Stonemasons

As Europe moved through the early Christian era, stone masons were responsible for building the great cathedrals. Those great buildings contained hidden knowledge that was embedded into the architectural elements. Stone masons used their skills to create castles, cathedrals and palaces. They also the sculpted the statue and ornaments that grace those monumental structures. To the average population, the stone masons had magical abilities. These men were the elite. To protect their positions and rank from overly ambitious apprentices, they developed secret customs and coded markings to maintain their status. Masons were handsomely paid and had the unusual freedom to travel through the land.

Speculative Masons

Many men who sought safety beyond the reach of the Pope and the Inquisition settled in the relative isolation of Scotland. It was here that the cry for freedom rang out. The secret knowledge of the operative masons became the principles of the speculative masons. What was once the purview of the builders transformed into the deeper teachings of a pioneering group of thinkers and philosophers who took the practical knowledge and made it applicable to society as a whole.


Working Tools


Ben Franklin

Age of Enlightenment

Early in the 18th century, a new philosophy was born in Europe and America. For the first time in history the idea of equality based on a person's humanity rather than his status in society emerged. With equality came tolerance and acceptance. The notion of the "brotherhood of man" took on new significance as the political evolution of the day led to the Founding Fathers' establishment of a new nation based on principles of human rights.

In conjunction with the political movement, a spiritual force drove progress. Unity and cooperation became the foundation of a new democracy. To bring together a nation of people from different backgrounds and cultures required the utmost commitment to higher ideals. Even so, though the American dream was written into the documents of the new nation, the Founding Fathers' attempt to create a nation founded on equality was politically impossible during their day. (The evolution of human socieity that has slowly progressed over thousands of years continues today in the lodges of Masons around the world.)

Presidents and Equality

From the swearing in of our first president on a Masonic bible, to the William R. Singleton Hope Lebanon Lodge #7 innaugural ball hosted by the Masons honoring Barak Obama, Free and Accepted Masons have had close relations with the American Democracy. In all the activities of Masonry, "one man / one vote" has been the mainstay of the fraternity. In every lodge men of different faiths , backgrounds and stations in life are brought together on equal footing. In the lodge every member has the same right to advance through the ranks to become the Master of the Lodge. Whatever his station in life, all who become masons share the same dignity and the same fate, for we all walk on the level of time to that country from whose bourne no man returns.


Masonic Presidents


Eastern Star

Controversies

Over the centuries Masons have been dogged with suspicion and controversy. Leaders from Catholic Popes to Adolph Hitler have persecuted the members of the Masonic Fraternity. Fearing what they do not understand or control has evoked rumors and paranoia. The secrets of Masonry were instituted as a way of protecting its membership. Masons have needed to guard themselves against the persecutions of despots and intolerant leaders. Its commitment to equality has led Masonry to be perceived as a threat to those who do not share the fundamental ideals of freedom of worship, freedom of expression, fair treatment and humanitarianism. Masonry is a benevolent organization intent on the improvement of society. The men who come to Masonry are seeking spiritual light in their lives. With a belief in God, they come as men who have committed themselves to serving a higher authority. It is this belief upon which all else rests.

Why Join?

Becoming a Mason is a significant step in a man's life. It's a chance to gather with men whom you may not otherwise have the opportunity to come to know. It's a place where you can join forces with other dedicated men to foster a better life for your familly, community, your nation and your world.

At the heart of the Masonic identity is the charitable heart. Masons pay close attention to the needs of those who may need assistance. Children's Hospitals, schools, research institutes and other local, national and international charities receive support from the Masons.

If you want to give back, the Free and Accepted Masons offer ample opportunity. If you want to learn the value of being a Mason, ask one what it means to him to be a part of this great fraternity.


George Washington in Prayer