HISTORY OF THE MASONIC LODGE
and Symbols

What are the objectives and beliefs of the Masonic Lodge?

-A Fraternal Order – only men and related women

-believe in a Supreme Being – has no pre-defined belief system: member beliefs and opinions are their own

-to make good men better

-to teach moral codes through symbolism and allegory

-a vehicle to practice community service

There are approximately 6 million members worldwide, 3 million in the United States

History – It was originally stone masons/master masons after sometime the respected citizenry joined. The Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717. Before this it was a secret society. It first came to the United States in 1736.

Some of the U. S. Presidents who were members: George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Warren Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Gerald R. Ford.

The Masonic structure is as follows:

Blue Lodge – the mother lodge, must join to become a master mason

Related bodies –

Scottish Rite – theatrical rite

                                      

Shrine - shriners are master masons

York Rite – Knight’s Templar

 

Order of the Eastern Star – women’s group related to masons through their husband

DeMolay – Young men’s auxiliary, 12-19 year olds, related to masons

Job’s daughters – relationship to Master masons

Rainbow girls – do not need to be related to Master mason but only recommended by one.

3 degrees – this is the highest degree, master mason

33rd degree – means special recognition

Traditions – no discussion on religion or politics. It is a religious organization but not a religion

Common Masonic Symbols

 

Other Sources:

· Masonic Library on Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan

· www.masonicinfo.com

· Grand Lodge website of a specific state

· Google – interstate – michigangrandlodge.com
                                   Wisconsingrandlodge.com
                                   (otherstates)grandlodge.com


Transcriber: Evelyn Sawyer
Created: 22 November 2003