What is Freemasonry? What is the origin of Freemasonry? Variously known as Freemasonry, Masonry or The Craft, the beginnings of our fraternity are lost to history. Although Masonry is believed to be the oldest surviving fraternal order in the world, the exact date of its founding is uncertain. Masonic writings,often state that its origins are in ancient Egypt, and cite Old testament sources, as providing context and history for Freemasonry. Freemasonry in its modern iteration, can however, be traced to sixteenth century Scotland although the first Masonic governing body was not founded until 1717 in London, England. The oldest known Masonic document, the Regius poem, dates to around 1390 A.D. We know of no Masonry, in a recognizable framework prior to that date. Between 1390 and 1717 lodges of operative masons began to accept as members, ordinary laymen who did not work in the building trade. After a time, whole lodges composed of such persons arose, leading to a transition rom lodges consisting of just stone masons to lodges being composed of men from other profesions, who gathered and shared a ritual, complete with allusions to carpentry, architecture, stone masonry and the hard work it entailed. In 1717, four of these lodges in England met, and amagamated themselves to form, the first iteration of a Grand Lodge. A Grand Lodge, can be defined as a Masonic body, having jurisdiction over the lodges within a certain geographical area. What are the three degrees? Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge Masonry has three degrees. The three degrees are, in defined thus: The first degree, Entered Apprentice, Second degree, Fellow Craft, and the third degree, Master Mason. In early Speculative Masonry there was only one degree. Later a two-degree system developed and finally the three-degree system evolved and was firmly in place by around 1760. A “degree” ceremony, can be likened to a dramaic performance, in which a newcomer to Masonry, known as the candidate, plays an integral role. These ceremonies, have several parts, and are progressive in nature. These ceremonies are enacted with only Masons being present and are for the purpose of illustrating the principles of Masonry, in a physical expression. A unique characteristic of each Masonic degree is an “obligation” taken by the candidate. The obligation is an oath taken for the purpose of instructing the candidate in Masonic duties. The three degrees have their origin in a firmly Old Testament, Biblical basis. Significant amounts of Biblical symbolism is used in the ritual of the advancing degrees. At the core of Biblical symbolism, used in Masonic ritual is that of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which was described in detail in the Old Testament books of I Kings and II Chronicles. Whenever a Masonic lodge is in session, the Holy Bible is open upon the lodge’s altar, and in some Lodges the other books of the great faiths of the world are placed on the altar, including the Koran, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Talmud. Is Freemasonry a religion? To be a Freemason, there is a strict requirement in the firm belief in belief in a supreme being and in the afterlife. There is some memory work the candidate must learn, after each degree is conferred upon him. There is a set time frame, to learn the catechism, which is, a set of questions and answers, and to recite them before the lodge members at the ceremony. It should be noted, that Freemasonry is not a religion, and there is nothing in Freemasonry that interferes with religious life. Indeed, the tenets of Masonry, and the ceremonies, can enrich religion. Persons of virtually all recognised faiths denominations are a part of the worldwide Masonic fraternity, however, religion and politics are two subjects not allowed to be discussed when a lodge is in session. Why is charity a part of Freemasonry? Philanthropy, is at the core of Freemasonic activity, and Masonry teaches the importance of helping the less fortunate. It especially focusses on the care of widows and orphans of Masons. Indeed, most Grand Lodges have within their jurisdiction a home for aged Masons, their wives and widows, and also a home for Masonic orphans. Why all the secrecy? Masonry asks its candidates not to divulge the details of its ritual to non-Masons. This is not because Masonry is hiding anything, but because an element of secrecy is required in being able to fully understand Masonic teachings. It is also because most people would not benefit from being introduced to Masonic teachings outside of the context of the Masonic degree system. Why do Masons keep their rituals a secret? For the same reason that the ancient stonemasons kept their trade secrets. Their secrecy helped to maintain a better quality of work. Our secrecy today helps us to make an individual better, and broaden them. It is difficult to believe that the secrets of Masonry are nefarious when you consider the activities and heritage of Masonry. Is there anything sinister about Masons? It is difficult to believe, that the secrets of Masonry are sinister, when you see so many Masons working as a vital part of every community to provide better facilities, better schools and better local governments. If we really believe the biblical teaching, “by their fruits ye shall know them” then we must believe that the secrets of Masonry really do help to make better individuals.