Freemasons have long been the subject of fascination and speculation. Whispers of secret plots, hidden symbols in national capitals, and clandestine handshakes have shrouded this fraternal organization in mystery for centuries. From the planning of Washington D.C. to tales of unsolved murders, the Freemasons, also known as the Masonic Order, are often perceived as an enigmatic brotherhood wielding unseen influence. Composed of prominent figures throughout history, including Founding Fathers, politicians, and business titans, Freemasons are known today for their charitable contributions. But beyond the myths and legends, What Is A Freemason really? What are their core tenets, and is there truly a secret world hidden in plain sight? Let’s delve into the world of Freemasonry to uncover the facts behind the fiction.
The Origins of Freemasonry: From Medieval Guilds to a Global Fraternity
Freemasonry stands as the world’s oldest fraternal organization, tracing its roots back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Initially, Freemasons were guilds of skilled stonemasons and builders, the master craftsmen behind the magnificent cathedrals that dotted the medieval landscape. As cathedral construction declined, the organization evolved, shifting its focus from physical buildings to the building of character. Today, Freemasonry is a social and philanthropic society dedicated to fostering virtuous and community-oriented lives among its members.
Margaret Jacob, a history professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of “Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe,” explains that modern Freemasonry is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment era. It continues to promote core Enlightenment values such as religious tolerance, the pursuit of knowledge, and social engagement. Cécile Révauger, a Freemason and historian of Freemasonry at the University of Bordeaux, echoes this, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to these enduring principles.
While Freemasonry is not classified as a secret society in the strictest sense, it does maintain certain private aspects, including passwords and rituals inherited from its medieval guild origins. Professor Jacob clarifies that the original guild had a hierarchical structure of Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Masons. These degrees, once representing stages of craft mastery, have transformed into philosophical levels within the modern fraternity.
Did you know? The Regius Poem, also known as the Halliwell Manuscript, dating back to 1390, is the earliest known document referencing Freemasons.
Decoding Masonic Symbols: More Than Just Squares and Compasses
Freemasons utilize a rich language of visual symbols, primarily drawn from the tools of stonemasonry, to communicate concepts and values within the fraternity. Perhaps the most recognizable Masonic symbol is the “Square and Compasses.” This emblem combines a builder’s square and a compass, tools essential to the stonemason’s craft. At the center of this symbol often appears the letter “G,” the meaning of which is debated. Some experts, including those at MIT, suggest “G” represents geometry, a fundamental science for early Freemasons. Others believe it symbolizes God, referred to in Masonic contexts as the “Grand Architect of the Universe.” Regardless of the specific interpretation, the Square and Compasses remains a prominent symbol, frequently seen on Masonic rings and lodge buildings.
The Masonic square and compasses symbol prominently displayed at the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry headquarters in Washington, D.C., illustrating the fraternity’s use of stonemasonry tools as symbolic representations.
Another significant Masonic symbol, though less widely known, is the beehive. This symbol draws upon nature to represent the industriousness expected of Freemasons. As Professor Jacob notes, “Masons were originally working men who were supposed to be as busy as bees. And the beehive symbolizes the industriousness of the lodge.” The beehive serves as a visual reminder of the values of hard work and collective effort within Freemasonry.
The “All-Seeing Eye,” or Eye of Providence, is another symbol often associated with Freemasonry. While not originally created by Masons, they adopted it to represent the omniscience of God, watching over humanity. This symbol highlights the spiritual dimension within Freemasonry, emphasizing a belief in a higher power.
The Secret Freemason Handshake: Myths and Reality
The notion of a secret Freemason handshake is indeed rooted in fact. Freemasons do utilize a variety of handshakes as a form of recognition and greeting among members. These handshakes are not singular but vary based on an individual’s degree or rank within the organization. Historian Cécile Révauger explains, “There is a handshake for each degree: Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master, i.e., the first three degrees and also in the higher degrees. Each rite has its own handshakes, so there is quite a variety.” These handshakes are primarily used during Masonic ceremonies and lodge meetings as a way for members to identify each other and acknowledge their shared affiliation.
It’s important to note that while these handshakes are “secret” in the sense that they are not publicly divulged, their purpose is more about internal recognition and tradition within the fraternity rather than clandestine communication in everyday life. The variety and ritualistic context of these handshakes contribute to the unique and fraternal nature of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry and Religion: The Catholic Church’s Stance and Beyond
Freemasonry, while not a religion itself, is deeply intertwined with spiritual and moral principles. A fundamental requirement for membership is a belief in a Supreme Being, often referred to as the “Grand Architect of the Universe.” This belief is broadly interpreted, allowing members from diverse religious backgrounds to join the fraternity. However, one major religious denomination, the Catholic Church, has historically and continues to forbid its members from becoming Freemasons.
The Catholic Church’s opposition to Freemasonry dates back to 1738, stemming from concerns about Masonic temples and the private rituals conducted within them. In the 19th century, the Vatican went as far as to label the Masons the “Synagogue of Satan,” reflecting a period of intense suspicion and animosity. This condemnation was further solidified in 1983 when the Church issued a formal declaration stating that Masonic principles are “irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church” and that membership in Masonic associations remains forbidden. The declaration further stipulated that Catholics who join Masonic organizations are in a state of “grave sin” and are prohibited from receiving Holy Communion.
Despite this prohibition by the Catholic Church, Freemasonry includes members from various faiths, underscoring its emphasis on religious tolerance and inclusivity, albeit within the broad framework of belief in a Supreme Being.
Freemasons in Politics: From the Anti-Masonic Party to Modern Influence
Freemasonry has, at times, played a notable role in the political landscape, particularly in the early history of the United States. The first third party in American politics, the Anti-Masonic Party, emerged in 1828 directly as a response to public anxieties surrounding Freemasonry’s perceived secrecy and growing power. Fueled by conspiracy theories, many Anti-Masonic Party members believed the Freemasons were a clandestine organization manipulating events behind the scenes. These fears were amplified by events like the infamous disappearance and suspected murder of William Morgan, who threatened to expose Masonic secrets.
An 1829 political cartoon reflecting Anti-Masonic sentiment in the United States, highlighting public concerns about the fraternity’s secrecy and influence in politics.
While the Anti-Masonic Party itself was short-lived, it reflects a historical instance where Freemasonry became a central political issue. Throughout history, Freemasons have been involved in politics across the spectrum, but the organization itself is not inherently political. However, the fraternal bonds and shared values among members have undoubtedly contributed to networks of influence in various sectors of society, including politics.
Membership and Inclusivity: Who Can Become a Freemason?
Traditionally, Freemasonry has been a male-only organization. The “1723 Constitutions” of Freemasonry, authored by James Anderson under the Grand Lodge of England, explicitly excluded women, atheists, and enslaved people from membership. While these historical restrictions reflect the social norms of the time, Freemasonry has evolved in some aspects of its membership policies.
Today, the primary requirement for membership is being a man (in most traditional lodges) who believes in a Supreme Being and is of good moral character. As historian Révauger notes, current Freemasons come from diverse backgrounds, with the main practical requirement being the ability to pay annual membership dues. While women are generally excluded from traditional Freemasonry, there are affiliated organizations like the Order of the Eastern Star, which does admit women. Additionally, some Masonic lodges, particularly in more liberal regions, have begun to recognize female members, although this remains a point of contention within the broader fraternity.
The issue of inclusivity also extends to race. Historically, and even in some regions today, racial segregation has been a problem within Freemasonry. Notably, Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded by African Americans in the 18th century, exists as a separate and historically marginalized branch. Despite progress in some areas, certain Grand Lodges in the United States still refuse to recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry, highlighting ongoing challenges related to inclusivity within the organization.
Famous Freemasons: A Legacy of Notable Figures
Throughout history, Freemasonry has counted numerous prominent figures among its members. George Washington, a key Founding Father and the first U.S. President, was a Master Mason. Benjamin Franklin, another influential Founding Father, was a founding member of the first Masonic Lodge in America. The list of famous Freemasons extends to presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and Harry S. Truman, as well as international leaders such as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
A compilation of portraits featuring several U.S. Presidents who were Freemasons, including (from top left) George Washington, Gerald Ford, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman, illustrating the diverse backgrounds of notable members.
Beyond politics, Freemasonry has attracted individuals from diverse fields. World-renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, frontiersman Davy Crockett, jazz legend Duke Ellington, musical icon Nat King Cole, automobile pioneer Henry Ford, celebrated actor and activist Paul Robeson, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin are all examples of famous Freemasons. This diverse roster of notable members underscores the broad appeal and influence of Freemasonry across various professions and eras.
Conclusion
So, what is a Freemason? Ultimately, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with deep historical roots, evolving from medieval craft guilds into a global fraternity focused on personal development, moral principles, and philanthropy. While shrouded in some secrecy and ritual, Freemasonry’s core tenets center around brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement. The myths and conspiracy theories often associated with Freemasons tend to overshadow the reality of a social and charitable organization that has attracted individuals from all walks of life for centuries. Understanding Freemasonry requires looking beyond the sensationalism and recognizing its enduring legacy as a unique and historically significant fraternal order.
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HISTORY Vault: Mysteries of the Freemasons: The Beginning
They’ve been suspected of plotting to overtake the world, accused of fomenting revolution and reviled as devil worshippers, but the Freemasons claim they’re merely a civic-minded fraternity, bound together by harmless rituals.
