The Origins of Freemasonry

Stonemasonry or “operative masonry” refers to the formation of buildings, structures, and sculptures using stone. In early history, this group of men, stonemasons, were relied upon to build some of the most impressive and famous landmarks in history. From the Egyptian pyramids to Greek temples, and Parisian palaces, stonemasons are, quite literally, the foundation of modern civilization.

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     Stonemasons played a pivotal role in the development of architecture, as well as economics, religion, politics, and society. During the medieval era, not only were homes and towns being built throughout Europe, but also cathedrals, mansions, and castles across the continent and the world. These structures are home to much of the world’s history, serving as the locations where religion prospered and where governments were formed.

As the skill and labor of stonemasons continued to be called for in high demand, the craft grew. So much so that a member body, called a “Guild,” was formed to regulate the practice, skill, and people of stonemasonry, as well as protect the sacred trade secrets. These guilds were found primarily in Scotland, England, and France.

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     Within the Guild, members were ranked based on experience and knowledge. Members entered as Apprentices, entry-level stonemasons indentured to their Masters in return for training and education. After completion of their apprenticeship, members were promoted to Journeymen, skilled stonemasons who were paid for their work. Finally, the highest honor members could receive was the title of “Master Mason” which meant they were trusted to travel and work freely for their patrons. Master Masons were also in possession of the Master’s word (password) and grip (handshake)...sound familiar? This allowed fellow Master Masons to recognize each other.

As stonemasonry entered the 18th century, the Guild swelled with craftsmen and began to form local organizations, called lodges. While the reason behind the creation of lodges has been widely debated, one theory includes that, due to the inherent danger of their work, lodges were created to take care of sick and injured members, as well as the widows and children left behind from those killed on the job - similar to our Masonic obligation to care for our members and their families. Other sources report that lodges were built following a period of religious war, where many lost their guild buildings or building permissions.

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     As the number of great cathedrals under construction began to decline, lodges adopted the practice of admitting men who were not stonemasons into their membership. These men became known as “accepted” or “speculative” masons. Men who practiced stonemasonry were then considered “free” or “operative” Masons. It was from these “Free and Accepted Masons” groups that Freemasonry emerged, serving as a social and cultural organization for its members. This defied societal norms of the time, where class distinctions rule. Some experts suggest that the inclusion of upper and lower classes in Freemasonry created the notion that Freemasonry’s purpose is to take good men and make them better.

Today, the term “Freemason” is speculated to derive from two potential origins. One explanation is that the laborers worked with freestone, a smooth limestone or sandstone, breaking off the rough and superfluous parts to form ornamental stonework. Another theory is that Masons are free men--not enslaved or indentured--with free will, or the right to set their own course and path in life.

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     The stages of professional development within the stonemasons’ Guild (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Mason) are reflected in the Masonic process of self-improvement, by which Freemasons go through the degrees and prove themselves worthy of moving up the ranks to their brethren. The famous Masonic handshake evolved from this inter-member approval process, where the strength of a stonemason’s grip represented his readiness to step up to a new level of the craft.

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     Early Freemasons drew symbols from the tools their stonemason Brothers used in their daily craft, tying morals and lessons to items. The Mason’s Square and Compasses are said to represent stability, balance, and judgement; from these values Masonic rituals, teachings, and organizational structures emerged. The Masonic apron also originated with stonemasons, who wore aprons to protect themselves from shards of rock and dirt.

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     In 1717, a meeting was held in London, England, where the four Lodges present agreed to work under a common constitution, and by this act, the first Grand Lodge was created. Today, there are more than 160 Grand Lodges worldwide, and the brotherhood of Freemasonry consists of over six million members across the globe. The symbols of stonemasonry, like the Square and Compasses, the Masonic apron, and Mason’s trowel, remain proudly displayed on Masonic buildings, on artifacts, in memorials, and in the lodge. We honor the medieval stonemasons for bestowing their traditions and values upon us.