A History Of Masonry

Like so many things about our world's history, there are many different versions. Like history, Masonry has been interpreted and written by many historians. Therefore, there are also many different versions of how Masonry began.

During the last 300 years numerous theories have been proposed regarding the origin of Masonry. Many of these theories have been offered to support some preconceived religious or political ideal without substantiating historical evidence. Others have been proposed in an effort to invest Freemasonry with qualities and nobility far in excess of the simple truth. There are four major schools of thought regarding the beginnings of Freemasonry, Ancient Origin, Chivalric Origin, "Ex Nihilo" or Out of Nothing Origin, and Operative Origin. (The different papers below are roughly divided into the proper section)

1. Ancient Origin Theories. The Masons began during the time of King Solomon.

The Roman Collegia

Chapters Of Masonic History II

The Origin of Freemasonry (Longfield)

2. Chivalric Origin Theories. The Masons was a continuation of the Knights Templars.

Since the Masons appeared a short time after the Knights Templar was outlawed and the Masons had “blood oaths” against revealing Brother Masons to outsiders, many feel that the first Masons were the surviving Knights Templar.

Theories Of Origin (Lomas)
3. "Ex Nihilo", or Out of Nothing Theories. Theories that belong to this category are just beginning to emerge in the literature.

They essentially assert Freemasonry is descended from no other organization and early lodges spontaneously sprang into being from the association of learned gentlemen at the end of the sixteenth century
The Mother Lodge
4. Operative Origin Theories. The Masonic Lodge began as a trade union for stonemasons.

The first written account of Freemasonry occurred in England in the 1400's and was a group of stonemasons who began letting outsiders join. Some historians say for the money charged to become a member and dues.
Theories Of Origin (Buta)
Chapters Of Masonic History I
The Development of Freemasonry
5. Discussions Of The Different Theories.

These papers discuss the different theories.
Theories Of Origin (Coil)
Theories Of Origin (Hamill)
Beginnings of Freemasonry
History of Freemasonry (Ireland)
The Beginnings Of The Present Day Masonic Lodge

6. General Masonic History
The Sins Of Our Masonic Fathers
Spiritual Growth Of Freemasonry
The History Of Raising
The Ancient Root of the Spirit of Freemasonry

LINKS TO OTHER MASONIC SITES
Grand Lodge Of Texas
Katy Masonic Lodge #749
Small Town Texas Masons
Waller Masonic Lodge #808
Hempstead Masonic Lodge #749
Sugar Land Masonic Lodge #1141
Masters, Wardens & Secretaries Association

This web site was created and dedicated to the education of new Masons and Non-Masons about Masonry and to increase everyones understanding of Freemasonry.
This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United States or elsewhere. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of freemasonry, nor the webmaster nor those of any other regular Masonic body other than those stated.
The content of the papers published are the responsibility of the authors.
A very sincere effort has been made to avoid using any copyrighted material, without permission, in the creation of this web site. If you discover something that is yours without giving you due credit, please let me know and due credit will be given or the item will be replaced.