What is Freemasonry? – An Overview
Freemasonry has a rich history since its official documented formation in 1717 when four London lodges joined to form the first Grand Lodge of London. But for Freemasonry to have so bonded at that time it had to have existed prior to that date.
Many scholars over the years since have presented many theories to trace the roots of Masonry back to an earlier era. It is said that Freemasonry has its roots in the Roman College of Architects, the Egyptians who built the pyramids, the stone masons of medieval Europe who built the great gothic Cathedrals and even to the Knights Templar who were suppressed by the Catholic Church in 1312. While strong arguments can be made for each of these theories, the simple fact remains that no one knows for certain when the craft began.
This section will look at some of those theories as well as present articles of general interest to members of the craft.