- Solomon’s Temple: Freemasons often refer to the biblical King Solomon’s Temple as a symbolic origin, drawing parallels between the temple’s construction and moral and spiritual building.
- Knights Templar: Some theories suggest a connection between Freemasons and the medieval Knights Templar, a Christian military order dissolved in the early 14th century, though historical evidence is limited.
- Ancient Mystery Schools: There are claims that Freemasonry inherited wisdom from ancient mystery schools of Egypt, Greece, or other ancient civilizations.
While these stories are intriguing, most historians consider them symbolic rather than literal historical origins.
Formation of Modern Freemasonry
The transformation of medieval operative lodges into modern speculative Freemasonry happened primarily in Britain during the 1600s and early 1700s.
The Grand Lodge of London
In 1717, four London lodges came together to form the Grand Lodge of England, widely regarded as the birth of modern Freemasonry. This new Grand Lodge standardized rituals and practices and created a more formal organizational structure.
Spread Across the World
From its base in England, Freemasonry spread quickly across Europe, North America, and eventually worldwide. By the 18th century, it had become a global fraternity with lodges on every continent.
Prominent historical figures — including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Mozart, and Winston Churchill — were Freemasons, further fueling public interest and sometimes suspicion. shutdown123