S. Brent Morris - The Complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry

Freemasonry

Second Edition

by S. Brent Morris, PhD, 33

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Copyright 2013 by S. Brent Morris

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ISBN: 978-1-61564-407-0
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2012947178

15 14 13 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Introduction

I became interested in Freemasonry over 40 years ago. The more I studied it, the more it fascinated me. Like any human institution, its not perfect, but the scope of its successes more than makes up for its failings. This book concentrates on Freemasonry as it evolved in America. Not that the fraternity in other countries isnt importantit is, but theres only so much you can cover well in limited space.

I hope that you will find answers to your basic questions about the fraternity. Whether youre interested because a relative was a member, or because youve read or seen something, or perhaps because youre already a Mason and want to know moreIve tried to include something for you.

You can jump into almost any chapter and read just the information you need. But the chapters build on each other, and terminology or ideas may have been introduced and explained in earlier chapters. If you take the time to read through from the beginning, youll have a better understanding of later chapters.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is presented in five parts:

, The Basic Organization of Freemasonry, starts with what we know and have surmised about the formation of the Masonic fraternity. It appears that the British trade organization of stone workers or Freemasons transformed itself into a gentlemens club. The fraternity migrated to the American colonies by 1730 and soon established itself as an organization of respect and honor. Many leading patriots were members, and the fraternity was a unifying force among officers in the Continental Army. Then modern American Freemasonry emerged from the aftermath of the abduction and disappearance of William Morgan in Batavia, New York. This part ends with the story of Prince Hall Freemasonry, a branch of the fraternity thats predominantly African American and has a unique and proud heritage.

, The Eastern Star, the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite, are organizations that give opportunities for Masons to be more involved in their fraternity. The Eastern Star is the largest of several organizations for Masons and their female relatives; others include the Amaranth and White Shrine of Jerusalem. Youre likely to find an Eastern Star Chapter meeting in many Masonic halls. The York Rite expands on the lessons and legends of the lodge. There are thousands of York Rite bodies throughout America, often in small and mid-size towns. There are about 400 Scottish Rite bodies in larger regional centers. The 33 of the Scottish Rite may be the best-known Masonic honor.

, Building Higher, Having Fun, and Doing More, describes the dozens of additional Masonic organizations built on the foundation of the local lodge. There are several honorary groups whose membership is by invitation only, usually to those who have served in the York Rite. Other groups are for students of Masonic History. The Shrine is the best known of several groups that provide extensive social activities for Freemasons as well as a wonderful philanthropy to support: the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Grotto and Tall Cedars are the other two main social groups. Masons support several youth organizations, including the Order of DeMolay for boys, and Jobs Daughters and Rainbow Girls for girls. Freemasonry supports an amazing number of philanthropies, spending over a billion dollars a year on them!