Karg Barb - 101 Secrets of the Freemasons: The Truth Behind the Worlds Most Mysterious Society

101 Secrets of the
FREEMASONS

The Truth Behind the Worlds
Most Mysterious Society

BARB KARG AND JOHN K. YOUNG, PH.D.

Copyright 2009 by F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

Previously published as 101 Things You Didnt Know about the Freemasons by Barb Karg and John K. Young, PhD, 2007 by F+W Media, Inc., ISBN 10: 1-59869-319-0, ISBN 13: 978-1-59869-319-5

Contains portions of material adapted or abridged from The Everything Freemasons Book by Barb Karg and John K. Young, PhD, 2006 by F+W Media, Inc., ISBN 10: 1-59869-059-0,
ISBN 13: 978-1-59869-059-0.

Published by Adams Media,
a division of F+W Media, Inc.
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www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN 10: 1-4405-0378-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-0378-8
eISBN: 978-1-4405-1377-0

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Contents

Introduction

This entertaining and informative book should provide the general reader all the facts one would seek to know about Freemasonry. Barb Karg, writing in a lively and light-hearted style, has gathered together into one concise volume a dazzling array of fundamental information and little-known tidbits about the Craft that give a satisfying overview of the Masonic tradition. For those who are puzzled and intrigued about Masonic rites of initiation, here is the place to learn about such things as the hoodwink, cable tow, and the third degree of Masonic ritual. For those who want to learn more about the history of Freemasonry, a complete and accurate listing of the facts behind the origins of Freemasonry is presented. Possible connections to the Knights Templar and to other ancient societies are given a fair and objective treatment. Details about Freemasonry that are not generally well known add to the appeal of this book. The activities of many of the prominent and admired personalities of early America, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and eight other presidents who made their mark upon Freemasonry in America are detailed. The more controversial career of another prominent Mason, Albert Pike, who was also known for his doctrines of segregation, is also brought to light. Those seeking the facts about the scandals that have swirled around Freemasonry, involving the alleged secrets of the Craft, the abduction of William Morgan in the nineteenth century, and the mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel will not be disappointed by this book. Finally, the reader will gain a sense of the philosophical perspectives of Freemasonry that have promoted the values of honesty, brotherhood, and charity throughout the centuries. These values have allowed Masons to resist persecution in totalitarian societies in the past and have led to the preservation of Masonry into the present day.

Part
WHO ARE THE
FREEMASONS?

F reemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. It is a social and educational group well known for its philanthropic work with numerous charities. Often called a secret society, the fraternity, arguably more misunderstood than elusive, has attracted and nurtured thousands of individuals and communities over the centuries. Despite all the speculation and conspiracies surrounding the Brotherhood, or perhaps because of them, the bond between Freemasons has endured and flourished.

1
A VEIL OF SECRECY

Everyone loves a good secret, especially when theyre on the receiving end of it. If you dont happen to be in the know, however, the mere mention of the word secret begins gnawing away at the psyche, winding its way through indifference and frenzy until it reaches full paranoid maturity. Freemasons have lived with the moniker secret society for a very long time, and while during ancient and medieval eras it can be argued that they were more secretive, it doesnt necessarily apply to the modern age. Or does it?

The classic definition of Freemasonry is that its a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. Its fair to say that most individuals dont really know much about Freemasonry, which has undoubtedly led to its mysterious reputation. What Freemasonry isnt, however, can be stated easily enough. Its not a religion or a religious cult. Its members are not Satanists or Luciferians. Its rituals are not bloody oaths to the death. The brethren have no connection to the Holy Grail or to the Knights Templar of the Crusades. Theyre not a political organization, and above all, theyre not a secret group of powerful men hell bent on achieving world domination.

What Freemasonry is all about is much easier to convey. At its simplest definition, Freemasons are a benevolent, social, charitable organization whose members seek to learn more about themselves in order to benefit their families and communities. Masons are knowledge seekers, their fraternal education focusing on lessons that help them on a journey to achieve moral and spiritual enlightenment. They are nonsectarian, and while their membership must profess a belief in a Supreme Being, it can be any Deity. Individuals of all faiths are welcome to join.

So whats all the hoopla about? Why is so little known about such a historic organization? Why so much controversy? In truth, there is plenty of information on Freemasonry both in print and on the Web, but more often than not its a bit confusing and often limited to a specific opinion or theory. At the root of the problem is, perhaps, their alleged secrecy, but in reality all Masons are free to acknowledge their membership, and their rules, constitutions, rituals, and ceremonies have all been written about publicly. It stands to reason that if the Masons were indeed a secret society, none of this information would even be known.

In reading these pages, one will see that there are no definitive answers when it comes to the origin of Freemasonry. Despite the astounding amount of information available on the Brotherhood, including literature, historical records, documentaries, archives, Web sites, legends, expert commentary, anti-Masonic conjecture, and conspiratorial speculation, there remain many diverse opinions in regard to who they really are, what they do, and how they evolved.