Making good men better

Existing as one of (if not the) oldest fraternal organizations in the world, there have been many definitions for what Freemasonry is. To put it best, it has been explained simply as  "A fraternity of men dedicated to building the moral character of its members and the preservation of personal freedom."

 The Grand Lodge of Tennessee says: "Masonry has many definitions, all explanatory of its nature. We shall use this: it is a system of morality and a way of life, based on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Don't be misled by this definition into thinking that Masonry is a religion. It is not a religion and does not offer a plan of personal salvation. Therefore, Masonry cannot take the place of the church. It never has and never will. Yet, it is true and axiomatic that if a Mason practices the lessons taught him, he will be a better man in all respects: a better church member, a better father, a better husband, a better citizen, and a better neighbor."

One theory about the origin of Freemasonry is that the organization was developed by the ancient stone masons, who practiced their craft in the construction of King Solomon's Temple. 

Another is that it originated with the Knights Templar.  who provided protection to religious pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. It was rumored that the Templars possessed the treasures of King Solomon. As a result, King Philip IV (along with the Catholic Church) became jealous of the Templars' wealth and growing power. Paranoia set in, and the Templars were rounded up and slaughtered. This took place on Friday, October 13th, 1307... a most foreboding Friday the 13th indeed!

Some believe the origin of Freemasonry began during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild of skilled stonemasons who built cathedrals and castles for bishops and kings of that age. 

While no records exist, today's version of Freemasonry probably began in England during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. By 1700, numerous Masonic lodges were in existence throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.