a Brief history of free masonry |
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A Brief History of World Wide Freemasonry
Due to a lack of verifiable documentation the precise origins of Freemasonry are hotly contested. Currently, the most widely held belief is that modern Freemasonry evolved out of Stonemasons guilds in 17th century England. This theory, supported by the United Grand Lodge of England and the premier Masonic research bodies, proposes that these operative guilds began to admit non operative (or speculative) members for the further spread of their moral and spiritual ideals.
There is considerable, though by no means conclusive, evidence to suggest that Masonic lodges more recognizable to the modern Freemason were in existence in Scotland as much as a century earlier and the earliest text claimed to be of Masonic origin, The Regius Manuscript, has been dated as early as 1390 CE.
Founding the first Grand Lodge
In the mean time, the popularity of Freemasonry was spreading internationally. Grand Lodges were formed in Ireland in 1725 and Scotland in 1736. By the 1730’s Freemasonry had also been exported to the British Colonies in North America and, after the American Revolution, Grand Lodges began to form in each of the American states.
Freemasonry in Australia Freemasonry was brought to Australia by military lodges granted traveling warrants and the first Lodge established and resident in Australia is The Australian Social Lodge No 260IC which held its first meeting on 4th of January, 1820 in Sydney.
During the 1890’s a French journalist going by the pseudonym Leo Taxil published a series of pamphlets and books charging Freemasonry with various wild allegations including conspiracy and devil worship. On April 19, 1897, Taxil revealed that the publications had been part of a elaborate series of hoaxes he had conducted. Records say he was mobbed by his audience and had to be removed by police. Despite his revelation Taxil’s works are often the foundation of anti-Masonic claims to this day.
On January 8th, 1934, the German Ministry of the Interior under Adolf Hitler ordered the complete dismantling of Freemasonry, the destruction of Masonic Lodges and the incarceration of convicted Freemasons in concentration camps. Freemasons were forced to wear an inverted Red Triangle to identify themselves as political prisoners. It is estimated that between 80 000 and 200 000 Freemasons were murdered under the Nazi Regime.
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Becoming a mason |
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Becoming a Freemason at Fforest Lodge. Fforest lodge is a progressive and growing lodge that has a well recognised reputation for some of the best work in South Wales,this makes us your ideal choice to start your Masonic journey. It is important to know that Freemasonry is a voluntary, fraternal organisation, composed of men of good will, good character and good reputation, who believe in an Almighty Creator that practice the spirit of universal brotherhood to man. Obviously getting to know us, and importantly, us getting to know you is an aspect of freemasonry in our lodge that is respected. At this stage you have obviously been doing your research and may have many questions. Typically we get to know each applicant on a social level first, and as we regularly meet on a monthly basis (Except August) we have found this an ideal opportunity to get to know each other, this is also a good way for you to ask any questions you may have. We have a very dedicated group of members that strive to grow and keep Fforest Lodge a well respected and growing lodge of premier reputation. To find out more about becoming a member of Fforest Lodge contact our Secretary via the Contact's page.
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Lodge Meetings
Fforest Lodge will meet on the second Thursday of the Month.
Fforest Lodge of Instruction and Rehearsal will be on the first and second Tuesday of the month with the Officer's meeting on the third Tuesday.
Lodge News
We are pleased to announce that building work has started on Fforest Lodge and are very hopeful that the works will be completed by the end of the year.