Masonic Scholars are not able to point with certainty at a time when the Masonic Craft was born. We know that the history and tradition goes beyond extant written records; and we do know that some of the ancient mysteries of Egypt, Greece and the Orient highly influenced the ceremonies Masons still use today. The ceremonies we continue were designed to test men, to allow only those who are judged worthy to be admitted to enter the Lodge.
In the middle ages Masons who were called Operative Masons (craft Masons who actually practiced their trade) formed and maintained groups with structures quite similar to how the Lodge is run today. The officers and stations were just like ours, and young men were admitted only after they had served an acceptable apprenticeship. This is the origin of the first degree, the Entered Apprentice Degree, through which all men who petetion for membership in the Masonic Order must still qualify themselves.Over the many years of Masonic history when Operative Masons actually performed the physical labor of building, they preserved the secrets of their craft, and the methods used in building the best of structures. Subsequently as other men who were not physical builders wished to be accepted into the craft because they identified with the high moral values and philosophy of the organization, the men judged worthy through examination were accepted into the craft. They were called Speculative Masons... spiritual builders, rather than physical builders.
Modern speculative Freemasonry, as we know it today, owes its structure to the first Grand Lodge of London, organized in 1717.
We are fortunate to have some very good internet sources for our inquiry about Masonic history. Follow any of the internet hyperlinks that are of interest. After you read each of the following linked items, click the "back" button to return to this page.
