Freemasons For Dummies

All the myths and rumors about Masonic organizations probably have you wondering "what do Masons really do?" Questions like this one are a natural by-product of being the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This book is an ideal starting place to find answers to your questions about the secret and not-so-secret things about Freemasonry.

Now in its third edition, this international best-seller peeks behind the door of your local Masonic lodge and explains the meanings behind the rituals, rites, and symbols of the organization. Along the way the book covers nearly 3,000 years of Masonic history, introduces you to some famous Freemasons you already know from history books, and explains the relationship with related groups like Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star, and the beloved fez-wearing Shriners.

Look inside the book to learn:

• What it takes to become a member of the Freemasons, and what you can expect when you join
• How Lodges are organized and what really goes on during Masonic ceremonies
• The basic beliefs and philosophies of Freemasonry, including how Masons contribute to charity, and society in general
• The origins behind some of the wild myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry and how to debunk (most of) them

Written by a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and the Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana, Freemasons For Dummies is a must-read guide for anyone interested in this ancient fraternal order, whether you''re looking to join or are just curious about some of the more mysterious aspects of Freemasonry.

Introduction 1

About This Book 2

Foolish Assumptions 4

Icons Used in This Book 5

Beyond the Book 6

Where to Go from Here 6

Part 1: What is Freemasonry? 7

Chapter 1: Lodges, Aprons, and Funny Handshakes: Freemasonry 101 9

What Is Freemasonry? 11

What Do Masons Do? 12

Conferring the three degrees 12

Meeting in lodges, blue lodges, craft lodges, and more 13

Wearing aprons (Real men do it!) 14

Keeping “secrets” 15

Performing public ceremonies 16

Providing something for everyone 17

Are [Fill in the Blank] Freemasons, Too? 17

Chapter 2: From Cathedrals to Lodge Rooms: A History of the Freemasons 21

Turning Stonecutters into Gentlemen: Freemasonry before 1700 22

Operative Masons: The great builders 22

Speculative Masons and the big change 29

Building Men: The 1700s 32

Founding the first Grand Lodge 32

Establishing Masonry in America 39

Finding favor and persecution during and after the French Revolution 44

Growing, Changing, and Branching Out: The 1800s 45

Reuniting Antients and Moderns 46

Spreading throughout America 46

Surviving and Surging: The 1900s 52

Relieving social concerns in the early 1900s 53

Being cast as villains and heroes in World War II 53

Growing again post-war 54

Declining in the ’60s 54

Experiencing the 21st Century: More Changes on the Way 55

The Internet 56

Masonic podcasts 56

Popular culture 57

Changes in Masonic practices 57

Traditional Observance lodges 58

University lodges 58

What’s next? 59

Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Freemasonry 61

Defining What Masons Believe In 62

Promoting brotherly love, relief, and truth 62

Adhering to basic principles 64

Establishing a New World Order? 67

Experiencing Mystic Masonry 68

Connecting members through a mystic tie 69

Expressing concepts through symbolism 69

Chapter 4: Pol