Where did Saint Cloud Florida Freemasonry come from
Where did Saint Cloud Florida Freemasonry come from – The exact origins of Freemasonry remain lost in time. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt and the building of King Solomon’s Temple.
Why “Free” Masons?
During the middle ages most people belonged to a Lord who owned the land they lived and worked on. They weren’t allowed to travel. The masons, due to the nature of their work, were free of this restriction, because they were highly skilled and sought after. Therefore, they were called free masons.
The Transition
Nobody knows exactly when operative masons started the transition into Speculative Masonry (non-working masons using the philosophy of masonry to build a better version of themselves). There are records that date back to the 1500s but it could be older than that.
Over time, the lodges became social clubs, and the principles of building an impressive structure became a roadmap for how to become a better person. Those Masons that weren’t builders were called “Accepted” Masons. And to make things more official, the Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717.
The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These “Accepted” Masons adopted more enlightened philosophies and turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.
Where did Saint Cloud Florida Freemasonry come from
Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was formed.
The first Masonic Lodge was St. John’s Lodge of Boston founded in 1733. Three years later a charter was issued for Ben Franklin to form a Lodge in Philadelphia. And it’s been growing ever since. In 1913, Saint Cloud had its first Past Master Davis H. Gill after serving the brothers in the East for two years.
Hence, modern Masons are referred to as Free and Accepted Masons or F.&A.M.
Thanks for checking out “Where did Saint Cloud Florida Freemasonry come from” written by St. Cloud Lodge No. 221 F. & A. M.
We are the St Cloud Lodge No. 221 Free and Accepted Masons based in the city of St. Cloud in Osceola County Florida. We operate under the jurisdiction of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida.
It is the mission of the St. Cloud Lodge No. 221 F. & A. M., to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of our fraternity, while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country.
Saint Cloud Masonic Lodge meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday – Dinner is at 6:30 pm and our meeting begins promptly at 7:30 pm. If you have any questions call us at (407) 892-3437! Remember to like and follow us on Facebook today.
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