When most people think of masonry, they think of brick and stone buildings like castles and cathedrals. However, there’s a lot more to masonry than that! Here are four fascinating facts about this ancient trade that you may not know.
1. The first recorded masons were Egyptian.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are some of the most incredible feats of engineering in human history, and they were built using nothing but bricks, mortar, and human labor. The oldest known surviving masonic document is an Egyptian tomb carving from around 2600 BCE that depicts three men in loincloths working on constructing a wall.
Masonry is an ancient art form that has shaped the world around us in countless ways, from the carefully carved walls of Egyptian tombs to the iconic architecture of European cathedrals. In fact, masonry was so prolific in Ancient Egypt that it is believed to be where it first originated. The earliest recorded examples of masonry are believed to date back to ancient Egypt during the days of the wealthy pharaohs when some of the most impressive feats of engineering were achieved. As far back as 4500 BC, skilled laborers could be found constructing everything from grand stone monuments to decorative trimmings for royal palaces. Even today, many aspects of traditional Egyptian masonry remain relevant and useful; for example, the utilization of geometric shapes and mathematical principles can still be seen in many buildings constructed today. In this way, we pay homage to the ancient Egyptians who first explored and perfected this craft more than 6,000 years ago.
2. The first freemasons were probably French.
The word “freemason” comes from the French phrase “frère maçon,” which means “brother mason.” The first known use of this term dates back to 1375 CE, and it’s believed that the freemasons emerged from the medieval guilds of stoneworkers in France.
It is believed that the first freemasons may have originated in France around 1717 when working stonemasons began to form what was known as traveling guilds. These clubs gave their members access to jobs, housing, and other resources which could help them succeed. In addition, many of these lodges also developed a secret language all their own, featuring words and symbols borrowed from various sources. This shared language was used to ensure the privacy and safe passage of craftsmen traveling from city to city, boosting morale and providing camaraderie amongst masonry workers. Over time, membership in such organizations spread throughout Europe, forming more formal Masonic organizations that developed ethical standards and spiritual philosophies. Although the modern iterations of Freemasonry vary greatly from its original French roots, its continued presence indicates how this art form—and the idea of brotherhood it embraced—managed to survive centuries of cultural change.
3. Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity.
There are an estimated six million freemasons worldwide, and the fraternity has been in existence for centuries. Freemasonry emphasizes charity, morality, and brotherhood and counts some of history’s most famous men among its ranks, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Mozart, and Winston Churchill.
Strangely enough, however, the Freemasons have also been associated with some less-than-savory characters over the years, including Jack the Ripper and the assassins of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.
Freemasonry is a renowned fraternal society with an illustrious history spanning centuries. Originating in the late 1600s, it is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, with over six million members worldwide. Freemasonry emphasizes moral and ethical teachings derived from ancient philosophies, and its members have made noteworthy contributions to charitable causes around the globe. Thanks to its impressive roster of past members, including seminal figures such as Mozart, Sir Alexander Fleming, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill, it has become one of the most famous fraternities in existence. At its core, Freemasonry stands for brotherly love and fellowship, creating a supportive atmosphere where like-minded individuals can come together to share their beliefs and experiences. Its culture of friendship and live long learning continues to profoundly impact its adherents today as much as ever before. Freemasonry remains an institution worth celebrating due to its unparalleled longevity and global appeal that spans diverse lands and cultures. For centuries, Freemasonry has brought about positive change in our world by bringing men of all stations together under common bonds of communal understanding.
4. The Masonic Temple in Pennsylvania is the largest masonry structure in the world.
Construction on the Masonic Temple began in 1868 and wasn’t completed until 1873. The building covers over seven acres of land and contains over 600 rooms, making it one of the largest masonry structures ever built. Today, the Masonic Temple is home to a museum, library, concert hall, dining room, ballroom, and much more.
The Allegheny Masonic Temple in Pennsylvania has a long, historic legacy. Originally built by European immigrants more than 120 years ago, the temple is an enduring reminder of its original architects’ spirit and hard work. Nowadays, it is also recognized as the largest masonry structure in the world—a fact that it is rightly proud of. The expansive building stands tall at 83 meters. It features towering columns and numerous elaborate sculptures that testify to the wealth of talent that went into constructing it all those years ago.
Furthermore, despite its age, considerable efforts have been made to preserve and maintain its structural integrity; indeed, much like Freemasonry, the temple provides a strong foundation upon which to construct. From day visitors to concerts and other events, there’s still plenty of life within its walls—making this remarkable monument one that will surely remain standing for many years to come. The admiration people feel towards this awe-inspiring edifice demonstrates the power of humanity when working together; even a century on from when it was first built, this majestic Masonic Temple stands tall as one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic landmarks. An impressive note on history – both local and international alike – this massive structure is well worth witnessing firsthand one day if you ever have a chance.
From its humble beginnings in ancient Egypt to its modern incarnation as a philanthropic fraternity with millions of members worldwide, masonry has come a long way over the centuries. These four facts provide just a glimpse into this fascinating trade – there’s so much more to learn!