HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY:
The true origins of Freemasonry have for centuries been the topic of much debate. It is generally accepted among most modern Masonic historians that our Fraternity found it's beginnings in the medieval operative stonemason guilds that built the great cathedrals and castles. Over time these lodges of operative masons began to accept non-masons into their fold, giving us our current title of Free & Accepted Masons.
Organized Freemasonry as we know it today was established in London on June 24th, 1717 when four local lodges gathered at the Goose & Gridiron Ale House and formed the United Grand Lodge of England electing Br. Anthony Sayer as their first Grand Master. Freemasonry came to America exactly 14 years later with the formation of the St. John's Lodge of Philadelphia on June 24, 1731. The repetition of the date June 24th is not mere coincidence. June 24th is the feast day of St. John the Baptist, one of the patron Saints of Masonry, the other being St. John the Evangelist. While we consecrate our Lodges to the honor and glory of God, we dedicate them to the memory of the Holy Saints John; and the building itself is dedicated to Freemasonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence.
Although Freemasonry has evolved over the years its one true aim has remained the same, to make good men better. Its philosophy is taught through a system of degrees or morality plays, allegory and symbolism and focuses on the three tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Today there are over 4 million members of Masonic Lodges worldwide. The North American Lodges alone donate almost $2 Million daily to causes that range from children's hospitals, local community service and care to Masons and their families.