Freemasonry is one of the oldest existing fraternities in the world, with origin theories dating them back as far as 3000 years B.C.. The first known printed mention of Freemasonry dates back 1390 A.D. with the Halliwell or Regis poem. Masonry in its present form, Speculative Masonry, dates back to the Grand Lodge of the world in 1717 A.D. in London, England. It is a secret society that has no secrets, that does not hide its buildings, disguise its emblems, nor does it trumpet its acts of charity and service.
The rites of Freemasonry are steeped in the basics of geometry and faith, the concept of both of which caused great social change as new ideas for structures, including concepts of the structure of the universe, arose, as well as also great social distress as the concepts of spirituality were challenged during the European Renaissance.
The goal of a Mason is to be a better man and to make his community a better place. Men raised in Masonry must guard the moral character, protect the weak, and help the helpless. It makes sense, then, that a society that is able to make moral character and charity consistently rewarding has survived and drawn so many to it.
Masonry has been present in America since it's foundation. Central figures, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock and were Freemasons. During the Civil War, Freemasons fought for both sides, Union General George B. <SNIP>
