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Celebrating 150 Years of Freemasonry in Ontario
1855 - 2005
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest
world-wide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being. Although somewhat of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not in itself a religion, nor is it intended to be a substitute for religion. In fact, religion is a topic that is never to be discussed at our meetings. However, it urges its members to be faithful to their own religious beliefs.
The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, each sovereign unto itself within its jurisdiction. There is no overall Grand Lodge governing all others.
However, to be acknowledged and accepted by others, acceptable traditions, standards, and practices must be maintained.
In our Province the governing body is called
The Grand Lodge of Canada in The Province of Ontario.
It is under the leadership of a Grand Master. He presides over the 57,000+ Masons who belong to one or more of the 600+ lodges in our jurisdiction. Each of these lodges is under the direction of a Master who is titled the "Worshipful Master".
Any man who becomes a Mason is taught a pattern for living: reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability and compassion. He must be prepared to honour his country, uphold its laws and respect its leaders and those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honourable relations with others and be willing to participate in his Lodge's activities and to make a contribution to the well-being of the craft.
History of The Craft
Freemasonry was officially established on June 24th, 1717 when four lodges in London, England came together at a public house to form into a Grand Lodge. They elected Mr. Anthony Sayer, as the first Grand Master of the first Grand Lodge in the world. Initially, the Grand Lodge was simply an annual get together and feast for lodges in London. In 1721, after the election of The Duke of Montague as the Grand Master, the Grand Lodge began to meet on a quarterly basis and began to take on a more regulatory function, by attracting to it other lodges that met outside London.
By 1730 the Grand Lodge had over 100 lodges in England and Wales under its control and had begun to spread Freemasonry abroad by warranting lodges in India and Spain.
For historical reasons separate Grand Lodges were formed in Ireland (1725) and Scotland (1736). Between them the 'home' Grand Lodges took Freemasonry around the globe. From the 1730's onward, lodges were formed wherever the British Empire had interests; in Europe, the West Indies, the Americas, and India.
From that first Grand Lodge in England, Freemasonry has spread its benign influence throughout the world. Today there are over 150 Grand Lodges in all parts of the world, with a total membership of over four million men.
It was spread by settlers and farmers, seafarers, military men, traders, lumbermen, and fishermen.
Henceforth, the story moves its focus to Upper Canada and the formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
What Do Freemasons Do ?
Our traditions can be traced back directly to associations or guilds of operative stonemasons and tradesmen.
They were men of outstanding skill, character, and ideals, who built the cathedrals, castles and abbeys of the Middle Ages. With the decline of cathedral and castle building in the 17th century, many guilds of operative masons, to preserve their numbers, began to accept into their ranks, those who were not members of the stonemasons or craft guilds. These were called "Accepted" or "Speculative" Masons, and were accorded all of the rights and privileges of operative Masons.
It was from these groups, called Lodges, comprised mainly of "Accepted" Masons, that Freemasonry as we know it today had its origins.
As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men from all walks of life to meet and enjoy companionship in a spirit of friendship and brotherly love. It is guided by strict moral principles, and encourages goodwill toward all mankind.
Freemasonry is of a personal nature in its private ceremonies. Its rituals dramatize a philosophy of life based on morality. It promotes self improvement. The actual tools of operative Masons are used to symbolize and teach the principles of brotherly love, truth and charity which all Masons are encouraged to practice in their daily lives.
Charity is a tangible way in which Masons help those whose circumstances in life may fairly warrant it, Masons and non-Masons alike.
How Do I Learn More ?
Much more information including audio and video presentations are available at our Grand Lodge web-site The Grand Lodge of Canada in The Province of Ontario. which we encourage you to visit.
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