Who are Masons?

Not so long ago the general public became aware of the existence of an unspoken organization of Masons, which has been functioning for more than one century. What is this association? Who are Masons? What goals do they pursue? There are a lot of questions about this. We will try to answer the most important of them.

How did Masonry appear?

This movement, which is of a religious and ethical nature, originated in England in the 18th century, and later spread to the United States, India and European states. This doctrine united people into brotherhood through love, mutual aid and equality. It is believed that Freemasonry is an order, since it is an organized society of people.

In 1717, England created the "Great Lodge" - the cradle of the brotherhood. She leads all organizations of Masonic society, located in different countries. Six years later, James Anderson, a preacher from London, creates a "Book of Charters" that defines the basic rules of conduct for members of the organization. According to this Mason should not be an atheist or freethinker, he is forbidden to take part in political movements. He must fully and fully support the current government.

Who are Masons?

This association has gained wide popularity in the circles of the bourgeoisie, quite often the leading thinkers of that time became its participants. Over time, Freemasonry has acquired an aristocratic character, especially this trend is noticeable in European countries. Who are Masons? These are people who are striving for spiritual growth and moral self-improvement in the framework of certain principles and beliefs.

In the ranks of the Order there were such famous personalities as the Prussian kings Frederick II and III, the Swedish monarch Gustav III, the English crowned persons. Among the Masons there were some US presidents (Washington, Truman, etc.), statesmen (Churchill), famous philosophers, writers and composers (Goethe, Haydn, Voltaire, Mozart).

What were the goals of the Order?

Their goal is to do everything possible to improve this world qualitatively.

The organization opposed itself to the functioning church. She sought to create a secret society whose members, united by religious fraternal ties, live and work in accordance with their intended goals.

The Order did not seek to replace religion, it did not publish theological works. At the meetings of the society, discussions on religious topics were strictly forbidden. With all this, faith in God is the basis of their principles and teachings.

Activities of the Brotherhood

Having dealt with the question of who are Masons, it is impossible not to mention the main direction of their activities. Members of the society take an active part in charity, they are engaged in patronage, but do not advertise themselves.

Hierarchy

Members of the organization are united on a territorial basis, forming small lodges of 40-50 people each. They call each other brothers. All groups of the Order in aggregate form the Great Lodge. Its head and leader is a great master or grandmaster. Usually there is a Grand Lodge in every country.

The lowest level in the hierarchical ladder of the order is a pupil. Then comes the apprentice, then comes the master, and, after all, the great master.

Russian Masons

The founders of the Order in Russia are Tsar Peter and his associates. In the forties of the 18th century, General John Keith organized several lodges, the first members of which were foreigners. However, soon the number of Russian bourgeois, representing the Order of Masons, increased significantly.

In 1822, under the decree of Alexander I, the lodges were closed. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Masonic movement in Russia revived, but under a new name - "The Great East of France" and had a pronounced political character. Since 1917, lodges have been banned altogether.