There are many myths and theories about Freemasonry and it becomes difficult to distinguish between what’s a myth and what’s the truth.
Throughout the many years of Freemasonry, rumors have brought about plenty of wrong information, misguided accusations, and all-around “illiteracy” about the Craft.
This is why today, we’d like to share some (truthful) facts and trivia about Freemasonry which I’m sure you will find interesting.
Some may come as a surprise and others you may already know but nevertheless, we hope you enjoy this article.
12 Quick Facts About The Freemasons (Explained Below):
#01: Organized Freemasonry is over 300 years old.
#02: The infamous 3rd degree of a Master Mason did not exist before the 1700s.
#03: The Anderson’s Constitution prohibits atheists from joining Freemasonry.
#04: Yes, Charles Darwin was a Freemason (& so was his family)
#05: Freemasons played an influential role in the age of enlightenment.
#06: Freemasonry is founded on equality declaring all men as equals.
#07: Stonemasons often used “masonic symbols” because of illiteracy (not to keep secrets).
#08: The Square & Compasses are the most universally recognized symbol of Freemasonry.
#09: The commonly used term “on the level” is derived from Freemasonry.
#10: During the American civil war, enemy soldiers who recognized each other as Masons helped saved each other’s lives.
#11: Freemasonry can not be categorized as a cult because Freemasonry does not recruit members.
#12: In 1892, the tallest structure in the world was a Masonic temple.
Fact #1: 300+ Years Of Freemasonry
The conventional establishment of Freemasonry dates back to 1717 when the Grand Lodge of London emerged on 24th June.
It was the emergence of this Grand Lodge that marked the beginning of Grand Lodges governing other lodges.
Fact #2: The Third Degree Of Freemasonry
The third degree did not exist in the beginning of Freemasonry.
In fact, it only started in the 1720s, and it took quite some time to spread through Masonic lodges.
Continue Reading:
Fact #3: The Anderson’s Constitution
The Grand Lodge of England modified Anderson’s Constitution in 1815 to clarify the question of religion in Freemasonry.
The Anderson’s Constitution originally stated that a Freemason can “never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious libertine”, but later was modified to “let a man’s religion or mode of worship be what it may”, professing freedom of religion and of worship.
Continue Reading:
Fact #4: Charles Darwin Was A Freemason
Charles Darwin was a Freemason! Darwin became a Freemason in Scotland, and his grandfather and son were also Freemasons.
Fact #5: Freemasonry In The 1700s
Freemasons played a great part in the Enlightenment. In the late 1700s, they helped reform society.
Since the beginning, Freemasonry has valued human consciousness and reason, and these values were transmitted to the Enlightenment when people were fighting for the freedom of worship and speech, public education, and a democratic government.
Continue Reading:
Fact #6: All Men Are Created Equal
Freemasons were also the first advocates of equality.
The fraternity has always disregarded social distinctions and was one of the first organizations in the world to believe that all men are equal.
Fact #7: The Origins Of Masonic Symbols
Freemasonic symbols are usually regarded as existing because of the secrecy of the fraternity.
However, in reality, Freemasonry was illustrated by symbols because, in the very beginning, most stonemasons were illiterate, thus the symbols served to remind the members of the teachings of the Fraternity.
Continue Reading:
Fact #8: The Square & Compasses
The oldest Masonic symbol is the square and compasses.
It is also the most universally recognized symbol of Freemasonry, even though its exact significance varies in different countries.
The Square usually symbolizes morality, while the Compasses symbolize the wisdom of conduct.
Together they mostly symbolize the harmony and perfection experienced when one lives in honesty and follows the path of righteousness.
Continue Reading:
Fact #9: “On The Level”
The term “on the level”, which was used to describe someone who is truthful and honest, was actually derived from Freemasonry, where the “level” symbolizes being straightforward and truthful.
Continue Reading:
Fact #10: Freemasonry In The American Civil War
During the American civil war, enemy soldiers who recognized each other as Freemasons helped each other and saved each other’s lives.
Even during the war, these Freemasons’ loyalty to the craft did not fade away.
Continue Reading:
Fact #11: Is Freemasonry A Cult?
While Freemasonry is often considered a cult, there are actually quite a few components that separate it from other know cults.
First of all, to become a Freemason a man has to ask a Freemason, while members of a cult are always looking for new recruits.
It is also very easy to leave Freemasonry. On the other hand, once part of a cult, it can be extremely difficult to leave.
Fact #12: The Tallest Building In The World
In 1892, a Masonic building spread out over 22 floors used to be the world’s tallest building.
The Masonic Temple in Illinois, Chicago, was the tallest building in the world at the time it was built. See a list of famous Masonic temples here.
Continue Reading:
Want More Masonic Facts?
If you’d like to learn more about Freemasonry and its history, I recommend you check out our new book:
This covers Freemasonry in much more detail and shares a few previously-unknown facts which even the most experienced of Masons probably never heard about.
If you’d like to see more, you can download our new book from this page here.
This was very cool to read. My father was a Freemason and he passed away when I was 12..I would constantly ask him questions when I was young..but he would never tell! My mom was in Eastern Star and I was in Rainbow.
Hey Kirsty ! 🙂
You must be so proud of your family.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. We want to make this site interesting to everybody not just freemasons. I hope you found us interesting 🙂
-MF
Can I join as freemason?
Yes of course. If you’re over 21, male, of good moral standing and believe in a supreme being.
Let us know if you need any help.
You don’t join, you’re accepted
Good point!
2b1ask1
very interesting,… Darwin a mason. one of the main precepts of the craft is belief in a creator. before reading this tidbit about Darwin I always knew that of coarse evolution is logical, but, the vary act of life and existence itself most certainly confirms the hand of God / the creator
in other words. “Darwin’s Theory of Evolution” does not debunk God in the slightest, rather it expands upon the fact of a Grand Design
Why are the Freemasons only men, yet the Eastern Star is both men and women? Aren’t there any organizations for women only?
Hey Shana. Yes Co-masonry does exist. Read our post on “Women In Freemasonry” for more information.
Greetings,
Do you have a source for Darwin’s involvement in Freemasonry? It would be much appreciated. Thank you.
No but we’re looking into it. Thanks for brining it up! 😀
Very informative but I do believe there is more to it than this. I know there is more to everything in life, as would like to be something more in it for me I feel I was destined to be so much more. I feel I could help others out more in life.
Hi,
Great facts about The Craft, the only one I didn’t agree with being on the list was the one about cults. Being a Freemason, I understand perfectly well that we have absolutely nothing to do with cults but the fact that we need to list that “we are not a cult”, makes it sound like we aren’t a cult but we might be in the same ballpark. I don’t know if what I’m saying makes sense or coming out the right way on screen. Anyway, not to be a pain in the butt it’s just there could be something more positive to write instead of “not a cult”. It’s like writing (and I am exaggerating here) a list of interesting facts about someone and one of them being “he is not a killer”. That’s all. Have a great weekend!
I understand your point Steve. Thank you very much for sharing. 🙂
How can I be accepted as a freemason?
I’m very interested but I’m not home I working in overseas for oil company in the field will be back home in December 2023
Best regards
Joe Pitek
Another difference between Freemasonry and the various cults is that we have no Leader who controls our thoughts, words and deeds. Our leaders are democratically elected every year or two, and they are bound by our constitutions and by-laws.
Hi Masonic find,
I had, and always have been fascinated by the masonic movement. How can I join this fraternity?
Best regards,
Joel
I have a Freemasonry in my blood
And I love it
Where is Illinois, Chicago? 😉
I want to join very interested but I don’t know how to join I live in Beckley,WV
2b1ask1
Being a new brother myself i found this very interesting. It has lots of info id love to explore and expand on. Thanks so much!
I just happened on this site – reading the info gives me so much hope that there are younger men and women who are interested in Free Masonary – Eastern Star – Rainbow Girls – Demolay Boys.I wish you were all closer by! As WM of Eastern Star we are struggling for membership. We need younger blood to carry the organizations into the future but we also need to make. Rainbow Girls helped me grow into a confident young woman . I am researching how far back Masonary has been in all sides of my family. I so want to learn more of offices they held, what their goals were etc. So far I have some descendents back in the early 1800’s – In Star Love
Thank you for allowing me to view this, it was truly humbling top see and i truly believe an honnour for the acceptance and welcoming into a Brotherhood of such
Bless You all
Goose
I understand that African Amercans and white americans stii join different lodges. I understand that the division is a thing of the 18th century…but they are still separate? How Masonic is this? Do the “white” and Prince Hall even co-operate?