Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1884 — Freemasonry. [ARTICLE]

Freemasonry.

Some of the traditions of the Masonic order ascribe its origin to the time of Solomon, and even earlier—to the days of the flood. It is certain, however, that modern Freemasonry sprang up during the Middle Ages, probably about the’ tenth century, when certain craft-guilds were formed. It served important purposes in the erection of the great cathedrals of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, when masons and other craftsmen required in the erection and decoration of these buildings, collected from different parts of Europe, dwelt in huts around them, and established chosen masters at the head. The adjective “free” was prefixed to the name of the order because its members were exempted by papal and royal edicts from burdens imposed upon other laboring classes. Like other guilds, the masons were bound to certain religious observances. Modern Freemasoury originated in England and Scotland; it was introduced into Franeejn 1725, into Russia m 1731, and into Germany in 1740. Now Grand Lodges exist in almost every city and town of civilized and semi-civilized countries. In later times Freemasonry became obnoxious to the Romish Chui'cli, and it has been prohibited by the Pope in Austria, Poland, Russia, and Spain. Ladies were excluded from the order in its early history when none but men followed tbe masonic craft and actual working men were admitted, and tbe force of custom debars them still. Four Presidents have been Masons-—Washington, Jackson, Johnson, and Garfield. — Inter-Ovtan,