Free Masonry Is Often Called the Worlds Oldest Fraternity

Free Masonry is often called the worlds oldest fraternity. There are a number of different theories as to the origins of the fraternity, many freemasons accept the theory that the fraternity began with the stonemason guilds in England in the 1600's. There are some who believe that the masons of today grew from these beginnings and that operative masons (actual stone workers and builders) accepted new men from all different trades and backgrounds. These non-builders were refered to as speculative masons.

There are some who believe that while the stonemason guilds provided a blueprint for the ritual and teachings that today's speculative lodges were actually invented by the men of the time as a place to get away from the on going poltical and religious turmoil that was abundant througout England and Europe at the time. These early lodges banned any discussion of religion and politics in the lodge (something that still occurs today) and many take this as proof or their motivation to have a place to meet as brothers and equals regardless of religious or political beliefs.

Regardless of what theory any given mason or lodge accepts as to the origin of freemasonry the goals of promoting self and community awareness and the goal of becoming better men and exploring the mysteries of life is common to all masons and masonic organizations. Much of our teachings are allegorical (symbolic) stories based on the building of King Solomon's Temple. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York was formed in 1781. The Town of Brutus Lodge was formed in 1819. It appears that the Town of Brutus Lodge was succeded by the Erie Canal Lodge # 385 on June 2, 1824. After a year of absence during the height of the anti-masonic movement of the time the Weedsport Lodge succeeded the Erie Canal Lodge and was re-issued the same number 385. The Weedsport Masonic Lodge of Free and Accpeted Masons # 385 was charted on June 13, 1856 and has been in consistent practice since then. The Lodge is a Fraternal order of men dedicated to their lodge and their community.

Masonry is not a religion, and men of all types of faith are welcome. However, every masons must declare his belief in a supreme being, also referred to as the supreme architect of the world, as well as the immortality of the soul.