Freemasons
Historical Note
Freemasonry, the secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted Masons, is the largest worldwide secret society. According to masonic teaching, the first lodge was established in 3760 BCE. Early in the eighteenth century, some lodges began to imitate religious orders and medieval brotherhoods. Freemasonry in its present form began in 1717 with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England. The two major rites in British Freemasonry are the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. Since 1813 both rites have been joined under the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry in Catholic countries often has tended to be anticlerical and atheistic, so popes have consistently opposed it.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Grand Lodge of East Jamaica Freemason collection
The Grand Lodge of East Jamaica Freemason collection documents Masonic practice in late-1800s Jamaica. It includes correspondence, membership papers, and other material relating to Herman John Bürger, a Master Freemason in Kingston and Port Royal, as well as notes describing Freemason ceremonies and organizational structure. Also includes a Catholic anti-Masonic pamphlet on secret societies.
Collection is open for research; also available digitally. One fragile item is closed.