The origin of Freemasonry dates back into antiquity. No. one really knows how old it is. The desire for companionship of fellowmen was probably planted in man’s heart by the Great Architect of the Universe way back since the beginning of the human race. In all ages and in all lands men formed secret societies using initiations, symbols, allegories and secret means of recognition of their members. These secret societies were similar in many respects to Freemasonry although designated differently as, for example, “The Ancient Mysteries” extended back in time over a period of four thousand years before Christ and were to be found in Egypt, India, Greece, Persia, Rome and Britain. The oldest written record of our Order is however a manuscript written as early as in 1390 - nearly six centuries ago - by an unknown brother in England.

This document shows that even then freemasonry was very old. There is also a record of probably the first use of the designation Freemason appearing in the history of the company of Masons of London, England in the year 1375 A.D.

When the 1390 document was written, Freemasons were operatives, that is, they were actual builders or masons who designed, supervised and erected great cathedrals and marvelous structures. Their work required a high degree of skill and genius - a mastery of geometry as well as stonemasonry. A long period of training and severe discipline was required to be fit for such work. Young men were thus apprenticed to some Master Mason for a number of years and were accepted into full membership of the Craft only after establishing their proficiency through exacting tests. This Operative Freemasonry of the Middle Ages was secret and exclusive society or guild of architects and builders formed with a view to shield the secret processes of their art from all who were not workers with them.

A number of Freemasons, working together on a building over a period of years, organized themselves into a Lodge. They met in one of the rooms of the uncompleted structure or in a temporary building. The Lodge was governed by a Master who assisted by Wardens. It also had a Secretary to keep its books and a Treasurer to look after and dispense its funds. A charity chest was kept from which relief was dispensed to the members in case of accident, sickness or distress as well as to the widows and orphans of Master Masons. The members were admitted by initiation.

In short, this organization was in essence what a Freemasons’ Lodge is today.