GRANDVIEW MASONIC LODGE 

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​No one knows with certainty how or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed. A widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that it arose from the stonemasons’ guilds during the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in the fraternity’s rituals come from this era. The oldest document that makes reference to Masons is the Regius Poem, printed about 1390, which was a copy of an earlier work. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, and records from that point on are more complete.

Within thirty years, the fraternity had spread throughout Europe and the American Colonies. Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. George Washington was a Mason, Benjamin Franklin served as the head of the fraternity in Pennsylvania, as did Paul Revere and Joseph Warren in Massachusetts. Other well-known Masons involved with the founding of America included John Hancock, John Sullivan, Lafayette, Baron Fredrick von Stuben, Nathanael Greene, and John Paul Jones. Another Mason, Chief Justice John Marshall, shaped the Supreme Court into its present form.

Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy. During the late 1700s it was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment: the dignity of man and the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of public education. Masons supported the first public schools in both Europe and America.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, Freemasonry grew dramatically. At that time, the government had provided no social "safety net". The Masonic tradition of founding orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew.

Today in North America, the Masonic Fraternity continues this tradition by giving almost $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children’s hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes.

The four million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow.

What is Freemasonry?

For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? The nature of God and man?

Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols. Not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the universe.

Yet Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or fellow man. Sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, and none is turned away for financial need.

The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness", invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can also lead a better outward life.

Freemasonry is a fraternity. In fact, it is the world's oldest fraternal organization.  that encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.

When did Freemasonry start?

Modern Freemasonry started in England in 1717 when four English Masonic lodges met and formed a "grand lodge" -- a body that would govern all of the lodges and permit new lodges to be formed. However, Freemasonry obviously started before that. With this in mind, no one really knows when Freemasonry started, as there are various evidence that point to numerous times in the past. The Fraternity's origins are basically lost in the mists of time, perhaps to be found in future generations, or otherwise.

Is Freemasonry a Religion? A Secret Society?

To the surprise of many, Freemasonry is not a secret organization. In fact we have very few secrets. There are no secret members. Lodges publish their rosters and clearly identify their locations, meetings, activities, and community involvement. In fact, many Masons regularly wear jewelry and pins that announce their membership in Freemasonry. The world at large is aware of the aims, ideals, and charitable efforts of our organization. Only the individual modes of personal recognition, some of the details of the degrees, and private ballots of members are and must be kept secret.

While we are religious in nature, we are definitely not a religion. In fact, men of all faiths and creeds can and are members of our fraternity. We merely strengthen man's personal belief and covenant with his faith.

What does Freemasonry do for society in the present time?

In North America alone, Freemasonry contributes over two million dollars a day to charitable causes through its various concordant bodies. Must of that assistance goes to people who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The Shrine Masons, known as Shriners, operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers and Programs. The York Rite continues its philanthropy in a variety of charities, including scholarship programs for students, and perform public service activities in their communities