What is the purpose of Freemasonry?

Today, “Freemasons are a social and philanthropic organization meant to make its members lead more virtuous and socially oriented lives,” says Margaret Jacob, professor of history at University of California, Los Angeles, and author of Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe.

How did the Freemasons influence the American Revolution?

Although the Masonic fraternity played no part in the Revolutionary War, it can easily be shown that in many ways the revolutionary ideals of equality, freedom, and democracy were espoused by the Masonic fraternity long before the American colonies began to complain about the injustices of British taxation.

Who started the Freemason?

The first American Mason lodge was established in Philadelphia in 1730, and future revolutionary leader Benjamin Franklin was a founding member. There is no central Masonic authority, and Freemasons are governed locally by the order’s many customs and rites.

Was there a masonry in the Ottoman Empire?

Masonry’s activities in the Ottoman Empire and later in Turkey must be considered from this perspective. The lodge acted like a propaganda machine, making the fight against religion its mission. When different phases of Masonry’s history in Turkey are examined, an interesting picture emerges.

Why did the Masons close their lodges?

In 1935, president Ataturk ordered the closure of the lodges, on the grounds that they were destructive institutions run from abroad, and so Masonry entered a period of hibernation. But during these 13 years of “sleep,” the Masons continued with their activities in the Halkevi Community Centers.

When did the Masons become more active in the UK?

In the years between 1948 and 1966, Masonic activities intensified, but in two distinct branches: the Scottish and the French rites. The final period began in 1966 and leads up to the present day, wherein the two branches are increasingly more active and better organized.

Why do the Masons hibernate?

In 1935, president Ataturkordered the closure of the lodges, on the grounds that they were destructive institutions run from abroad, and so Masonry entered a period of hibernation. But during these 13 years of “sleep,” the Masons continued with their activities in the Halkevi Community Centers.