Freemasonry (part 7)

Author: Abu Raef

Freemasonry (part 7)

The Early Operative Period (715 BCE – 1717 CE)

In the previous section, we stated that Freemasonry passed through two major phases. We now examine the first phase, namely the “early (operative) period,” which extended from the beginning of the eighth century BCE until the eighteenth-century CE.

Major Characteristics and Events of This Period

Establishment of the First Masons’ Schools

The Roman ruler Numa Pompilius (the second king of Rome), during the period from 715 BCE to 673 BCE, established the first schools dedicated to practitioners of the building craft. These institutions were known as the Masons’ Schools and consisted of three ranks:

• Apprentices

• Companions

• Masters

In these schools, the secrets of the craft were taught through symbols and signs so that no one except members could become aware of them. At that time, this profession was considered a secret craft and held a special status. [1]

Because of their importance to colonial objectives, these schools enjoyed privileges and authorities that placed them among the highest state institutions and under the direct supervision of the ruler. Colonial authorities used them to expand their political influence and to spread their architectural culture and building traditions in occupied lands. [2]

Thus, although these schools were professional in nature, they were in reality political tools for expanding power and influence. They grew as the Roman Empire expanded and declined as it weakened.

At one point, a group of Jewish engineers lived in Rome under the protection of the ruler. He permitted them to join the Masons’ Schools, marking the beginning of the transfer of Jewish teachings and symbols into this community. [3]

From the middle of the first century CE until 280 CE, the condition of the Masons’ Schools declined due to neglect by rulers and even persecution, especially when many masons converted to Christianity. As a result, the masons were forced to establish branches under cover names such as “Society of Arts.”

In 287 CE, a Roman commander gained control over Britain and declared independence there. He restored the privileges of the masons and added the title “Free” to their name. From that time onward, they became known as the “Free Masons” (Freemasons), and the city of York in Britain became the center of their assemblies and gatherings. [4]

This development indicates that the name “Masons” or “Freemasons” existed in Britain as early as the third century CE (although their major expansion occurred in the seventh and thirteenth centuries), as confirmed by non-Masonic researchers. This contradicts claims that the term Freemasonry did not exist before 25 August 1716. [5]

In 926 CE, the heads of Masonic lodges from various parts of Europe gathered in the city of York and agreed upon a set of laws and principles to organize Masonic societies worldwide. These regulations were compiled under the name “The York Regulations,” whose main articles included:

1. Every Mason must honor and respect God and worship Him according to one of the divine Noahide laws.

2. He must be loyal and obedient to the king or ruler of the country in which he resides and must observe honesty among Masonic brethren and others.

3. Every apprentice and companion must obey the master of the craft. A master may not accept an apprentice unless the latter has completed a seven-year period of training and testing. It is forbidden to admit a non-Mason or disclose the secrets of the craft to him. Neither the master nor the companion may receive payment for accepting an apprentice.

4. Every Mason must accept a visiting Masonic brother—if he presents the recognized secret signs—and must assist him to the extent possible if he seeks help.

From the mid-thirteenth century CE, Masonic groups expanded and established lodges in Germany, Italy, France, Scotland, and other European countries. The title “Freemasons” became widely used. [6]

Kings and princes sought honorary leadership positions within these societies. In 1350 CE, the English king Edward III (d. 1377) ordered revisions to parts of the York Regulations and added new articles, the most important of which were:

1. The laws of Freemasonry must be read to a new brother at the time of his initiation.

2. The status of Masonic masters must be investigated, and examinations must be conducted to ensure their loyalty to the fraternity and the king.

   c. When the head of a Masonic lodge meets with his two deputies (known as Wardens), the governor or ruler of the region must be present nearby in case assistance is needed. [7]

These articles clearly indicate a form of security supervision over Masonic masters, as rulers had begun to perceive the danger of the global expansion of Masonic lodges.

In the early sixteenth century CE, some Masonic lodges began to attract thinkers and scholars as “honorary guests.” During this period, political motives became more apparent, while the practical building aspects gradually declined. This marked the beginning of a departure from the traditional operative method. [8]

In 1703 CE, English Masons gathered at St. Paul’s Lodge in London to discuss the decline of operative Masonic societies, which were on the verge of collapse. Attention turned toward transforming Freemasonry from a practical system into a symbolic one—that is, formally admitting individuals who were neither builders nor engineers. Many such individuals had already been accepted informally as honorary members.

It was therefore agreed that the benefits and privileges of Freemasonry would no longer be limited to practicing builders, but would extend to other professions, provided that their admission was formally approved.

However, this decision—known as the “London Regulations”—was never fully implemented due to widespread disagreements among Masons in England, Scotland, and other regions. (9)

To be continued…

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References:

1. Shallash, Ali, Freemasonry in Egypt, p. 21. Center for Contemporary Egyptian Documentation and History, 1993; and History of Secret Societies and Subversive Movements, p. 92.
2. Original Facts in the History of Operative Freemasonry, p. 33.
3. , p. 85.
4. General History of Freemasonry, p. 38.
5. Dispelling the Darkness, or The Origin of Freemasonry, p. 49.
6. Freemasonry Between Its Supporters and Opponents, p. 267.
7. Original Facts in Operative Freemasonry, pp. 57–58; and General History of Freemasonry, p. 52.
8. , p. 52.
9. Freemasonry Between Its Supporters and Opponents, p. 269.