History of The Masonic Order

Modern Freemasonry evolved over the centuries from the operative masons who, in the Middle Ages, built the glorious Gothic cathedrals in Europe, many of which still stand today

These cathedral builders formed themselves into Lodges after which modern lodges are patterned. With the sharp decrease in the number of cathedrals, monasteries and other similar structures being built after the Reformation, operative masons and their lodges became fewer in number.

In the 17th century many of these lodges opened their doors to men of culture and social standing who were not working masons at all but who were attacted to membership in the Lodges because of their interest in architecture and the methods employed by working masons in solving the intricate problems connected with great building projects.

As the years passed, these speculative Masons grew in number and by the early 18th century they dominated the Lodges. On Jume 24, 1717 representatives of four old Lodges met in the London area and formed a Grand Lodge. Soon after this the membership converted completely to a speculative group.

Other lodges became affiliated with the Grand Lodge and the movement grew steadily.

Masons moving from the Old World to America brought with them their love for the Order and in 1733 the Grand Lodge of England appointed a Provincial Grand Master in New England. On July 30, 1733, the first official Lodge in North America was formed in Boston.

Masonry gradually spead to all parts of the New World. With the Revolutionary War secuting Americas independencefrom England, Masons in this country desired Masonic independence as well from the Grand Lodge of England and this came about in due course.

Freemasonry was brought to Ohio by Capt. Jonathan Heart when he moved American Union Army Lodge to Marietta. He formally opened this Lodge in Marietta on June 28, 1790. Thus American Union Army Lodge became, and is now, American Union Lodge No. 1 under the Grand Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio was formed when representatives of six Ohio Lodges met in Chillicothe on the first Monday in January 1809.

Local or subordinate Lodges are organizations empowered by the Grand Lodge to confer degrees and to conduct such work and activities as are pertinent to the operations of the Lodge. Such authority is conferred by a Charter issued by the Grand Lodge or a dispensation issued by the Grand Master. These subordinate Lodges are governed in their actions by laws laid down in the Grand Lodge Code and by its own by-laws.

_________________________

What Masonry Is -

- It is a voluntary association of men.

- It is a system of moral conduct.

- It Is a way of life.

- It is a fraternal society.

- It is religious in its character.

- It teaches the Golden Rule.

- It seeks to make good men better.

- It teaches morality through symbolism.

- It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.

- It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and th Immortality of the Soul

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a fraternal, benevolent and educational Order. It teaches the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Its members believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. It is a system of morality based on the Sacred Law.

The Constitution of the Order specifies that a belief in Deity is one vital requirement for membership. Thus no atheist or agnostic can become a Freemason. Every Lodge opens and closes with benefit of prayer and a deep and sincere reverance for Deity is manifest in all Masonic ceremonies.

On the other hand, a member is never questioned about his personal religious beliefs. Thus within the Fraternity are found Christians, Jews, Moslems, Budhists, and those of other monotheistic faths; meeting and working together in perfect harmony.

Freemasonry upholds laws and constitutional government. It inculcates into its members the highest moral and religious principals. It preaches patriotism and teaches toleration.

Some have thought of Freemasonry as a secret society. It is not. A secret society is one whose members hide the fact that they belong to it and even the fact that the organization exists.

Freemasons on the contrary, make no secret of their affiliation with the Order and announcements of Masonic meetings appear frequently in the press and on electronic media.

If you want to know more,

ASK A MASON.

__________________

About Temperance Lodge

Temperance Lodge was chartered in 1826. The name "Temperance" was probably selected by W.Bro. Wm Fielding reflecting his life-long dedication to this virtue, W.B. Fielding was the first Master of Temperance Lodge and seved in that capacity on four different occasions totaling thirty-one years of service.

Temperance Lodge met in several locations over the years moving to the present building at Miami and Poplar Streets in Sidney in 1931.

___________________

What Masonry is NOT-

- It does not solicit membership

- It is not an insurance or benefit society

- It is neither a religion or a creed nor a religious order.

-It is not a charity organization but makes charity a duty.

- It is not organized for proifit.

- It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.

- It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics.

- It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs.

- It is not a secret society as it does not conceal its existence or purposes.

\