Masonry (or Freemasonry) is the oldest fraternity in the world, although the exact age of it is unknown because the actual origins have been lost in time. Masonry is a disciplined and systematic course of self-improvement based on a Golden Rule: “Always do to others what you would like them do to you.” Masonry is a “secret” organization that appear to be harmless gatherings and they promote belief in God and is usually associated with Christianity, however it is not similar at all. The difference is, that the only belief requirement is not that one must believe in one god, but rather, in the existence of a “Supreme Being,” which includes gods of Islam, Hinduism and any other world religion. Masons are spiritual and moral men who choose to associate with groups with similar thinking patterns for mutual benefit. Masons are allowed follow their own path as long as it coincides with the ethical principles of integrity outlined with Masonry.
It is uncertain how Masonry formed, although a theory was it arose from stonemasons’ guilds who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages and were influenced by the Knights Templar, a group of Christian warrior monks formed in 1118. The language and symbols used in the fraternity’s rituals come from this era. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization in England when the first “Grand Lodge” was formed. A Grand Lodge is the administrative body in charge of Masonry in a certain geographical area. Four lodges in London formed a United Grand Lodge of England and standardized the ritual on the three symbolic degrees Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. George Washington was a Mason and Benjamin Franklin served as the head of the fraternity in Pennsylvania. Also, during the 1800s and early 1900s, Masonry grew increasingly. 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.
Masonry is a fraternal organization that preaches brotherly love, relief, and truth. The only requirements for Masonic membership are sound mind and body and belief in a Supreme Being. Members should be kind, tolerant, respectful, and help those who are suffering.
In A Study In Pink, connections between Brigham Young and Enoch Drebber that Drebber was indeed a Mason. Drebber fled to Salt Lake City after a conflict, which is the city where Masonry first established. After his death, there was a gold ring found in his pocket, which was a masonic device. Those carrying such object is considered a Mason.
Although Sherlock Holmes was never truly said to be a Mason, he surely portrays characteristics of one. Sherlock Holmes is considered as a Freemason, because of his detailed knowledge of the fraternity and his core values align with those of Masons as well. He is obsessed with looking at details and finding the truth behind all problems. Although he is considered lonely and has no friends except for Watson, he devotes his life to the safety of him and those who he deeply loves. This is a perfect example of a quality that a Freemason would have.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle entered into Freemason on January 26th, 1887, at the Phoenix lodge in Hampshire when he was 27 years old. He originally came to find elements of his his spirituality which occupied his mind. During Doyle’s initiation, he became great friends with a man with the name of Dr James Watson, of which his name has been used in the Sherlock series. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle resigned Masonry in 1889, rejoined in 1902, and left again permanently in 1911.
Sources:
"Masonic Papers" by W.Bro. Yasha Berensinerhttp://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/oct06/meaning%20and%20purpose.htmhttp://themastersmasons.homestead.com/masons.htmlhttp://www.saintsalive.com/resourcelibrary/freemasonry/facts-about-the-masonic-lodgehttp://www.msana.com/historyfm.asphttp://grandlodge.on.ca/home/about-freemasonry/who-are-masons.html
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