Freemason

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

a member of an ancient secret order or fraternity now designated as "Free and Accepted Masons." order is of such ancient origin that even the derivation of its name is in doubt. The most reasonable theory is that the name owes its origin to the practice of the ancient masons of giving the passed apprentice his freedom as he was sent forth to seek employment on some great and worthy structure in process of erection to complete his mechanical education. It was early in the 17th century that the word was first used in the sense in which it is now universally understood. At that time the ancient guilds of practical masons began to admit as a mark of especial esteem certain worthy persons whom it was intended to honor, not regular members of the guild through apprenticeship and occupation. To these was given the appellation "accepted." They were afterward given the title of "freemasons." In the year 1717 J. T. Desaguliers, a man of scientific knowledge and attainments, brought a number of scattered "lodges " or guilds of London "Grand Lodge," and it is to this ancient under a single jurisdiction called the and august body that all the regular lodges of the ancient craft to-day trace th Lodge in America was established at their origin. The first Provincial Grand 1734, was made Grand Master over all Boston in 1733 by Henry Price, who, in North America. The order has atthe world, and especially in the United tained a remarkable growth throughout grand lodges of these two countries for States and Canada, the returns of the 1919 showing 2,056,596 members. of Stephenson co., Ill.; on the Pecatonica