What is Freemasonry?

It is the worlds oldest extant fraternal organization, as well as educational and moral society. It has a long history spanning back to at least the end of the seventeenth century, sprouting from the operative masonic guilds in England and the European continent. As the age of large cathedral building came to a close after the protestant revolution, men of other classes with no operative experience began to join, known as 'Accepted Masons.' In 1717, the four remaining operative Lodges in London met and formed the Premier Grand Lodge of England, forever placing our fraternity on a course to be the 'Premier' association for men of good repute to meet together in harmony and for the betterment of society.