The roots of the Freemasons lie in the cathedral building lodges of the Middle Ages, in particular in the craft guild of stonemasons (English “Freestone Masons”).
With the decline of cathedral building, these brotherhoods not only included actual craftsmen, but also theoretical “speculative” masons. The possibility of free expression and secrecy within the lodge was probably attractive to many men who were interested in the ideas of the early Enlightenment and humanism.
In 1717, four lodges in London joined together to form a Grand Lodge (in England, lodges are called “lodges”). This is generally referred to as the beginning of modern Freemasonry. In 1723, the Grand Lodge adopted a constitution, the “Old Obligations”. They are still considered the basis of Masonic behavior today.
Over the last 300 years, the idea of Freemasonry has spread worldwide. It sees itself as a friendship association that connects people across ideological, political and social boundaries. Freemasons feel particularly committed to the values of love for humanity, tolerance and brotherhood. Traditionally, it sees itself as an ethically oriented men’s association. To strengthen interpersonal relationships and as a guide to self-knowledge, the lodges use old symbols and rituals from the tradition of European cathedral building lodges.
As a worldly-oriented friendship association with primarily ethical objectives, Freemasonry is not a religious community and does not offer a substitute for religion. It is neither a party nor an interest group and is not a secret society.
The Lodge
Freemasonry is practiced in the individual lodges. In Germany, lodges are usually independent associations registered in the association register. They are united in an umbrella organization, the Grand Lodge. The board is democratically elected. The brothers meet weekly for information events (some of which are public) or for ritual temple work. New members are also accepted at these ceremonial events.