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The origin of the term "Free Mason" can be traced back to the ancient operative Masonic lodges in Europe. At the time the Master Masons possessed knowledge that allowed them to construct high quality stone structures. This knowledge, which in modern days we call Geometry, was so revered that in order to learn it you had to complete a 3 year apprenticeship, after which you would become a Fellow or the Craft and after some time would be entrusted with the Masters word. With the Masters word the would be "Free" to travel and work in different places as they could prove there skill in the craft by giving the Masters word to the foremen of what ever job he was applying at. Once you had the masters word you where free to travel and work, and thus became a " Free Mason."

In modern day we, as Masons, are known as Free and Accepted Masons. Free because once you become a Master Mason you are free to travel to and visit any regular Masonic lodge in the world. Accepted because we are speculative and not operative Masons and are thus only accepted as masons and do not practice stone masonry. Free and Accepted Masons use symbolic and allegoric teachings inherited from the ancient Operative Masonic lodges. Are principle tenets are brotherly love, relief, and truth and we strive to make the world a better place by bettering ourselves and by practicing charity to all mankind whenever possible.

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14y ago

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