What is the origin of freemason?

Answer 1

The origin of Freemasonry, like that of so many things, is clouded in history. Although a great many books have been written about the various theories, and myths, we can't say with certainty what the real story is. Most Masonic scholars believe that the current fraternity of Freemasonry ("speculative masons") simply evolved from the guilds and "Lodges" of the stone masons ("operative masons") in medieval Europe -- particularly in Great Britain. We have records indicating there were "operative lodges" in the early 1600s, but the non-working masons don't start to form lodges until about the end of that century. The formation of the Grand Lodge of England, on June 24, 1717, is considered to be the formalized starting point of the worldwide organization that is known as Freemasonry today. Refer to the related links below for more information.

With regard to the original answer posted here, Freemasonry is not a religion, although it is religious in nature, and requires each member to profess a belief in a supreme being. Masons come from many faiths, and sometimes refer to themselves as a "Brotherhood of men under the Fatherhood of God."

Answer 2

Freemasonry has its roots in medieval guilds, especially the guilds of stonemasons. Often such guilds provided for the welfare of their members and their families as well as reflecting on philosophical and moral issues. These guilds of stoneworkers took in non-stoneworkers called "speculative masons" and the lodges continued to operate as social centres well after stoneworking had gone out of style. Modern Freemasonry began with the joining of four English lodges into a Grand Lodge in the year 1717. There are theories that aspects of the ritual and teachings came from other sources, including the Knights Templar, Continental Masons, and even Roman and other ancient builders.