Freemason Symbols in America
Class Notes on Mason Influence in Colonial and Revolutionary America
Jul 20, 2007
A lot has been made about the influence of Freemasonry during the American Revolution and in founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States. Freemasonry, a very old fraternity that promotes three virtues – brotherly love, relief, and truth – definitively impacted the birth of the nation. Indeed, many Declaration of Independence signers (William Ellery, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Howes, William Hopper, Thomas McKean, Robert Treat Paine, Richard Stockton, George Walton, and William Whipple) were known Masons. Likewise, one-third of United States Constitution signers were Freemasons.
Freemasonry Origins
Freemasonry has ancient and somewhat mysterious beginnings. The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown's bestselling mystery , suggests that the brotherhood may have origins as old as the Knights Templar of the Crusades. Other scholars point to older beginnings with the building of King Solomon’s Jerusalem temple. Either way, the Freemasons were definitely a fraternity that united the masons who built the medieval cathedrals of Europe. At that time, the clandestine organization protected the secrets of the trade. As such, the Medieval Freemasons developed secret handshakes, passwords, and symbology to help one member recognize another. Stonemason tools such as the plumb line, square, compass, and mallet are still among the most common Fremason symbols. The masons called themselves "free" because, unlike medieval serfs of the, they could travel freely.
Freemasonry in the American Age of Enlightenment
Freemasonry appealed to 18th century American Enlightenment thinkers for a number of reasons. First, the dwindling importance of Puritanism in the colonies paved the way for intellectualism over spiritualism. Deism, a religious philosophy often associated with early American Freemasons, views God as a scientist who created universal laws but who does not interfere in the daily lives of individuals. Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Thomas Paine, and Ethan Allen are all thought to have had Deist beliefs. Freemasonry also supported the rational mind and the exchange of ideas, two cornerstones of the Enlightenment.
Some Freemason Influences in America
Freemason symbolism and related Deist influences are found in many aspects of the revolutionary history and founding of United States.
- Benjamin Franklin, a Grand Master of a Freemason lodge, used Freemason contacts to gain influence with the French to help the American war effort. Indeed, French General and liaison to the American colonies Lafayette was a Mason.
- George Washington and most of the other generals of the American Revolution were Freemasons.
- The Boston Tea Party was planned at The Green Dragon Tavern, a well-known meeting place of Freemasons such as Paul Revere.
- Religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution were solidly supported by Masonic founders who supported the idea of a single scientific Creator. Freemasons could come from a variety of religious backgrounds.
- Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet Common Sense is perhaps the most influential document in the formation of the Declaration of Independence had strong interest in Freemasonry. Not surprisingly, then, the opening statement of the document states that equality stems from "...the Laws of Nature and Nature's God...." The deity referred to here is most definitely an orderly scientist of natural laws rather than a mysterious spirit.
Follow Up Assignments on Freemasonry in Colonial America:
- Explain the Freemason design of the streets and architectural landmarks of Washington D.C.
- Show how Masonic symbolism was used in the early monuments and buildings in Washington D.C.
- Explain the masonic symbolism of the Great Seal of the United States and especially of the number 13.
Follow this assignment with a virtual fieldtrip to Boston's Freedom Trail, or study Benjamin Franklin's influence on American culture.
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