History of Freemasonry

The History of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest fraternal organizations, with roots stretching back centuries. Its origins trace to the medieval guilds of operative stonemasons who built Europe's magnificent cathedrals, castles, and abbeys. These skilled craftsmen formed lodges where they protected trade secrets, upheld rigorous moral standards, trained apprentices, and supported one another during times of hardship.

By the late 1600s and early 1700s, as the great age of cathedral building declined, the focus gradually shifted from operative (working) masonry to speculative Freemasonry. Non-stonemasons — gentlemen, scholars, philosophers, and members of the nobility — began to be “accepted” into the lodges. These speculative Masons adopted the tools and symbols of the builder’s trade (the square, compasses, level, and plumb) as powerful metaphors for moral and personal development, ethical living, and the building of a better self and society.

A pivotal moment came on June 24, 1717 (St. John the Baptist’s Day), when four existing lodges in London gathered at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St. Paul’s Churchyard. They formed the first Grand Lodge — the Premier Grand Lodge of England — and elected Anthony Sayer as its first Grand Master. This event marks the beginning of modern, organized Freemasonry as we know it today.

From England, the fraternity spread rapidly across Europe and to the American colonies. Early American lodges played notable roles during the Revolutionary era, with many Founding Fathers counted among their members. Freemasonry crossed the Atlantic and took firm root in the new nation, emphasizing its timeless core principles: Brotherhood, Relief (charity and service to others), and Truth (the pursuit of moral and intellectual integrity).

Today, Freemasonry continues as a non-political, non-sectarian fraternity open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. It encourages self-improvement, lifelong learning, and quiet service to community — values that have remained remarkably consistent for more than three centuries.

History of Illinois Freemasonry

Freemasonry first took root in the Illinois region in 1805, when seven Freemasons from various jurisdictions petitioned the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and established Western Star Lodge in Kaskaskia — the first Masonic lodge in what would soon become the state of Illinois. This early lodge played a foundational role in bringing the Craft to the frontier territory.

In 1822, the first Grand Lodge of Illinois was organized in Vandalia, with Shadrach Bond — Illinois’ first governor and a dedicated Mason — serving as its initial Grand Master. However, this early Grand Lodge faced severe challenges during the national anti-Masonic movement of the 1820s and early 1830s. Public suspicion and political pressure led to its eventual collapse around 1827, and many lodges temporarily went dark or sought charters from neighboring jurisdictions such as Kentucky and Missouri.

As anti-Masonic sentiment faded, Freemasonry experienced a strong revival in Illinois. On April 6, 1840, representatives from several surviving lodges gathered in Jacksonville to formally organize the current Grand Lodge of Illinois, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.). This marked a new era of growth and stability.

Following the Civil War, Illinois Freemasonry expanded rapidly. By the late 19th century, the jurisdiction had grown into one of the largest in the United States, with hundreds of lodges serving communities across the state. Illinois Masons became known for their strong emphasis on education, charity, and community involvement.

Today, the Grand Lodge of Illinois continues to oversee more than 420 lodges and approximately 45,000 Masons throughout the state. It remains committed to its core principles of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth, while supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives, youth programs, and community service efforts. For over two centuries, Illinois Freemasonry has helped build stronger men and stronger communities across the Prairie State.

History of Franklin Masonic Lodge #25

Franklin Masonic Lodge #25 is one of the oldest continuously operating Masonic lodges in the state of Illinois. Local tradition holds that the lodge was organized and operating as early as 1836 — at a time when the Grand Lodge of Illinois had not yet been fully established. Early records suggest it may have worked under a dispensation or charter associated with the Grand Lodge of Missouri before receiving its official charter.

On October 9, 1844, the lodge was formally chartered as Franklin Lodge No. 25 by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.). It quickly became a cornerstone of the Alton community, known for its emphasis on brotherhood, education, and charitable works.

In 1853, the lodge dedicated its first permanent home in Upper Alton. The building served the fraternity and the broader community for several years and even housed a school operated by the lodge on its first floor. Tragically, in 1860 a fire destroyed the original lodge building, along with most of its early records and relics. The Brothers persevered and soon established a new meeting place on College Avenue, where the lodge continued to thrive for the next seven decades.

The current Masonic Temple at 1513 Washington Avenue (still in the historic Upper Alton area) was constructed in 1930. The cornerstone was laid that year at the corner of Washington Avenue and Edwards Street, and the building was officially opened in 1931. This handsome structure has served as the lodge’s home ever since and remains a landmark in the Alton community.

Throughout its long history, Franklin Lodge #25 has maintained a proud tradition of community service, personal development, and Masonic fellowship. A highlight of the lodge’s modern history occurred in 1939, when Bro. Robert Pershing Wadlow — the Alton Giant and the tallest man in recorded history — was raised to the degree of Master Mason here. The lodge still maintains a small permanent display honoring Bro. Wadlow and his custom Size 25 Masonic ring.

Today, more than 180 years after its earliest beginnings, Franklin Masonic Lodge #25 continues to uphold the timeless principles of Freemasonry while serving the Alton area with quiet dignity and brotherly love.

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