Freemasonry in the World
Freemasonry’s origins extend deep into history, evolving from the traditions of medieval stonemason guilds, who were building the great cathedrals and castles, into a philosophical and fraternal institution, with several pieces of evidence that point to multiple periods in the past. Possibly, the organization was influenced by the addition of members from the crusading order The Knights Templar or, more formally, the Poor Fellow-soldiery of the House of the Temple of Solomon. When the Order was suppressed in the 1300's and members perforce went into hiding, some of them may have joined the Masons Guilds with whom they had a long professional relationship. Masonic tradition also draws symbolic inspiration from the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which serves as a central allegory within its teachings.
While Freemasonry's exact historical beginnings are, so to speak, lost in the mists of time, the formal structure of modern Freemasonry began in 1717 in England, when four lodges united to form the first Grand Lodge. Freemasonry obviously started before that, having existed as a series of independent Lodges for generations, but from this foundation, Freemasonry spread rapidly across Europe and into the Americas, carrying with it ideals rooted in the Enlightenment; reason, liberty, and the dignity of the individual.
As Freemasonry expanded globally, it became closely associated with the intellectual and social movements that shaped the modern world. Masonic lodges provided a space where men of different classes and backgrounds could meet as equals, exchange ideas, and promote principles that would later influence democratic governance and civil society. Historical developments such as concepts of individual rights, representative government, and freedom of thought were reinforced within Masonic culture and, in many cases, reflected in broader societal change.
Beyond philosophy and governance, Freemasonry has also contributed to the advancement of education, the arts, and charitable work on a global scale. Masons have historically supported the development of public education systems, contributed to architecture and cultural achievements, and established charitable institutions such as hospitals and relief programs. Though its outward forms have evolved over time, Freemasonry’s enduring global presence reflects a continuous commitment to truth, service, and the betterment of humanity.
Freemasonry had a meaningful presence in early American history, with notable figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere among its members. Freemasonry comprised a noticeable portion of the Founding Fathers, often cited as 9 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 of the 39 signers of the Constitution, and 33 of the 74 generals in the Colonial Army.
Freemasonry is a vast topic. With the exception of religion and the history of nations, more books have been written about Freemasonry than any other single topic. Estimates vary between 75,000 and 110,000 different titles.
Freemasonry in Wyoming
The first known Masonic meeting in Wyoming took place at Independence Rock on July 4th, 1862. The meeting occurred when several wagon trains of pioneers traveling to Oregon were camped there. About twenty masons from the wagon trains decided to hold a masonic meeting on top of Independence Rock. They carried rocks up to the top and built an alter and the stations for the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden. Lanterns were used for the lights around the altar. Asa L. Brown served as Worshipful Master of that first communication. Brother Asa later presented the Grand lodge with the Bible and cardboard cut-out, square and compasses used on that first altar.
The Grand Lodge of Wyoming was formed December 15, 1874 in Laramie City, territory of Wyoming. Four lodges were represented: Cheyenne Lodge #1, Laramie Lodge #3, Evanston Lodge #4, all chartered by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and Wyoming Lodge #2, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Edgar P. Snow of Cheyenne #16 was elected the first Grand Master of the Wyoming territory.
The Grand Lodge of Wyoming now has 42 chartered lodges (once reaching 56 chartered lodges in 1961), and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference. The conference is comprised of the following Grand Lodges: Grand Lodge of Colorado A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Idaho A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Montana A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of New Mexico A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Nevada F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Utah F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Wyoming A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Arizona F. & A.M, Grand Lodge of Nebraska A.F. & A.M.
Freemasonry in Laramie
Freemasonry in Laramie began under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, with the first stated communication for Laramie Lodge under dispensation being on February 11, 1870. The lodge held its first official meeting shortly after and was formally chartered on September 28, 1870 as Laramie Lodge #18. Around the same period, other regional lodges were established in Cheyenne, South Pass City, and Evanston under different Grand Lodges. On December 15, 1874, representatives from these four lodges convened in Laramie to establish the Grand Lodge of Wyoming, issuing new charters that designated Cheyenne #1, Wyoming (South Pass) #2, Laramie #3, and Evanston #4.
Following this foundation, additional Masonic bodies developed in Laramie, including a Royal Arch Chapter in 1877, a Knights Templar Commandery in 1886, and chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1896 and 1939. The current building was dedicated on June 24, 1912 and later hosted major gatherings, including a 1949 meeting of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming. Membership grew significantly through the mid-20th century, reaching 768 members in 1952, and expanded further with the creation of Gem City Lodge #52 in 1953. This lodge eventually consolidated with Laramie Lodge #3 in 2005.
Over time, the Masonic Temple also served as a hub for youth organizations such as DeMolay and Job’s Daughters, though its Demolay chapter later dissolved as participation declined. Today, Freemasonry in Laramie continues to offer members opportunities for further involvement through appendant bodies like the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shrine, while maintaining a strong emphasis on philanthropy, supporting charitable efforts focused on health and community well-being.
Here's a more in-depth history of Laramie Lodge # 3 AF & AM from 1870-1970
Masonic Colors
In Symbolic Masonry, the principal colors are white, black, and blue. White has long represented purity and innocence, while black has been universally associated with death and sorrow. In Masonic symbolism, these meanings are not reinterpreted or altered, but rather reflect their long-established, universal significance.
The symbolism of blue is less definitive and has been explained through several theories. One interpretation connects it to the “blue vault of heaven,” suggesting that it was adopted as an emblem of universality and limitlessness. Another holds that blue was formally adopted by the earliest Grand Lodge, following white, as the especial color of its principal officers. Some believe that blue was adopted from the Most Noble Order of the Garter to add to Freemasonry some of the dignity that surrounded that decoration; “more honorable than the Star and Garter.” Regardless of its origin, blue is now firmly established, and the terms “Blue Lodge” and “Blue Masonry” are universally understood.