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Freemasonry or Masonry refers to a civic movement promoting fraternity and good works. Freemasonry defines itself as “a regular system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.[1]” In particular masonic meetings are characterized by initiations and rituals. As such masonry has been viewed historically by churches and governments as secret societies.
Its historical origins date as far back to 1717 in England, during the Enlightenment period. During that time, an intellectual movement arose throughout Europe based on rationalism, which held that only eternal truths could be attained by reason alone.
Members are organized into lodges, the basic organizational structure, which operates under the jurisdiction of a grand lodge.
- ^ "Chapter I - The Moral Teachings Of Freemasonry". www.themasonictrowel.com. Retrieved 2016-06-30.