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KF5JRV > TODAY 24.06.24 13:39l 47 Lines 1907 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 1357_KF5JRV
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Jun 24
Path: IZ3LSV<DB0ERF<DK0WUE<DK0WUE<N2NOV<K7EK<VE3CGR<KF5JRV
Sent: 240624/1133Z 1357@KF5JRV.#NWAR.AR.USA.NA BPQ6.0.24
On June 24, 1717, members of four local Masonic lodges all
part of a secret society of Masons meet at the Goose and
Gridiron alehouse in London's St. Paul's Churchyard to create
the first Grand Lodge as their collective governing body. Known
initially as the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, it will
evolve into today's United Grand Lodge of England.
Six years after its founding, in 1723, the Grand Lodge published
The Constitutions of the Free-Masons, a book whose
Enlightenment principles provide the philosophical foundations
of modern Freemasonry, according to the United Grand Lodge
of England website.
The Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement
that valued reason over superstition and the rights of individuals
over the rule of monarchs, took hold in Europe in the 18th century
and became a major force behind both the American and French
revolutions. The Freemasons, who trace their roots to the stone
masons of the Middle Ages, were one of several secret societies
that came to prominence around that time.
In 1734, Benjamin Franklin, an enthusiastic Mason, reprinted the
book in the American colonies. According to historian Gordon S.
Wood, Franklin remained a Mason throughout his life. Not only
was Masonry dedicated to the promotion of virtue throughout the
world, but this Enlightenment fraternity gave Franklin contacts and
connections that helped him in his business.
Franklin wasn't alone. George Washington, Paul Revere, and an
untold number of signers of the Declaration of Independence and
Constitution are believed to have been Freemasons. Precise
numbers are hard to pin down because of the secrecy surrounding
the group.
Today in addition to the original Grand Lodge in England, there are
Grand Lodges throughput the world, including more than 80 in the
United States.
73 de Scott KF5JRV
Pmail: KF5JRV@KF5JRV.#NWAR.AR.USA.NA
Email KF5JRV@gmail.c
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