Modern Freemasonry in the United States and Great Britain celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2017 tracing its direct history from the Grand Lodge of England founded in 1717. This text is intended to provide a theory of origin for the Fraternity. It is based on available sources, many of which are not Masonic in nature, but cover the disciplines of history, religion, ethics, economics, politics, and labor development. The book begins with an overview of how the Fraternity initiated members in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and includes the ancient Legend of Noah. It then reviews how history is written and exams the utilization of Biblical and legendary accounts in the development of a country's, peoples', or organization's history. The text moves on to the transition from craft guild to fraternal organization and gives the full text of Freemasonry's four oldest documents: Regius Poem, Cooke Manuscript, Graham Manuscript, and Schaw Statutes. This is followed by a description of the London Masons' Company based on the assumption that this city-wide organization of craftsmen chartered in 1481 may have been the administrative precursor of the Grand Lodge of England. The author then reviews the demise of craft guilds and the rise of fraternal societies in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Additional chapters review the Masonic approach to ritual, education, and ethical decision making. The text closes with a discussion of the philosophy of Freemasonry as well as comments and suggestions regarding Freemasonry's future. The last chapter is a Scottish Charge appropriate to all men, not just Freemasons.

About the Author
Oscar Patterson III, Ph.D., is Worshipful Master of Ashlar Lodge No. 98 F. & A.M. in St. Augustine, FL, for 2017. He is also State Chairmen for Public Education and Citizenship for the Grand Lodge of Florida and holds the Gold Proficiency Card. He has academic degrees in religion and philosophy, design, and communication. He has been a juvenile officer, a minister, a combat infantry officer, and a university professor and administrator.

Reviews
Dr. Patterson's new book, Rough Mason, Mason, Freemason, Accepted Mason, not only presents the reader with concrete definitions and guideline of Freemasonry but also offers countless avenues for further study to the person seeking more light. -- Robert P. Harry, Jr, Past Grand Master (2007), Grand Lodge of Florida
Most of the readers of this work already know about Freemasonry and enjoy its ritual and moral teaching. This book goes a step beyond and provides the "how" and "why" of Freemasonry that has enabled it to endure the test of time. I recommend it to all interested in the Fraternity. -- Edward Ray Suart, Past District Deputy Grand Master (1990), Grand Lodge of Florida
Well written. A great read! Clearly explains history of Masonic Ritual which many Masons have never had described after the Degrees were conferred. -- David Pierucci, Ashlar Lodge No. 98 and Hope Lodge No. 2813



Book Information
ISBN 9780761869603
Author Oscar Patterson
Format Paperback
Page Count 258
Imprint Hamilton Books
Publisher University Press of America
Weight(grams) 417g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 151mm * 16mm