Welcome to TracingBoard.com

Freemasonry [Free-Masonry] is a global fraternity that began in London, England at the beginning of the eighteenth century and became a vehicle through which the ideas of the Enlightenment were spread throughout the world. The fact that Reason, Science and Democracy are the foundations of our modern society is in part attributable to Freemasonry. Some of the greatest minds and leaders of the modern era were members of this society and contributors to new directions in thinking and doing, even in Romanticism.  George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Johann Gottfried Herder, Benjamin Franklin, and Voltaire were all Freemasons.

Freemasonry is an organization that consists of people from all walks of life, of every religious denomination and creed, of every race, and of both sexes. It teaches tolerance and understanding in the hopes that through these concepts humanity can learn to live together in peace and harmony.

In the beginning there was only one form of Freemasonry but today there are many varieties throughout the world. These are primarily divided into two categories: Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry and Anglo-American Freemasonry.

A motto of Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry in continental Europe, North America, and globally since the nineteenth-century has been:

LIBERTY - FRATERNITY - EQUALITY

The motto of the Anglo-American tradition of Freemasonry has been:

BROTHERLY LOVE - RELIEF - TRUTH

 

 

 

 

Differences

While there are differences between Traditional Cosmopolitan and Anglo-American Freemasonry, there are far more similarities. Both focus on improving the individual and society through the same system of initiation and symbolism. The differences are more or less philosophical.

Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry

  • Secular yet spiritual
  • Humanist ethics
  • Gender equality



     

  • Human rights
  • Environmental sustainability

Anglo-American Freemasonry

  • Religiously oriented (but not a religion)
  • Revealed morality
  • Masculine
  • Charitable

Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry is based on the ideas and philosophies of the Grand Lodge of London (est. 1717) and its successors including the Grand Orient of France (est. 1728) and the Grand Orient of the United States of America (est. 2005).

Anglo-American Freemasonry is based on a merger of the philosophies and ideas of the Grand Lodge of 'Antient' Freemasonry (est. 1751) and the earlier Grand Lodge of London. It is represented by the United Grand Lodge of England (est. 1813) and by the American state Grand Lodges.

Anglo-American Freemasonry is a closed system that rejects all other forms of Freemasonry around the globe. Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry is an open system that is accepting of all other forms of the Craft.

TracingBoard.com was developed in hopes of creating an open dialogue between these two distinct Masonic systems and building a unified Craft for the 21st century. Our goal is a brother/sisterhood without boundaries.

In light of this we recognize a need for three distinct types of lodges within the family of Freemasonry:

  • Masculine (Male only) Lodges
  • Feminine (Female only) Lodges
  • Mixed-Gender (Male and Female) Lodges

This universal system will consist of numerous Grand Lodges/Orients working together in peace and harmony for the benefit of all.

Female Freemasonry is growing in importance with each passing day. A recognition of this fact is an important part of the future of the Craft around the globe.

Through understanding and tolerance we can forge a new union between all Freemasons.

 [Free-Masonry:The term "Free-Masonry" was used in the late seventeenth century right up through at least the early 19th century alongside "Freemasonry" (this being evident in several period manuscripts...). The hyphenated variant connotes the Age of Enlightenment, when Freemasonry was more actively concerned with philosophy, morals, and politics rather than community service and charity. - LT Jim, Forest Hills Community Lodge No. 946, Pietre Stones Forums]

We would like to hear from you

TracingBoard.com will be publishing essays and articles from Freemasons from all of the many and varied traditions around the globe. It is the place where understanding and harmony begins.


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