Page 8 - Thinking of becoming a Freemason

A charitable framework theory Whatever the origins, after 1717 and the
The Grand Charity offices
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establishment of the Premier Grand Lodge (as
A more recent theory places the origins of
it was known), Freemasonry grew in popularity,
Freemasonry within a charitable framework.
spreading across much of the world (expanding
In the 1600s there was no welfare state, so
as the British Empire grew), attracting many
anyone falling ill or becoming disabled had to
famous and notable personalities.
rely on friends and the Poor Law for support.
In those days many trades had what have When Grand Lodge was formed in 1717,
become known as box clubs. Anthony Sayer was elected as the first
Grand Master. Initially, the Grand Lodge
These grew out of the convivial gatherings of
was an annual feast at which the Grand
members of a particular trade during
Master and Wardens were elected. But in
meetings of which all present would put
1721 other meetings began to be held and
money into a communal box, knowing that if
Grand Lodge began to be a regulatory body.
they fell on hard times they could apply for
In 1723, as the membership grew, Grand
relief from the box.
Lodge produced a Book of Constitutions
From surviving evidence these box clubs are which outlined the rules and regulations
known to have begun to admit members not governing Freemasonry.
belonging to their trade and to have had
Expansion
many traits of early Masonic Lodges. They
met in taverns, had simple initiation By 1730 Grand Lodge had more than 100
ceremonies and passwords and practiced Lodges under its jurisdiction, including one in
charity on a local scale. It is possible that Spain and another in India. It had begun to
Freemasonry had its origins in just such a box operate a central charity fund and had attracted
club for operative Masons. a wide spectrum of society into its Lodges.