The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar ... - Lodge Prudentia

FREEMASONRY AND KNIGHTS TEMPLARGermany, when Erwin of Steinbach, the architectof the cathedral, summoned a great number ofMaster-builders out o^ Germany, England andItaly, and in the year 1275 established a code ofregulations and organized the fraternity of Freemasonsafter the mode which had been adoptedthree hundred and fifty years before by the EnglishMasons at the city of York. 1 Three grades ofWorkmen were recognized Masters, FellowCrafts and Apprentices ;and words, signs and gripswere created as modes of recognition to be usedby the members of the fraternity, a part of whichwas borrowed from the English Masons. Finally,ceremonies of initiation were invented, which wereof a symbolic character, and concealed under theirsymbolism profound doctrines of philosophy, religionand architecture. Lodges were then establishedin many of the cities of Germany, all of whichfraternized w r ith each other.They admitted manyeminent persons, and especially ecclesiastics, whowere not Operative Masons, but who gave to themtheir patronage and protection.2A Grand Lodgewas established at the city of Strasburg, and Erwinof Steinbach was elected their presiding officer, orGrand Master. These fraternities or associationsbecame at once very popular. Many of the potentatesof Europe conceded to them considerable powersof jurisdiction, such as would enable them topreserve the most rigid system in matters pertainingto building, and would facilitate them in bringingworkmen together at any required point. They1See page 64, first paragraph.2Adopted later by the English Fraternities. See page 65.71