But throughout history, its structure and teachings have remained a mystery to many, and myths and misconceptions about the fraternity have arisen. Exactly when Freemasonry began is not known for certain, but many historians trace the beginnings of Masonry to the middle ages, when stonemasons and other craftsman traveled throughout Europe. These men were known as free mason, because, unlike bondsman, these free masons would gather in shelter houses, or lodges, and eventually organized themselves into Masonic guilds, using the secrets of their craft to identify themselves as masons. The square and compass - the tools of the mason's trade became the symbol of their brotherhood, and of moral truths which they convey. When the need for such buildings declined, "Speculative" or "Symbolic" Masonry evolved, using the customs and tools of the craft to convey moral truths. The growing organization attracted men of integrity and good will, and the Masonic guilds began to accept members who were not masons, calling them "accepted masons." The fraternity finally became known in some jurisdictions as "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons" and in other jurisdictions as "Free Accepted Masons" There are over 13,000 lodges in the United States. Today, Freemasonry is composed of men bound together, not by trade, but by their desire to be fraternal brothers. The tools of those early builders have remained as symbols to help Masons understand and remember the teachings of the fraternity. Uniting ALL men in brotherly love.
