The Origins
The origins of Freemasonry seem to be shrouded in mystery, veiled in secrecy and disinformation.
However, here is what we know:
Speculative (as opposed to “operative”) Freemasonry officially became “public” in the 17th century, as operative stonemason guilds became more and more “gentrified” as the secretive builders allowed wealthy benefactors and local luminaries and intellectuals to join their ranks as honorary members.- While we draw much of our ritual symbolism and allegory from the initiation rituals of medieval stone-masonry guilds, there is ample mythic evidence that Freemasonry may actually have roots drawing back to the building of King Solomon’s temple, and the the Ancient Mystery Schools of Greece and Egypt!
- Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry (AF & AM) was founded when 4 London lodges (then independent) , came together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul’s churchyard on June 24th, 1717 which was also St. John the Baptist’s Day.
- The first duly constituted American AF & AM Lodge was St. John’s Lodge in Boston, MA, chartered in 1733.
- The first Colorado “temple” was completed on June 20th, 1859 in Gilpin Country, CO.
- The Colorado Grand Lodge was formed in 1861.
- Manitou Lodge #68 was chartered on September 21, 1887.
The Purpose of Freemasonry
The official purpose of Freemasonry is “To make good men better.”
Most Masons will agree: that slogan is more than lacking. Let’s turn to a more enlightened source:
“Its grand purposes are, to diffuse light; to banish ignorance; to promote peace and happiness among mankind; to relieve distress; to protect the widows and orphans of our brethren; to inculcate a wider knowledge concerning the existence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and of the arts and sciences connected with His Divine laws. In fine, the design is to make its members wiser, freer, better and consequently happier men.”
JEWEL P. LIGHTFOOT, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A. F. & A. M.
Taken from Lightfoot’s Manual of the Lodge (1934)
The Requirements of Freemasonry
Not everyone is fit to become (or succeed as) a Freemason:
- A Mason must always “Act Upon the Square”: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
- A Mason must be open to new ideas.
- A Mason must not be dogmatic or a slave to doctrine.
- A Mason must be tolerant of other opinions and cultures.
- A Mason must believe in God/Deity. While we are not a religion, our members MUST be religious.
- A Mason must welcome men of other faiths as brothers.
- A Mason must be dedicated to his “work” and advancement through the degrees of Masonry.
- A Mason must seek light outside of his time in lodge through self-education and discussion.
- A Mason must be charitable, compassionate, and honorable.
- A Mason must be true to his duties to God, his country, his neighbor and himself.
- A Mason must dedicate his life to Truth, and seek it in all its forms.
The Origins of Manitou Lodge #68
History of the Lodge (from the Grand Lodge of Colorado’s Centennial Celebration History)
MANITOU LODGE NO. 68, A.F. & A.M.
MANITOU SPRINGS. COLORADO
Up to 1886 the thought of organizing a lodge in Manitou Springs had apparently not been present in the minds of the Masons in that area although the town had been in existence for many years. There were 5 Masons present on an election board during an election held on November 5, 1886, who, after discovering this mutual interest, decided to organize a lodge. A dispensation was granted in June, 1887, after a period of intense work on the part of the prospective officers of the lodge.A charter was granted to the lodge on September 21, 1887. The lodge was named after the town, which had an Indian name meaning the Great Spirit, which was supposed to dwell in the healing waters of the many mineral springs in Manitou.
For many years the lodge home was in the Leddy Building. The corner-stone of the present Temple was laid on August 29, 1953 by M.W. Bro. Olin P. Lee.
Although in early years Manitou Lodge seemed to fall behind other fraternal groups in number of members and rate of growth, it is now the only fraternal order in the town. The lodge is proud of the fact that there always has been at least one of its members on the City Council and the local school board.
From 15 charter members in 1887, the lodge membership has increased to 209 on November 30, 1960.
So, You Want to Become a Mason?
Wonderful! You are about to set-out on an epic journey which all of the greatest and best of men from all the ages have taken: from George Washington to Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.
To begin, simply contact us via the form at the top of the sidebar on the right –>.
We require you have the recommendation of two Master Masons. If you do not know any Masons, there is a 6 month probationary period so that we may get to know your character and may recommend you ourselves. This will require that you have the recommendations of two Master Masons. If you do not know any Masons, there is a 6 month probationary period so that we may get to know your character.
