Operative Masonry consisted of seven degrees, the first four being operative and the last three supervisory and administrative and requiring special qualifications. We will hear more about these puzzling differentiations later. The blue masons were known as square masons and the red masons as round masons. The supporters of the weapons are two Masons, the one on one side having blue facings and holding a square, the one on the other having red facings, and carrying compasses. They were given a heraldic coat of arms through the influence of Sir Christopher Wren.

The present Masons Company of London was incorporated in 1411 in the reign of Henry IV. The first charter granted to a Masons Company was in 926 A.D., by Athelstane. A unique company password was settled on to differentiate the company from other companies in the area and to keep out cowans and eavesdroppers.ĭespite this constant intermingling of various trades, the Masons kept their own identity, but speculative masonry has brought in a password that belonged to those artificers in metal, the blacksmiths guild. were included in the company, but not in the Masons Lodge and work-yards. All necessary tradesmen such as blacksmiths and carpenters etc. When a big undertaking such as the building of a cathedral was in preparation, a select company of masons was formed to undertake the job. There were many grips, signs, and words, some of which will be given. WM and brethren this talk has been condensed to almost a bare outline and omits a lot of detail, but there is still enough for us to see where quite a deal of our ritual originated.

Red lodge masonry