Gallatin Lodge 6

“We are the oldest and largest fraternity in the world. Our written records go back to 1717 but our traditions go back much further. Our fraternity is believed to have its origin in the medieval trade guilds. Long ago, before there were schools, and when we lived under the authority of kings, only the elite had the right to education and travel. Master Masons were the exception; they could study geometry, music, astronomy, and many of the noble sciences and languages in order to erect structures which have been the admiration of every age. This led others to desire such education and freedom. Those men that joined for the education and privilege but not the vocation were called speculative masons. These schools of knowledge considered every man equal, the pursuit of enlightenment a unique individual path, and the freedom to improve oneself through thought, the true treasure. People that were not like minded or immoral were considered the profane and unworthy of membership. The secret passwords and handshakes were developed to prevent the profane from gaining access and damaging the the craft. Although the nature of all mankind is far from perfect, the tenants of our order have allowed us to survive a long time and improve the world around us. Today, we continue to support education through the public school system and we endeavor to encourage our members to improve themselves and the world around them. We are not a religion, nor are we a secret society. We are here to make good men better.”