A Study in Masonry

1. What is Masonry? Who were the Masons?

Masonry is a fraternal organization with the central belief in a "Supreme Being". Masons are spiritual and moral men who associate with other like-minded men for mutual benefit. They strive for self-improvement from living by the Golden Rule. Members of masonry are free to follow their own path in integrity and virtue.

2. Describe the history of the Masons.

Masonic beliefs date back to the end of the fourteenth century and is shown in masonic texts such as The Halliwell Manuscript which provides a summary of the history. The idea of the craft of masonry appeared in Egypt with the Euclid, then went to England. It is thought that the organization rose from the stonemason's guilds during the Middle Ages. The first lodges were put up in 1717 to form the Grand Lodge of England which would become a main organizational unit for the Masons.Throughout the coming centuries, Masonry became a worldwide fraternity that stood for self-discovery and social improvement through means of philanthropy. They continue to support the community by donating money to hospitals and charities and by encouraging and inspiring men and women.

3. Identify the key features of Masonry.

The most important feature of Masonry is the Masonic Lodge which forms the backbone of the organization. The lodge often meets to discuss every day matters such as paying bills or electing new members. As well, there is usually a schedule in which Masons are required to fulfill their share of contributing to the community through donating money or volunteering.

Another feature includes Masonic rituals which is basically the initiation process. A Mason joins the craft by being initiated, passed and raised into three levels of the organization. The person is educated on lodge symbols, basic terminology, and the beliefs of the Masonry. Often at the end of the process, the candidate must swear an oath dedicating himself to his brothers and the organization. 

4. What connections can you make between the fact that Brigham Young was a Mason and so was Drebber?

Brigham Young appears to have represented Masonry better than Enoch Drebber had. It is understandable that Brigham had allowed Ferrier and Lucy to join them with the exception that they join the group, as often in religious organizations members are encouraged to seek or convert others to the faith. He is not as obviously threatening as Drebber is. Brigham is only trying to protect the community and keep their system going. However, Enoch Drebber had not been as great of a Mason, as he had not respected Ferrier or his daughter. The Masonry group emphasizes the fact that followers should be kind and welcoming as well as understanding. Enoch Drebber did not follow these principles, as other members and he threatened Ferrier and were also not respectful to the Jefferson Hope, a Gentile.

5. Is there a connection between masonry and Sherlock Holmes? What about Arthur Conan Doyle?

There is evidence that Sherlock Holmes might have been a Mason. Initially, he and Dr. Watson decide to move in together after one short conversation. This could hint that they were possibly in the same fraternity which made it easier for them to trust each other enough to then immediately live together. As well, when Sherlock discovers the ring at the crime scene, he recognizes it as a ring with "Masonic device", which may mean that he has seen this device enough times to be able to identify it.

Arthur Conan Doyle was initiated as a Mason on January 26, 1887 at the age of 27 at the Phoenix Lodge No. 257 in Hampshire. Later on, he resigned and rejoined multiple times before finally leaving the Craft. He possibly incorporated Masonry into his books as a way to reference his experiences.

Sources:
http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artoct02/sherlock_holmes_and_freemasonry.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/cooke.html
http://grandlodge.on.ca/home/about-freemasonry/who-are-masons.html
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/beresiner10.html
http://themastersmasons.homestead.com/masons.html
http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp
Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Freemasonry_Barnstar.jpg