The Craft

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Cecil Rhodes and Shaquille O'Neal; Mozart and Peter Sellers; Duke Ellington and the Duke of Wellington; Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling—these notable figures, among many others, illustrate the diverse tapestry of Freemasonry. The Craft, founded in London in 1717, quickly spread globally, fostering fellowship and character-forming ideals. Under George Washington, it became a foundational creed for the new American nation, while Masonic networks helped maintain the British Empire. Conversely, under Napoleon, it was co-opted for authoritarianism and revolutionary plots. The Mormons adapted Masonic rituals, and the Sicilian mafia utilized its organizational structure. Despite this diversity, Masonry's core values and rituals have remained consistent, evoking both loyalty and suspicion. The Catholic Church has long condemned Freemasonry, labeling it a secretive den of atheists, leading to excommunications since 1738. Totalitarian figures like Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco viewed the Lodges as threats, associating them with pacifism, socialism, and Jewish influence. Professor Dickie's exploration of this influential movement reveals its significant role in shaping modern society and highlights its ongoing relevance, with 400,000 members in Britain, over a million in the USA, and around six million worldwide. Understanding Freemasonry today is as crucial as ever.