How many Freemasons are there in Scotland?
In 1920 the freemasons was known as Scotland’s conservative club for gentlemen and 54,000 joined its ranks that year. One in 10 Scottish men were freemasons, the highest percentage anywhere in the world. Today, numbers are dwindling with just 2,000 a year joining.
Are Masons Scottish?
But in many ways, Freemasonry as we know it today is as Scottish as haggis or Harris tweed. From the Middle Ages, associations of stonemasons existed in both England and Scotland. It was in Scotland, though, that the first evidence appears of associations – or lodges – being regularly used.
When did Freemasonry start in Scotland?
1736
The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland is the governing body of Freemasonry in Scotland. It was founded in 1736. About one third of Scotland’s lodges were represented at the foundation meeting of the Grand Lodge.
What is the difference between Scottish Rite and Masons?
Scottish Rites refer to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite conferred to Freemasonry members in the United States; while York Rites refer to a collection of Masonic degrees conferred separately in the city of York, where the first meetings of the Masons in England took place.
Who is the head of the Freemasons Scotland?
Brother William Ramsay McGhee
The current Grand Master Mason is Brother William Ramsay McGhee, a former Police Chief Superintendent, who was first installed in November 2018. The current Grand Secretary is the Provincial Grand Master of Perthsire West, Brother William M. S. Semple, a retired senior police officer and business consultant.
Is Freemasonry a Scottish religion?
But in many ways, Freemasonry as we know it today is as Scottish as haggis or Harris tweed. From the Middle Ages, associations of stonemasons existed in both England and Scotland. It was in Scotland, though, that the first evidence appears of associations – or lodges – being regularly used.
What is the origin of Freemasonry?
Some of the mythology about Freemasonry stems from the mystery of its early origins. One fantastical theory goes back to the Knights Templar; after being crushed by King Philip of France in 1307, the story goes, some fled to Argyll in western Scotland, and remade themselves as a new organisation called the Freemasons.
Is this the true Masonic history of Edinburgh?
Tranquil and historic, Edinburgh’s Hill Street attracts few tourists (Credit: Amanda Ruggeri) Conspiracy theories abound about the Freemasons. But Scotland’s true Masonic history, while forgotten by many for centuries, remains hidden in plain sight.
How many names are there in the Scottish Masonic Lodge record?
Since its founding in 1736, this lodge has received the records and minutes of every other official Scottish Masonic lodge in existence. It is also meant to have received every record of membership, possibly upwards of four million names in total. That makes the sheer number of documents to wade through daunting.