Encyclopedia Masonica

This word is used in some of the old Constitutions to designate those Freemasons who, from their rank and age, were deputed to obligate Apprentices when admitted into the Craft. Thus in the Constitutions of Masonry, preserved in the archives of the York Lodge, No. 236, York Roll No2. If with the date of 1704, we find this expression, Tum unus ex Senioribus Teneat librum, etc., which in another manuscript, dated 1693, preserved in the same archives, York Roll No.4, is thus translated: "Then one of the elders taking the Booke, and that hee or shee that is to bee made Mason shall lay their hands thereon, and the charge shall be given." These old manuscripts have been published by Brother W. J. Hughan in Ancient Masonic Rolls of Constitutions, 1894.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.