Encyclopedia Masonica

Mount Moriah, on which the temple of Solomon was built, is symbolically called the ground floor of the Lodge, and hence it is said that "the Lodge rests on holy ground." This ground floor Of the Lodge is remarkable for three great events recorded in Scripture, which are called the three grand of erings of Freemasonry It was here that Abraham prepared, as a token of his faith, to offer up his beloved son Isaac this was the first rand offering; it was here that David, when his people were afflicted with pestilence, built an altar, and offered thereon peace-offerings and burnt offerings to appease the wrath of God this was the second grand offering; and lastly, it was here that when the Temple was completed, King Solomon dedicated that magnificent structure to the service of Jehovah, with the offering of pious prayers and many costly presents and this was the third grand offering. This sacred spot was once the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, and from him David purchased it for fifty shekels of silver. The Cabalists delight to invest it with still more solemn associations, and declare that it was the spot on which Adam was created and Abel slain (see Holy Ground).

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.