Encyclopedia Masonica

The editor of the fifth, and by far the best, edition of the Book of Constitutions, which was published in 1784. He was the son of Herman Noorthouck, a bookseller, and was born in London about the year 1746. Brother Oliver describes him as "a clever and intelligent man, and an expert Mason." His literary pretensions were, however, greater than this modest encomium would indicate. He was patronized by the celebrated printer, William Strahan, and passed nearly the whole of his life in the occupations of an author, an index maker and a corrector of the press. He was, besides his edition of the Book of Constitutions, the writer of a History of London, quarto, published in 1773, and a Historical and Classical Dictionary, two volumes, octavo, published in 1776. To him also, as well as to some others, has been attributed the authorship of a once popular book entitled The Man after God's own Heart. In 1852, J. R. Smith, a bookseller of London, advertised for sale "the original autograph manuscript of the life of John Noorthouck." He calls this " a very interesting piece of autobiography, containing many curious literary anecdotes of the last century, and deserving to be printed." Noorthouck died in 1816, aged about seventy years.

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.