Encyclopedia Masonica

A slab of rock discovered in 1827 on Goat Island in the Annapolis Basin was found to be engraved with the Square and Compasses and the date 1606, but the history of it remains unknown and nothing can be guessed of its origin. The first Lodge in Nova Scotia was established at Annapolis by authority of the Saint John's Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at some time previous to 1740. Nova Scotia was originally governed by the Provincial Grand Master of New England, whose authority extended over all North America, but on September 24, 1784, Brother John George Pvke was appointed Provincial Grand Master of a Provincial Grand Lodge formed that day and warranted the previous June. On January 16, 1866, all the Scotch Lodges but one called a meeting at which it was decided to summon a Convention on February 20. A Grand Lodge was duly formed and Brother W. H. Davies elected Grand Master. In 1869 the remaining Scotch Lodge and the English District Grand Lodge united with the new body under the name of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Nova Scotia.

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.