Encyclopedia Masonica

Although tradition states that a Lodge existed as early as 1755 in Quebec, Freemasonry was probably first introduced by regiments taking part in the capture of the city in September, 1759. Seven of these had Traveling Warrants, of which the oldest, that of an Irish Lodge, No. 35, attached to the Twenty-eighth Regiment, was dated 1734. In 1759, according to a document possessed by the Grand Lodge Library of England, the Masters and Wardens of the Regimental Lodges in Quebec chose an acting Grand Master to form a Grand Lodge. June 24, 1760, Brother Simon Fraser, Colonel of the Highland Regiment, was elected and installed Grand Master. This Provincial Grand Lodge existed for 32 years. In 1751 arrival Grand Lodge of Irish Brethren was established. Other Provincial Grand Bodies were at work during the next few years, and not until October, 1855, did the Grand Lodge of Canada, governing Canada East and West, that is, Ontario and Quebec, emerge from the confusion. When the Dominion was established it was decided to form the Grand Lodge of Quebec on October 20, 1869, and Brother John Hamilton Graham was chosen Grand Master.

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.