Frank During

As I sit down to write this column, my mind is filled with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, and it can be hard to keep up. From political upheavals to technological advancements, there is no shortage of stories to tell. But amidst all this chaos, I find myself drawn to the history of Freemasonry.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Frank During, I am the Master of the Masonic Lodge in Ellsworth. I have been a Freemason for 15 years now. The “Master” of the lodge is kind of like the CEO of a corporation, but with a limited term at the helm.

The exact origins of the Freemasons are unclear, but the organization is believed to have evolved from the Stonemasons' guilds of the Middle Ages. These guilds were responsible for the construction of many of the great cathedrals and castles of Europe, and their members were highly skilled craftsmen who held a great deal of influence and power. Over time, the stonemasons' guilds began to admit non-craftsmen, and the organization evolved into a more social and philosophical group.

While the exact history of Freemasonry is somewhat shrouded in mystery, some claim that we are descended from ancient organizations such as the Illuminati or other secret societies. Nothing could be further from the truth! Those who make these claims are only spreading rumors and speculation surrounding our Fraternity. The truth is, Freemasons have had a significant positive impact on society, with many notable and diverse figures in history being members, including 15 US presidents, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Sr., Buzz Aldren, Mark Twain, Mozart, Shaquille O’Neal, etc.

Freemasonry has a long and especially rich history in America, dating back to the early colonial period. The first Masonic lodges in America were established in the 1730s, and the organization quickly spread throughout the colonies. During the American Revolution, it is well known that many of the founding fathers were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. The values and principles of Freemasonry played an important role in shaping the American Revolution and the early years of the United States. If you travel to Washington DC, there are many monuments and references to the influence Freemasonry had on the formation of America. Even the city of Washington DC itself, which was designed by Freemason Pierre L’Enfant, is speculated to be laid out in a way that is masonic!

Today, there are thousands of Masonic lodges across America, with members from all walks of life. Freemasonry in America is organized on a state-by-state basis, with each state having its own Grand Lodge. These Grand Lodges are independent organizations, but they are united by a common set of principles and values.

In my next column, I will delve into what it takes to be a Freemason, what our beliefs are, and how much of what we do is truly “secret”. In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry, you can visit our Grand Lodge website at wimasons.org or contact me personally, I would love to sit down with you and have a cup of coffee and talk about my beloved Fraternity.