How was Masonry started?

The background of today's Masonry rests in the centuries of the endeavors of mankind, when industrious and reliable craftsmen built the beautiful cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of medieval Europe. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their building trade, and to pass on their knowledge to worthy and deserving apprentices. By the time the need for this type of "Operative" Mason declined in the Seventeenth Century, the practices and customs of the Operative Craft left such an impression, that men who had no inclination of being operative builders sought membership. These "Speculative" builders were learned and well-intentioned men, men of integrity, and good will. With their introductions in to the guilds, "Speculative Masonry" evolved. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization in England when the first Grand Lodge was formed. In a time when travel was by horseback and sailing ship, Masonry spread with amazing ...