Before “accepted” and “speculative” members who were neither stonemasons nor architect were allowed to join the craft, it operated for centuries as a professional guild.
Masonry
Freemasonry, What Is It Exactly? 1. Rosicrucian Antecedents
Controversies about Freemasonry often ignore the context and circumstances of its origins. At a time of deep social transformation, the legend of the Rosy Cross was born.
Buffalo Bill as a False Italian—but a Real Freemason
Mussolini, who outlawed Freemasonry, falsely claimed the hero of the West was born in Romagna. He didn’t know he was a lifelong Freemason.
Why Pope Francis Confirmed the Ban on Catholics Becoming Freemasons – 2
It is not because Freemasonry is anti-Catholic (which, in many countries, it is not) that Catholics cannot join it, the Vatican says, but because it teaches a method where there is no place for unquestionable dogmas.
Why Pope Francis Confirmed the Ban on Catholics Becoming Freemasons – 1
Surprising some, on November 13 an old prohibition dating back to 1738 was confirmed. But while the prohibition is the same, the motivations are different.