Legends about Solomon’s Temple and a word identifying the genuine members of the guild were passed from the “operative” to the “speculative” Freemasons.
Masonry
Freemasonry, What Is It Exactly? 2. Operative Freemasonry
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.
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.