A Short History of Masonry

The beginning of Free Masonry is lost in antiquity however, we are taught an “Allegorical History” as set forth below:

The brotherhood of Masons is reported to have started with the building of King Solomon’s Temple. The builders were divided into 3 groups: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Masons. The Master Mason degree was received when the builders craft was learned and perfected. During the building of the Temple the Master Builder and Architect was killed and a great secret was lost.

The history now jumps forward to the Middle Ages. The members of the Craft had developed such a good reputation that they were given free movement over Europe.  These masons built the great castles, churches and cathedrals.  Since they could move freely they were called Free Masons.

The Craft was developed into an organization in England in 1717 when The Grand Lodge of England was formed. These members were Operative Masons. Later other men of good character were granted the right to join. With the movement to the New World, Masonry followed.

Amicable Lodge # 25

Now known as Amicable - St. John’s Lodge #25

Amicable Lodge was granted a Charter in 1797 the same year Baltimore City was formed. During the 215 years the Lodge has been very active in the history of our country.  The recent years has shown that during World War II Amicable Lodge raised $5,647,800 during the War Bond drives leading all Lodges of the State. A Heavy Bomber was christened “Amicable Lodge” in our honor.

During the last few years Amicable Lodge has merged with Cassia Lodge # 45 on March 1, 2001, Centre Lodge #108 on November 6, 2002 and St John’s Lodge # 34, December 1, 2006.  With the merger of 2006 the name of the Lodge was changed to Amicable-St. Johns Lodge # 25.  We are the second oldest lodge within the Grand Lodge of Maryland that has never had a break in service within the fraternity.

We have men for all professions and walks of life that have belong to our lodge, Some men that you may know, that we have been proud to be called our brother. Senator Benjamin Cardin former Governor William Donald Shafer and growing up watching TV, you knew him as Royal Parker, but we know him as a Past Master of our lodge, Worshipful Brother Royal Pollokoff.

For more information about us go to www.marylandfreemason.com online form or contact our Worshipful Master. Mark Edward Pearlstein at markpearlstein.com or call 443-204-4777.

Maryland Freemason Lodge #25 Online Museum & Archives

We are building our online lodge Museum and will be adding many items from our archives. We have a great and long history if you are a brother of #25 and would like to contribute to our growing online lodge history archives by providing items that can be scanned or images that can be uploaded to our site Please email : Mike@marylandfreemason.com