The "Free" in Masonry

Richard G. Moore, P.M.

R.W. Masonic Digest Writer

MWPH Grand Lodge of California & Hawaii

During the Middle Ages, when England was more a agricultural country rather

than a industrial one, the lord of the manor enjoyed special feudal powers.

One of his strongest powers gave him the legal right to demand labor from his

peasants who lived on his land. The 12th and 13th centuries were difficult

times for his serfs who bore heavy burdens as they struggled just to merely

exist.

Later in the mid-14th century came The Black Death which reduced the

European population by 20%. In consequence, this new labor shortage

benefited the serf greatly. Many fled during this great plague, and later

established themselves in the nearby towns. Others bought their freedom by

commutation, literally paying in money for service they owed.

As a result, a group of free laborers was developed. These individuals

could sell their labor services. These laborers became known as "freed

bondsmen." But neither they, nor any children born to them prior to their

release were considered "free". However, children born after their father had

obtained his freedom were considered free-born and thus became "free-men."

At that time there was a ban upon the employment of serfs (or bondsmen) as

apprentices. In fact, the oldest known masonic document the Regius Poem

(c. 1398) states that: "He (the Master) no bondsmen 'prentice' make." Operative

Masonry functioned strongly during this period of transition when individuals

satisfied their debts by paying with cash money rather than through personal

service.

As a original craft fraternity, proud of its standing and its traditions, it

would be natural for Freemasons to take a stand against the admission of

freed bondsmen to its ranks. Thus, three hundred years later, we find a

similar position in the early constitutions of Speculative Freemasonry

reflecting the traditional outlook of the Operative Masons of earlier days.

And so, even today, a candidate must still be "free" from debts prior to

admission to the fraternity.

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