Mason City Police Department. Jan 5, 2026 · National organized Freemasonry began in 1717 with th
Jan 5, 2026 · National organized Freemasonry began in 1717 with the founding of the Grand Lodge—an association of Masonic lodges—in England. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries, with a rich history and tradition. The most popular theory is that Freemasonry emerged out of the stonemasonry guilds of the Middle Ages. Once the Craft degrees have been conferred upon a Mason, he is qualified to join various "Concordant bodies" which offer additional degrees. Once the Craft degrees have been conferred upon a Mason, he is qualified to join various "Concordant bodies" which offer additional degrees. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life. The three degrees of Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood and age. They are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. With a refined menu serving 30-day dry-aged steaks and fine seafood, the restaurant is an upscale departure from the laid-back spirit of the California coast.