Masonry is the largest, as well as oldest fraternity in the world with more than two million active members. It is comprised of people who are primarily concerned with moral and spiritual values, along with assisting their communities through charitable works. Despite not knowing for certain where or when this organization was formed or founded, many Masonic scholars believe that it came to be during the Middle Ages. Although Masonry is not a religious organization, Freemasons believe not only in one Supreme power, but also that all persons have the right to worship as they desire. Furthermore, the Freemasons have founded orphanages as well as homes for widows and homes for the elderly to provide a social safety net that had not yet been established by the government.Today, the Masons contribute daily to charities and other charitable causes such as the Children’s Hospital. Throughout several centuries, this originally secret fraternity has come to be a worldwide organization with emphasis on personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment.
Key features of Masonry include several symbols and rituals which play a big role in the Masonic society. Freemason symbols are predominantly taken from the stonemasons’ tools of the Middle Ages - each symbol would relate to a moral lesson. Rituals include formalities, for example, learning the meanings of Masonic symbols and studying the secret signs and words used by members of this organization to identify each other. Each member is encouraged to show tolerance, respect, and kindness to all others. In addition, they should practice acts of charity towards the community and work to achieve high standards in each member.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, raised in England as a Master Mason, grew up searching for the truth and a belief in a Supreme Power. As this was a huge priority in his life, this side of Doyle can be reflected through Sherlock Holmes. Holmes’ immense knowledge of sensational literature and his chemistry research in his detective work shows a longing for truth. Through the ring that Holmes and Watson discovered, it is known that it is referred to a masonic rule, which suggests that Drebber would have been a Mason. It is unlikely that Brigham Young was part of the plot to kill Drebber, but it seems that Mormonism was under a threat by most of the Americans and was seen as a danger to the establishment of Mormonism in the United States.
In addition, despite the fact that Sherlock Holmes believes the world is largely scientifically based, he believes in a higher power. As well, there are indeed references to Masonry throughout the novel. Moreover, Masonry has been a difficult subject to comprehend in society, but it has had great importance in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life, in addition to his fictional characters.
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