From Time Immemorial On the day that I became an Entered Apprentice, the words "From Time Immemorial" epitomised the timelessness of Our Ancient Craft.
The I turned to research, and encountered a host of theories, each, in varying degrees, at odds with one another, as to the origins of Freemasonry.
Some told me that The Craft dated from the time of the building of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Others asserting that this was only symbolic, were convinced that Masonry dated from the building of the great Cathedrals and fortresses of medieval Europe. Another, which traced Our Craft to the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt, backed itself up with convincing evidence.
Ultimately, it was up to me to decide to which school or schools of thought I should wholly or partially subscribe.
Exploring this conundrum within a mystery surrounded by an enigma, I started to question the relevance of knowing the exact point in history where Freemasonry emerged, standing distinct from the Profane.
No-doubt, scholars far more erudite that I have come to this point, and had similar thoughts on the matter, but for me, because I reached this conclusion for myself, it will always be far more real than anything I could read in any book.
When I was made an Entered Apprentice, I was asked: "Where were you first prepared to become a Freemason?"
I was faced with a classic "chicken and egg" dilemma: Do men endeavour to be good, brotherly or upstanding because they are Freemasons, or do men become Freemasons because they endeavour to be good, brotherly and upstanding?
While there are compelling arguments to support the former, I tend to be more inclined to the latter. A diamond is born of Nature, not made by man, and however crudely or skilfully cut remains, and always was, a diamond.
I doubt that any amount of symbolism, ritual, religion, philosophical teaching or plain moral guidance will make a confirmedly selfish reprobate a suitable candidate for Freemasonry. Some seed will always fall among thorns, and there are, alas, those who will never see the Light, however brightly it may be shone in their eyes. Freemasonry shows us the door, and opens it, but we must enter of our own free will and accord.
When I was made an Entered Apprentice, I was asked: Where were you first prepared to become a Freemason?" The answer: "In my Heart," suddenly took on a far more profound meaning than I had ever given it.
On the day, way back in that proverbial "time immemorial", some man, however primitive, considered that conflict and hate simply did not make as much sense as harmony and brotherly love, and decided to live his life accordingly. I believe that it was on that day that Our Ancient Craft was born, and that in his heart, that man was the first Freemason.
Who that man was, where that man was and how that man came to that conclusion is supremely irrelevant.
S:. M:. I:. B:.
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