Encyclopedia Masonica

Charles Martel, or Charles the Hammer, born in 688, died in 741, although not actually King, was the ruler and reigned over France under the title of Mayor of the Palace. He was a notable soldier, defeating the Saracens at Poitiers in 732, and again in 737 driving them from Languedoc. Rebold (History, page 69) says that "at the request of the Anglo-Saxon lings, he sent workmen and Masters into England." The Operative Masons of the Middle Ages considered him as one of their patrons, and give the following account of him in their Legend of the Craft (see Grand Lodge Manuscript No. 1, Quatuor Coronati Lodge Reprints, volume iv).

Curious Crafts men walked about full wyde in Dyu's Countries some to learn more Craft and conning & some to teach them that had but little conning and so yt befell that their was on Curious Masson that height Naymus grecus that had byn at the making of Solomons Temple & he came into fraunce anal there he taught the Science of masonry to men of fraunce And there was one of the Regal lyne of fraunce that height Charles Martell. And he was A man that Loved well such A Craft and Drew to this Naymus grecus and Learned of him the Craft And to Nippon him the (Chardges & ye mann's. And afterward by the grace of god he was elect to be liyng of fraunce. And when he was in his Estate he took Masons and did help to make men Masons yt wear none & sett them A work and gave them both the Charges & mann's and good pay that he had learned of other Masons And confirmed them A Charter from yer to year to hold their assembly whear they boulder And cherish them right much And thus came the Craft into fraunce.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.