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From Stone Guilds To Philosophical Lodges
- Freemasonry grew from operative stone-mason guilds into speculative, philosophical lodges attracting artists and aristocrats.
- The shift turned trade secrecy into ritual, symbols, and intellectual fraternity that persists today.
Boise Expels Founder Of Secular Lodge
- Josh recounts a recent Boise case where a member founded a secular 'Praxis Lodge' and was expelled by his original lodge.
- The Praxis Lodge aligned with the Grand Orient of France and allowed political and religious discussion.
Speculative Masonry Shaped Elite Networks
- Speculative Freemasonry opened membership beyond operative masons, becoming a gentleman's fraternity tied to Enlightenment ideals.
- This transition explains Freemasonry's influence among founding-era elites and cultural leaders.