Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Resource for Masonic Knowledge and Education
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to Freemasonry
If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry, one of the best resources you can use is Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia. This book is a comprehensive guide that covers various topics related to Freemasonry, such as symbols, rituals, history, philosophy, law, biography and more. It is written by Henry Wilson Coil, a renowned Masonic scholar and author, who created the first edition in 1961. It was later revised by Allen E. Roberts, another eminent Masonic writer and historian, who updated the second edition in 1996.
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In this article, we will explore what Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is and why it is important. We will also look at its history, contents, benefits, challenges and availability. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Freemasonry and its culture.
The History of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is the result of decades of research and writing by Henry Wilson Coil (1885-1974), who was a lawyer, judge, lecturer and author. He was also a prominent Freemason who served as Grand Master of California in 1936-1937. He wrote several books on Freemasonry, such as A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry (1954), The Concise History of Freemasonry (1961) and Freemasonry Through Six Centuries (1967).
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia was his magnum opus, which he published in 1961 after working on it for over 20 years. It was a monumental work that contained over 700 pages and 1750 articles on various aspects of Freemasonry. It was widely acclaimed as one of the most authoritative and comprehensive sources on Freemasonry ever written.
However, Coil realized that his encyclopedia needed to be updated and revised to reflect the changes and developments that occurred in Freemasonry since its publication. He entrusted this task to Allen E. Roberts (1917-1997), who was a prolific Masonic writer and editor. He wrote over 50 books on Freemasonry, such as The Craft and Its Symbols (1974), House Undivided (1961) and The Mystic Tie (1991).
Roberts revised and edited the second edition of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, which was published in 1996. He added new articles, updated existing ones, corrected errors and improved the layout and format. He also added a foreword, a preface and an index. He preserved Coil's original style and tone, but also added his own insights and opinions. He dedicated the second edition to Coil's memory and legacy.
The Contents of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia covers a wide range of topics related to Freemasonry, such as symbols, rituals, history, philosophy, law, biography and more. It provides definitions, explanations, interpretations, references and sources for each topic. It also includes illustrations, diagrams, charts and tables to enhance the understanding of the readers.
The encyclopedia is organized alphabetically by topic, with cross-references and links to related articles. It also has a general index at the end of the book that helps the readers to find the information they need. The encyclopedia is divided into three main sections: Symbols and Rituals, History and Philosophy, and Law and Biography.
Symbols and Rituals
This section covers the meaning and origin of Masonic symbols and rituals, such as the square and compasses, the apron, the lodge, the degrees, the landmarks, the modes of recognition and more. It explains how these symbols and rituals represent the moral and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry. It also traces how these symbols and rituals evolved over time and across different jurisdictions and traditions.
History and Philosophy
This section covers the development and evolution of Freemasonry from ancient times to modern days. It explores the origins and influences of Freemasonry, such as the operative masons, the medieval guilds, the speculative masons, the Grand Lodge era, the Enlightenment period, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Anti-Masonic movement, the World Wars, the civil rights movement and more. It also examines the philosophy and principles of Freemasonry, such as brotherhood, charity, tolerance, education, morality and spirituality.
Law and Biography
This section covers the legal information and biographical sketches of prominent Masons. It provides details on the constitution, regulations, jurisprudence, landmarks, customs and practices of Freemasonry. It also profiles some of the most famous and influential Masons in history, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Pike, Albert Einstein, Harry S. Truman and more.
The Benefits of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is a valuable resource that helps Masons and non-Masons to learn more about Freemasonry and its culture. It has several benefits for different audiences:
For Masons
For Masons who are members of the fraternity or who are interested in joining it, Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia can help them to:
Enhance their Masonic knowledge and education by providing them with accurate and comprehensive information on various aspects of Freemasonry.
Improve their Masonic practice and performance by explaining them the meaning and purpose of Masonic symbols and rituals.
Inspire their Masonic growth and development by exposing them to the history and philosophy of Freemasonry.
Strengthen their Masonic bond and fellowship by introducing them to some of the most notable Masons in history.
For Non-Masons
For non-Masons who are curious or skeptical about Freemasonry or who are related or connected to Masons in some way, Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia can help them to:
Learn more about Freemasonry by providing them with factual and objective information on various aspects of Freemasonry.
Dispel myths and misconceptions about Freemasonry by clarifying some of the common misunderstandings and misrepresentations of Freemasonry.
Appreciate Freemasonry by showing them some of the positive contributions and impacts of Freemasonry on society and humanity.
Respect Freemasonry by acknowledging some of the challenges and difficulties that Freemasonry faces in today's world.
The Challenges of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
While Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is a remarkable work that deserves praise and recognition, it is not without its limitations and criticisms. It faces some challenges, such as:
Limitations
As comprehensive as Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is, it may not cover all aspects of Freemasonry or reflect all opinions and perspectives. Freemasonry is a diverse and dynamic phenomenon that varies by time, place, culture and tradition. It is also subject to different interpretations and understandings by different Masons and scholars. Therefore, Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia may not be able to capture the full complexity and richness of Freemasonry. It may also have some gaps, errors or omissions that need to be corrected or supplemented by other sources.
Criticisms
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia may also face some criticisms from some anti-Masonic sources or outdated information. Some anti-Masonic sources, such as some religious groups or political movements, may challenge or attack Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia for its positive portrayal of Freemasonry. They may accuse it of being biased, misleading, deceptive or secretive. They may also try to discredit or refute its claims or arguments with their own allegations or evidence. Some outdated information, such as some historical facts or figures, may also need to be updated or revised to reflect the latest research or findings.
The Availability of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is available online or offline for anyone who wants to access it. Here are some ways to access the encyclopedia:
Online Access
One of the easiest ways to access Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is online. There are several websites that offer free downloads of the encyclopedia in PDF format. For example, you can download the encyclopedia from these websites:
However, you should be careful when downloading files from unknown sources, as they may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or data. You should also respect the intellectual property rights of the authors and publishers of the encyclopedia and use it for personal or educational purposes only.
Offline Access
If you prefer to have a physical copy of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, you can buy it from online or physical stores. For example, you can buy the encyclopedia from these online stores:
You can also check your local library or bookstore for the availability of the encyclopedia. You may need to pay a fee or a membership to access or borrow the encyclopedia.
Conclusion
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is a comprehensive guide to Freemasonry that covers various topics related to Freemasonry, such as symbols, rituals, history, philosophy, law, biography and more. It is written by Henry Wilson Coil and revised by Allen E. Roberts. It has several benefits for Masons and non-Masons who want to learn more about Freemasonry and its culture. It also faces some limitations and criticisms that need to be considered and addressed. It is available online or offline for anyone who wants to access it.
If you are interested in Freemasonry, Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia is a great resource that you can use to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the fraternity and its teachings. It will help you to appreciate the beauty and wisdom of Freemasonry and its contribution to society and humanity. It will also help you to respect the diversity and harmony of Freemasonry and its members.
So, what are you waiting for? Download or buy Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia today and start your journey of discovery and enlightenment!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia:
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that teaches moral and spiritual values through symbolic rituals and allegories. It is based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, tolerance, education, morality and spirituality. It is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being.
Who are Henry Wilson Coil and Allen E. Roberts?
Henry Wilson Coil (1885-1974) was a lawyer, judge, lecturer and author who wrote several books on Freemasonry. He was also a prominent Freemason who served as Grand Master of California in 1936-1937. He created the first edition of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia in 1961. Allen E. Roberts (1917-1997) was a prolific Masonic writer and editor who wrote over 50 books on Freemasonry. He revised and edited the second edition of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia in 1996.
How many articles are there in Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia?
There are over 1750 articles in Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, covering various topics related to Freemasonry, such as symbols, rituals, history, philosophy, law, biography and more.
How can I access Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia?
You can access Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia online or offline. You can download it for free from various websites in PDF format. You can also buy it from online or physical stores in paperback or hardcover format.
Why should I read Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia?
You should read Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia if you want to learn more about Freemasonry and its culture. It will provide you with accurate and comprehensive information on various aspects of Freemasonry. It will also help you to enhance your Masonic knowledge and education, dispel myths and misconceptions about Freemasonry, appreciate the positive contributions and impacts of Freemasonry on society and humanity, and respect the diversity and harmony of Freemasonry and its members.
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