Yale secret societies rumpus
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The Skull and Bones was founded at Yale University in 1832 by William Huntington Russell, who was inspired by an occult society that he visited whilst in Germany. Membership is open to all males over the age of 21, with various women’s groups now popping up around the world. The Shriners was founded in 1870 in New York City, and still continues today. The Freemasons is one of the only original societies known to exist today, however their public image is greatly influenced by their high profiled charity of the Shriners. Members are encouraged to believe in a Supreme Being, resulting in some of the Masonic temples and secret rituals bringing them into conflict with the Catholic Church. However nowadays, Freemasonry as we know it was founded in 1717, when four London lodges merged together to from England’s first Grand Lodge. The Freemasons can trace their roots back to the Middle Ages when craftsman were organised into local guilds. When the U.S Constitution was signed in 1787, 13 of 39 signees were Masons. At one stage the order owner a fleet of ships, lent money to kings and owned the island, Cyprus. A Papal Bull was issued by Pope Innocent II, exempting the orders members from paying taxes, and enforcing that the only authority that the order had to answer to the Pope himself. In 1139 the reputation and power of The Knights Temple went from strength to strength. They set up their own bank allowing pilgrims to deposit their money in their home counties, and then withdraw their savings in the Holy Land. They soon become one of the most wealthy and powerful forces in all of Europe. Overtime The Knights Templar became known for more than just their military capabilities and lifestyle. Their meeting place was the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In addition to leading a life of chastity, obedience and poverty. The Knights Templar’s members pledged to abstain from alcohol, gambling and swearing. Payens was a French knight responsible for creating the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, also known as The Knights Templar. This military order was founded in 1118 by Hugues de Payens.