Greetings! I have included the following information I found regarding Masons and a possible connection between them and Sherlock Holmes, as well as others! Read on!
Masonry, also called Freemasonry, is the first largest fraternal organization. It fosters personal growth and helping to improve the lives of others. Masons believe that they each have a duty to better the world. In the Middle Ages, Masons were highly skilled stone workers who were hired as free agents to build cathedrals and castles in Scotland and England.
It began when stonemasons started to join together to build orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the elderly. At the time, there was no social “safety net” and people were on their own without aid from the government. Eventually, other men wanted to join because of the advantages, and that is how it began to change to a fraternity.
Key features of Masonry are the strong values of self improvement, and helping others, as well as being charitable to the community. Members are concerned with spiritual and moral values. Masons each have their own faith, and members respect the beliefs and opinions of all people. Tolerance, kindness, generosity, freedom are a large part of Masonry. Freemasonry also values the idea that every man can think for himself and expand his knowledge.
Throughout A Study in Scarlet, the actions of Brigham Young and Drebber correlate with the beliefs of Masons. For example, when Lucy wants to marry Jefferson Hope, both Drebber and Young do not approve. Jefferson Hope was a gentile, not a Mormon. It was against the religion for a person to marry outside of it. Young and Drebber’s dedication to their religion, show signs of a Mason, who are deeply concerned with spiritual and moral values. Also, when Lucy and John Ferrier are rescued from the wilderness, they are taken in by Brigham Young and cared for. He showed immense kindness and generosity, two key features of Masons.
There is a connection to both the author Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Doyle became a mason in 1887 at the age of 27. He became a Master Mason in the same year he joined. He then left the organization in 1889, only to rejoin in 1902. This background as a Mason is reflected in his work, although there is no direct connection to his character of Sherlock Holmes. In A Study in Scarlet, Gregson states, “We have it all here,...Gold ring, with masonic device.” He says these words to Holmes while detailing the pockets of Drebber. Further supporting that Doyle was knowledgeable about Masonry.
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