ur Friendly Society constitutes of both men and women of various ages, who unite together, study, and specialize in a philosophy of spiritual life. We cultivate certain basal truths of human nature and human destiny, in accord with the noble orders of architecture. While the religions of the world express these truths in different forms, Mechanism underlines and illustrates the foundational principles common to them all, in unity of thought.

From time immemorial and through all ages and lands, there has existed a fundamental belief that an inner or divine degree of knowledge may be acquired or revealed to human beings under certain conditions. This knowledge is invariably related to the nature and destiny of the soul of an individual and its relationship to a Deity. This is a fundamental principle from which all modern religions sprung, but Mechanism, not being a religion, concerns itself with the nature of the Belief and not its form.

The secrets of the inner being of an individual and the Divine knowledge that leads to the discovery of our relationship with the Deity are imbued in the "center" or the core of our soul, which is the spirit. The discovery and joyful utilization of this knowledge constitutes "Christ Consciousness." Mechanism strives to teach the attainment of this knowledge and the application of its principles and tenets in our daily lives.

It is recognized however, that these inner values being of a spiritual nature are incommunicable. They transcend communication by word of mouth or hand, but are capable of manifestation through our way of life, and therefore can be felt and assimilated through the right light radiations, but in the main, can only be attained through personal endeavor.

Mechanic Lodges (Men) and Chapters (Women) are the basic organizations in Mechanism. They are collectively governed by Grand Lodges for the area in which they reside. A Lodge or Chapter Room is the room where meetings are held and is housed within a Mechanic Temple - symbolically echoing King Solomon's Temple.

The 'Lodge' or 'Chapter' is where Mechanics practice Mechanism, learning moral and ethical values through allegory and symbolic plays, called ritual - defined as a set of actions performed mainly for their symbolic value.

The Independent United Order of Mechanics was founded in 1757 in Lancashire, England. It was lawfully registered as a Friendly Society in 1878 following the enactment of Friendly Societies Act 1875 by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

In the 19th century, the Order spread to South Africa, British Guiana, the Netherlands, and the Greater Antilles of North America. The first branch in the United States of America formed in 1910.

Today, Mechanic Temples exist throughout the world, including Guyana, Jamaica, England, Costa Rica, Canada, Aruba, Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Netherlands,Turks and Caicos Islands, Panama, Scotland, Barbados, Grenada, Suriname, Dutch West Indies, Cayman Islands, Honduras, Guatemala, French Guiana and the United States of America.

Photos

Maryland Public Service Program