posted ago by newfunturistic ago by newfunturistic +6 / -2

Freemasonry and St. Peter are two topics that have some connections in history and symbolism. Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from the loose organization of medieval masons working in the medieval building industry1 St. Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the first leader of the Christian Church. He is also regarded as the patron saint of masons, builders, and locksmiths2

One of the connections between Freemasonry and St. Peter is the use of the inverted cross as a symbol. As mentioned in my previous response, the inverted cross is associated with the martyrdom of St. Peter, who was crucified upside down by the Romans. The inverted cross is also a symbol of the papacy, as the pope is considered the successor of Peter as the bishop of Rome34

However, some Freemasons have also adopted the inverted cross as a sign of humility and devotion to the Craft. For example, the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, known as the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, has an inverted cross as part of its emblem.

Another connection between Freemasonry and St. Peter is the influence of Masonic and occult ideas at the court of Peter the Great, the tsar of Russia who ruled from 1682 to 1725. Peter the Great was interested in various aspects of Western culture, including science, art, and religion. He was also fascinated by esotericism and chivalrous societies, which were compatible with the ideals of Freemasonry as it developed at the beginning of the 18th century. Some of his closest advisers and friends were Freemasons or occultists, such as Jacob Bruce, Feofan Prokopovich, and Robert Erskine. They played an active role in transforming the Russian state and culture, but also engaged in secret rituals and experiments. Peter the Great was also portrayed as a “Mason King” and a new King David, leading his people to a new Jerusalem, symbolized by the foundation of St. Petersburg.

These are some of the connections between Freemasonry and St. Peter that I found in my web search results. I hope you find them interesting and informative. 😊