Freemasonry's Origin

What is Masonry's Origin? I have read that it probably lies in the Knights templar, however that is disputed by some. Others argue that masonry's origin does in fact start with medival guilds. It is all very confusing.
Also does masonry have any connection to the Oddfellows?

The origins of Masonry are lost in the mists of time.
Some say Templars, some say Rosicrusians and some say operative stone masons. I think it was Templars who masqueraded as stone masons for cover and were later infiltrated by Rosicrucians/Esoterics.

The Oddfellows are an offshoot of the Masons.

Originally posted by bigred1000
What is Masonry's Origin? I have read that it probably lies in the Knights templar, however that is disputed by some. Others argue that masonry's origin does in fact start with medival guilds. It is all very confusing.

The Templar legend is not taken seriously by historians. Practically all agree that Freemasonry's origins are with the medieval English stonemason guilds.

Also does masonry have any connection to the Oddfellows?

No, but the founders of the Oddfellows were Masons.

The templar legend is not taken seriously by Esoteric historians...
Brothers tend to see in the craft what they want to see.

[edit on 2-5-2007 by RWPBR]