Bible Encyclopedias
Pontiffs, Confraternities of

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

were in the 12th century guilds of associated masons for the building of churches. They appeared first at Chartres, in France, and spread thence throughout that country and England, Switzerland, and Germany. When their Christian character died out they became lodges of Freemasons.

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Pontiffs, Confraternities of'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​p/pontiffs-confraternities-of.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.