The first person to ever present the idea of a Sun-centered universe was Pythagoras of Samos in around 500 B.C. Pythagoras is also widely recognized by Masonic historians as being the very first Freemason !
Master Mason Dr. James Anderson said in his “Defence of Masonry,” that, “I am fully convinced that Freemasonry is very nearly allied to the old Pythagorean Discipline, from whence, I am persuaded, it may in some circumstances very justly claim a descent.” Master Mason William Hutchinson wrote in his “Spirit of Masonry,” that, “the ancient Masonic record brings us positive evidence of the Pythagorean doctrine and Basilidian principles making the foundation of our religious and moral duties.” Master Mason William Preston wrote that Pythagoras was “among the first Masons” but contends in his “Illustrations of Masonry,” that, “the records of the fraternity inform us that Pythagoras was regularly initiated into Masonry; and being properly instructed in the mysteries of the Art, he was much improved, and propagated the principles of the Order in other countries into which he afterwards traveled.”

33rd degree Freemasonic historian Albert Mackey in his “Encyclopedia of Freemasonry,” wrote that, “On his return to Europe, Pythagoras established his celebrated school at Crotona, a Dorian Colony in the south of Italy, about 529 B.C., much resembling that subsequently adopted by the Freemasons. His school soon acquired such a reputation that disciples flocked to him from all parts of Greece and Italy. Pythagoras taught as the principal dogma of his philosophy the system of metempsychosis, or the transmigration of souls. He taught the mystical power of numbers, and much of the symbolism on that subject which we now possess is derived from what has been left to us by his disciples. He was also a geometrician, and is regarded as having been the inventor of several problems … The schools established by Pythagoras at Crotona and other cities, have been considered by many writers as the models after which Masonic Lodges were subsequently constructed … The disciples of this school wore the simplest kind of clothing, and having on their entrance surrendered all their property to the common fund, they then submitted for three years to voluntary poverty, during which time they were also compelled to a rigorous silence. The doctrines of Pythagoras were always delivered as infallible propositions which admitted of no argument … Before admission to the privileges of this school, the previous life and character of the candidate were rigidly scrutinized, and in the preparatory initiation secrecy was enjoined by an oath, and he was made to submit to the severest trials of his fortitude and self-command. He who after his admission was alarmed at the obstacles he had to encounter, was permitted to return to the world, and the disciples, considering him as dead, performed his funeral obsequies, and erected a monument to his memory. The mode of living in the school of Crotona was like that of the modern Communists. The Brethren, about six hundred in number, with their wives and children, resided in one large building … They arose before day to pay their devotions to the sun … The meals consisted principally of bread, honey, and water, for though the table was often covered with delicacies, no one was permitted to partake of them. It was in this secret school that Pythagoras gave his instructions on his interior doctrine, and explained the hidden meaning of his symbols. There were three Degrees: the first or Mathematic, being engaged in the study of the exact sciences; and the second, or Theoretic, in the knowledge of God and the future state of man; but the third or highest Degree, was communicated only to a few whose intellects were capable of grasping the full fruition of the Pythagorean philosophy.”

In addition to these admissions by Masonic historians, the life and work of Pythagoras closely resembles many aspects of the craft, from his obsession with triangles and geometry, to his school-cult full of initiatory rites and brain-washing. Candidates were “rigidly scrutinized” just like candidates for Masonry are “given the third degree” i.e. forced to answer many probing personal questions, and are then either given a white-ball or black-ball by Masons in the lodge, just one black-ball resulting in being “black-balled” / kicked out. If initiated, just like in Masonry, Pythagorean initiates had to swear oaths of secrecy and loyalty then submitted to various tests, trials and rituals. The “brethren” lived like communists and worshipped the Sun. Over time they progressed through a series of three degrees in which only the privileged few in the highest degree learned the truth of the symbols and rituals. The many parallels of the Pythagorean School and modern Freemasonry are far too similar to ignore.