The oldest thing you'll find in their Museum in London is an Egyptian hammer dated 1400 BC. It is believed to have been of a worshipful master.
The origins are unclear but the claims are many. Just to name a few: Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Russia ffs and the list goes one.
The French position is arguably the most vehemently. Usually the society is for men but the French allow women and atheists also. They call the entity which they think it's God by the name of Grand Architect. Imo it's neither Architect nor God. It is the prince of lies and deception.
They claim their main objective it is to make the world a better place. You have to be really fucked in the head to imagine this is honest. Because it's really good for business, members are very much likely to avoid digging into it deeply. Imo this is the main reason nobody refuted this idea in a convincing manner. Greed it's eternal and most are willing to prolong the charade if they get a cut.
Rarely are those who can't be seduced by money, sex or power.