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Modern-Day Masons: 'Chic'?

It's not your father's stonecutters filling the lodges

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The masons are back. After decades of dwindling membership, the world’s most open secret society is enjoying a renaissance—mostly because it’s become less secretive. Freemasons are forbidden from seeking new members, but their rules say nothing about websites: Thanks to Internet publicity, more men are signing up, and they’re younger and hipper to boot, the Los Angeles Times reports.

“There is so much information on the Internet,” said California’s top mason. “By the time someone comes to a lodge, they already know a lot.” One tattoo artist said he joined up just to find “people to hang with.” Now, he’s on his way to becoming his lodge’s first black master. “I think it's going to become hip and chic to be a Mason,” he predicts.

The arch over a masonic temple is seen in this file photo.
The arch over a masonic temple is seen in this file photo.   (Getty Images)
A masonic lodge meeting begins in this 1959 file photo.
A masonic lodge meeting begins in this 1959 file photo.   (Magnum Photos)
The compass is an ancient symbol of freemasonry.
The compass is an ancient symbol of freemasonry.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Benjamin Franklin as a Mason
Benjamin Franklin as a Mason   (Archive Photos)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
lweston56
Mar 20, 2011 4:40 PM CDT
Anyone who thinks the Freemasons are no longer secretive are truly deceived. Yes, maybe the members in the lower levels are not secretive as they have no secrets to tell. One does not find out the secrets of freemasonry until one reaches the highest levels. If you want to know who is behind the freemasons one must only look to Rome. The Freemasonry symbols are all over the Vatican. and who is controlling it all? The Jesuits. Please take a good look at history and find out if it makes you comfortable that they are controlling things behind the scenes. Every country in the world is embroiled in these secrets. And which country is at the head and clasping hands with all of this? It is the USA. They are all planning to bring about one world order....a washed down religion that everyone can agree with to supposedly bring about world peace. When you see this happening look to God's word, for Jesus is the only one who can deliver us.

Ohio Masons are hardly secretive
ABC News

Come inside Yale's hidden societies
Gadling

 
Internet • fraternity • Freemason

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