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| Isn’t Freemasonry one of those secret societies? What’s with the handshakes and passwords? | |||||||||||
| Well, if Freemasonry is a secret society, it has to be one of the worst kept secrets in history. Perhaps it is because Masons have a well-earned reputation for not repeating the things that a fellow lodge member may share in confidence, the Craft is believed by many to be a “secret” organization. Masons don't make a secret of the fact that they are members of the fraternity. Many wear rings, lapel pins and tie tacks with Masonic emblems like the Square and Compasses -- the best known of Masonic signs -- which recall the fraternity's roots in stonemasonry. Masonic buildings are clearly marked, and are usually listed in the phone book. Many Lodges (like Naurashank Lodge) even have their own web site, where contact information and upcoming events are posted for all the world to see. But there are some Masonic secrets, and they fall into two categories. The first are the ways in which a man can identify himself as a Mason -- grips and passwords. Masons keep these private for obvious reasons. It is not at all unknown for unscrupulous people to try to pass themselves off as Masons in order to get assistance under false pretenses. The second group is harder to describe, but they are the ones Masons usually mean by "Masonic secrets." They are secrets because they literally can't be talked about, can't be put into words. They are the changes that happen to a man when he really accepts responsibility for his own life and, at the same time, truly decides that his real happiness is in helping others. It's a wonderful feeling, but it's something you simply can't explain to another person. That's why Masons sometimes say their secrets cannot (rather than "may not") be told. Try telling someone exactly what you feel when you see a beautiful sunset, or when you hear music which suddenly stirs old memories, and you'll understand what we mean. |
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| Who can become a Mason? | |||||||||||
| Becoming a Mason is a serious business and is not a step to be taken lightly. Freemasonry requires a commitment in terms of both time and effort. Full membership in our fraternity is not a prize you get with a box of Cracker Jack® – it must be earned. That said, Masons come from every walk of life, as well as every religious, ethnic, economic, and educational background. However, membership in Freemasonry is not open to just anyone. In New York State, an applicant – called a Candidate – must meet the following minimum requirements: 1. You must be a man, 21 years of age or older; 2. You must be of good character and reputation, and you’ll have to provide evidence of living a positive life through references from at least one Mason and three other people; 3. You must believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. |
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