Dear Brethren,
Contrary to what many people believe, Freemasonry is NOT a "secret society." A society that is completely secretive would not have buildings with their name in big letters plastered on the front. Their members would not have emblems on cars, lapel pins, jewelry and clothing. We have signs on roads with the Square and Compasses and the letter "G" fully visible with information of where and when we meet. When we do some charitable work our picture and accompanying story is sometimes in the newspaper. Open any phone book and we are clearly listed. This does not seem too secretive to me.
You can obtain volumes of books on the Craft in the local library with many of the "secrets" revealed. It has been on the television on different programs "revealing" what we do.
Yes, we do have a few signs and words of recognition which we do like to keep to ourselves, but Freemasonry itself is not secret. It can be compared to belonging to a union where you carry a card and dues receipt. This identifies you as being a member of that particular craft, just like Masons, and commits you to supporting that craft and its brethren along with what they represent. As Freemasons, we pledge to support our Lodge and its members as needed.
Brethren, maybe it's time to start "revealing" to others what we are really about. I am not saying to "tell all." But when asked, "Hey, what do you guys do?", give them the proper answers. Enlighten them and just maybe you might have attracted another who will become your newly raised brother someday. Or even Worshipful Master! It happened to me! Need a petition? Just as.
Spread the Light,
Edward T. Gasior
Worshipful Master
