A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to a jazz night at an exclusive members-only club. If you are invited by a member, you can enter the club by giving a secret password at a restaurant, then restaurant staff will lead you outside to a locked door and let you up a flight of stairs. Mounting the stairs, one is greeted by flickering tea lights and crystal chandeliers which complement the toile wallpaper, dark wainscotting, Japanese barware and rows of well-curated bottles. This place is a throwback to the mysterious speakeasies of 1920's prohibition - needless to say, it is my kind of place. That first visit was wonderful and at the end of the night, I was joined at the bar by the savant saxophonist, who invited me back this week. So, for a second time, I went to check the place out. All of this exclusivity makes me feel very special and has piqued my interest about other secret societies. So, today's question is: who are the Freemasons?
A:
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization which arose in the 17th century under obscure circumstances. Some believe that Freemasonry evolved out of the operative lodges of the stonemasons of the middle ages. Others believe that it was born out of the guild that built King Solomon's temple or that it originated through direct descendants of the Knights Templar. Freemasonry has often been called a "secret society", however Freemasons describe it as an enigmatic group where certain aspects are secret.
The central functions of Freemasonry are charitable work, moral uprightness including a belief in a supreme being, and the development and maintenance of fraternal friendships. Freemasons use gestures, handshakes and code words to gain admission to meetings and identify legitimate visitors from other jurisdictions. Membership is not by invitation only, rather a candidate petitions the lodge where the brethren investigate the candidate to ensure that they are in moral good standing and then hold a secret ballot election.
The general requirements for initiation into Freemasonry are:
- Be a man who comes of his own free will.
- Believe in a Supreme Being.
- Be at least the minimum age (from 18–25 years old depending on the jurisdiction).
- Be of good morals and of good reputation.
- Be of sound mind and body.
- Be free-born (this is a legacy requirement, which stated that slaves were ineligible for membership. Some jurisdictions have removed this requirement.)
- Be capable of furnishing character references, as well as one or two references from current Masons, depending on jurisdiction.
Being a woman, I am not eligible for membership into Freemasonry, but I'm happy to stick with my weekly visit to the Toronto Temperance Society - jazz and gin martinis shrouded in secrecy is my idea of a good night out.
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