[AlphaSigOU]

OK, I'll jump... Not only am I a member of a GLO, but I am also a Freemason.

Freemasonry is considered to be the oldest social fraternity in the world, with its traditional roots dating back to the stonemasons of Biblical times. In days of old, the tricks of the stonemason's trade were closely guarded secrets, and not obtained until a long period of apprenticeship was completed. As independent tradesmen (or 'free' Masons) they could travel from town to town unimpeded (most villagers in the Middle Ages seldom, if ever traveled, and not without good reason). Around the 16th century the stonemasons' guilds began to accept members from the community; these were called 'accepted' Masons.

Modern Freemasonry traces its existence to the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Masonry was also brought to America; George Washington, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin were members of the fraternity and instilled many of the principles taught in Freemasonry into the young United States of America.

To become a Freemason one must be a male, of lawful age (21 or older, though some state grand lodges allow entry as young as 18), and be well recommended by others of good standing who can vouch for his character. (There are female Masonic organizations, but that's way beyond the scope of this post.) Also, the candidate must declare a belief in a Supreme Being; atheists are not permitted membership. By tradition and law, Masons do not actively solicit members for membership, "to be one, you must ask one" is the rule for anyone interested in seeking membership.

Masonry is not a secret society, but it is a society with secrets; our lodges are plainly visible in town, many men wear rings, jewelry, even shirts with the Square and Compasses. The only thing that's kept secret are the ceremonies of initiation to the three degrees, the methods of recognition and the internal business of the lodge.

Those interested in becoming members are given a petition for membership; once it's filled and signed, the petition is read in lodge and a committee of investigation appointed. The committee personally interviews the candidate as to his qualifications and answers any questions he may have. At the next stated meeting the committee presents its investigation report and the ballot is spread on the candidate; if the vote is favorable, the candidate is informed of his election to membership and told when to report to lodge to take the first degree in Freemasonry.

There are three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. Each degree contains many moral teachings from the Holy Scriptures symbolized in the tools of the stonemasons' trade. At the end of the EA degree, the new Mason is paired off with an instructor and begins to learn the 'catechism' of the degree, which is, in most cases transmitted orally and a requirement to pass before going on to the next degree. The FC degree further delves into the liberal arts and sciences and how they pertain to Freemasonry. Again, another set of ritualistic questions and answers are memorized before the third and final degree, the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. In the MM degree the final secrets of the fraternity and modes of recognition are demonstrated in an elaborate ritual. Some state grand lodges require a final memorization of the third degree 'catechism' before one can pursue membership in the other appendant bodies of Freemasonry (Scottish and York Rites, Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, etc.) that require Masonic membership for joining.

Any other questions, feel free to ask. I've been a very active Mason for four years and really enjoy being a member of the fraternity.