Last night I met a guy at Halloween party who told me he was a Free Mason. He was hilarious and fit right in with my friend group. Upon asking him what the Free Masons are he just said “basically we’re a bunch of dudes who get together for pancakes on Saturday.”
I’ve also heard conspiracies about the group in the past, and I even had an ex coworker once tell me the Free Masons were a cult and were out to get him.
Anyone have any insights? The internet is not very helpful.
all fraternal orgs (Moose, Elks, Odd Fellows, etc.) used to be men-only (hence the term "fraternal"), the Masons are just the only ones who have not changed their bylaws. there are some lodges that admit women but I think they are only recognized by each other rather that the traditional grand lodges.