For many people, the mention of the Freemasons conjures images of secret handshakes and mysterious meetings that have sometimes been maligned and mocked in popular culture.
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But, in reality, the international organisation does a lot of good for communities like Maitland.
The historic Freemasons Lodge of Maitland celebrates its 175th birthday on Saturday and, to mark the occasion, past Assistant Grand Master Kevin Short has lifted the veil on some of the Freemasons’ good work.
It may be a surprise for people to learn that the Freemasons are the largest providers of aged care in NSW and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for communities affected by bushfires, floods and other disasters.
They also raise money for at-risk youth and families, medical research, community programs, hospital and medical equipment, emergency services and disability support.
But they don’t often approach the media to blow their own trumpet, they just get on with their work.
Any rumours of devil worship or other unseemly practices are probably the result of the general public’s tendency to fear the unknown.
“We are concerned with the morality of men, encouraging them to act in an upright manner towards all men,” Mr Short told the Mercury.
The Freemasons are a part of most communities, even though it may not be obvious because they choose to remain out of the public spotlight most of the time.
Many places across NSW have a Masonic Hall somewhere in the town centre and, if you looked hard enough, it would become apparent that many prominent community members through history were part of the organisation.
As the Freemasons edge further into public view, it is fascinating to learn more about the role they play in the community and the good work they do.
