Published: November 21, 2009 06:05 pm      

Event offers rare opportunity for public to go inside Masonic Temple

Local lodges take part in statewide Freemasons open house

It’s not every day the doors of the New Albany Masonic Temple are opened to the public.

In fact, Saturday was the first time Steve Hopkins, Worshipful Master of Depauw Lodge 338, experienced a full blown Freemasons open house.

“It’s a new direction,” said Hopkins, one of four Worshipful Masters representing the New Albany Freemasons lodges on hand for the show and tell.

There were also representatives of independent lodges from the area at the open house.

A fraternal organization traditionally assumed to be steeped in secrecy, there are misconceptions about Freemasonry that are abundant in literature and art, Hopkins said. “It’s not a secret organization, it’s just an organization with secrets,” he added.

Just like New Albany, Freemasons lodges around Indiana welcomed interested visitors as part of the Grand Masters Open House Program. Michael Sorrels, Worshipful Master of New Albany Lodge 39, said it was a first for the state.

While not specifically a membership drive, those who attended the open house had a chance to learn about Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star and decide if they want to join.

Men can become Freemasons while men and women can join the Order of the Eastern Star.

There’s also the DeMolay for young men between the ages of 13 and 21 and Job’s Daughters for young ladies between 13 and 20 years old.

Each branch of the Masonic organization touts charity work, such as the full nursing care Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin, the Knights of the Templer Eye Foundation and Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment fund.

World War II-era men formed a majority of the past membership base for the Freemasons, but attrition has taken many of those members.

“Our Grand Master has asked that statewide lodges have an opportunity to show what Freemasonry is all about,” Sorrels said. “If somebody decides to join that’s fine, but it’s not [required].”

And there are many questions that Freemasons typically are asked. So much so that the state chapter dedicated a link on its Web site, www.tryfreemason

ry.com, to separating myth from fact.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

“We are not a religion, but no atheist can be a member,” Sorrels said.

Belief in a “Supreme Being” is essential to Freemasons membership, but it’s open to all religions, Sorrels continued.

As for the secret society stereotype, Sorrels offered a Freemasons motto.

“To be one, ask one,” he said.

Depauw has its own building along Corydon Pike, while the other three city lodges — Jefferson Lodge 104, Pythagoras Lodge 355 and New Albany meet at the 805 E. Market St. temple.

It’s a historic structure, erected in 1848 by Judge John Conner. Two sizable meeting chambers on the second floor are ground zero for the teachings of the organization.

Inside one of the meeting rooms, Freemason and President George Washington’s eyes greet members as they enter. He’s portrayed on a large painting that hangs from a wall inside the chamber — a typical piece of artwork for a Masonic lodge.

“He’s one of the most revered members,” said Sorrels.

There were some mixed feelings from local Freemasons about the open house, Hopkins said, but most believed it would a great step, he continued.

Ed Staggs, Worshipful Master of the Pythagoras lodge, said the open house allotted Freemasons leadership to dispel rumors and display the character that symbolizes the goal of the organization.

“I’m just glad we’ve had this opportunity to present ourselves to the community,” he said.