Is Freemasonry a secret society?

No. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be knows as Masons. Since our inception, the world had known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring the Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public. Freemasonry's Mission Statement Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men of all walks of life to contribute to the improvement of themselves, their families and their communities. Through our Masonic brotherhood, we reaffirm our dedication and unity to brotherly love, relief and truth, faith, hope and charity, the values that make America great. Freemasonry in Ohio After the Revolutionary War was concluded there came the great westward surge of America in search of land ...

No. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons. Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does however have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies and rituals for conferring Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, and proceedings are widely available to the public.  more

No. Secret societies attempt to conceal their existence from the public. Freemasons openly show their affiliation with the fraternity, Masonic buildings are marked as such, and many Lodges advertise meeting times and gatherings in the local newspaper.  more

Despite historical claims, Freemasonry is not a secret society. Freemasonry's so-called secrets are solely a ceremonial manner of demonstrating that one is a Freemason when in Lodge meetings. There have always been special signs and hand grips by which the initiated might make themselves known to one another, as well as private rituals which are not shared with nonmembers. In this respect, Masonry preserves its centuries-old reputation for secrecy, but the secretiveness is fittingly ceremonial. There are more reasons why Freemasonry is not a secret society. The fraternity does not hide its existence or its membership. In fact, Masons are proud to be Masons, and often wear rings or lapel pins that show the Square and Compasses, the most widely used and recognized symbol of Masonry. They meet in Masonic Lodges and Masonic Halls, which are familiar sights in thousands of towns and cites. Our nation's telephone directories list Masonic Lodges in every state.