Masonic Lodge - 679 Browne Street

The Masons meet every third Monday of the month, except in the summer. Members may purchase identifying rings, bumper stickers, shot glasses, t-shirts, and other merchandise here. Women and all non-members are strictly forbidden from entering the main hall of the Masons, which is upstairs. During the meetings a Masonic guard is placed in front of each of the two entrance doors.   To join one must ask or be asked by a current Mason. Then the petitioner must declare belief in a deity, that he has an open mind, and promise never to discuss what goes on at the meetings with other non-Masons, or outside the lodge. The candidate is then nominated at a meeting and voted upon. Almost never is the candidate declined entrance into initiation.   Over the next three months the candidate must pass certain tests to attain membership; not everyone will complete this process. Once membership is gained, the candidate becomes a Master Mason and remains so for life. He holds no more or less power than any other member regardless of seniority or position. All men are equals in the Masonic Hall. Funerals for impoverished members will be taken care of by the fraternity. Modest dues are collected yearly; those who cannot afford them will be given their membership card regardless.   Once initiated, the entrant must sign a large book containing the names and dates of every member. The first name in this book is Ezekiel Boggs, dated 1763.