"The phrase hoist by ones own petard springs somewhat unkindly to mind" - They have a few secrets so its OK to gas them and turn them into soap and lamp shades? Allegations of secrecy, power and wealth were amongst the Nazi justifications for slaughtering the jews. Their own fault too I guess? Its a boys club that raises money for charity, the biggest private raiser of such cash in the country. Much of this is spent on non-masonic charities. Masonic charities largely look after old and ill Freemasons and their families, widows and orphans. The advent of the internet means that there are no longer any masonic secrets, they are all there to see. At worst they are a bunch of increasingly old buffers that get together once a month to go through bizarre rituals, eat school-dinner food, drink very average wine and buy lots of raffle tickets. Prices are always over the odds because there is always a margin added for charity. I was one once. I left because it wasnt as interesting as I thought it might be and I had other things to do. How to spot a Freemason on his way to Lodge? Black suit, black tie and the large square brief case. The square brief case ensures that the apron does not get creased. So mote it be. All praise TGAOU.