Clandestine

By working with the public, I often have the opportunity to meet so-called Masons who I later discover to be clandestine Masons. Sometimes it takes a little investigation on my part unless I see some unfamiliar square and compass displayed.

The definition of clandestine is: to be kept or done in secrecy in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. The Masonic definition is basically a lodge and it's members who are not officially recognized by the Grand Jurisdiction of Michigan.

In my research of these "clandestine" lodges they seem to be more prevalent in the African-American communities. The "mainstream" organization in the African-American community is of course Prince Hall Affiliated or PHA, they are recognized by the Grand Jurisdiction of Michigan along with roughly 39 other Grand Jurisdictions.

Today I met a gentleman who belongs to the Universal Masonic Brotherhood and Order of the Eastern Star, I've also met some International Masons....their square and compass has a skeleton key at the bottom of the square and compass.

In talking to these men it becomes apparent early in the conversation that they are close but not on the same level as those who belong to mainstream Masonic organizations. They have always been gentlemen and probably very good men who believe in what they are doing, unfortunately they have been led astray.

Often these organizations have some type of "life insurance" tied to membership. My research has also pointed out that these so-called lodges prey on people who for whatever reason have not sought membership in the mainstream lodges. As I mentioned before most of these men are probably good citizens and do good charitable work in their communities.....but in talking with them you quickly learn that they have not obtained the same knowledge we have.

When we take our obligation for the MM degree we probably think that we will never have occasion to meet a "clandestine" Mason.....but they are closer than you think. Just be prepared for the meeting, learn from it and appreciate the wonderful lessons we are taught.