HARRY Houdini was there, peering out from his portrait at the hallowed corridor on the 12th floor of the Masonic Hall in New York.
That the legendary magician was one of the many distinguished members of the American freemasonry surely added mystery to what has often been seen as the oldest secret society in the world.
The reality, however, is that the freemasons are more open and less sexy.
Their awesome headquarters here is available free for public viewing six days a week, a little known fact as the reputation of this two centuries-old organisation precedes itself.
“We often hear that membership is based on invitation. That's not true at all,” said Thomas M. Savini, the Masonic Library director.
The truth is that it remains a deeply ritualistic, male-only fraternity and one that is slowly graying but the members are not deterred from performing the many community services they so cherish.
As the sprightly 80-year-old Anton J. Kurz said proudly: “We have 22 hospitals throughout the United States, offering free treatment to the poor whether they are freemasons or not.
“We are not a political, religious or military organisation. We are a charitable organisation which gives out millions of dollars everywhere,” he said.
Kurz, who is a member of the tour committee, guides visitors to selected rooms in the 19-storey Masonic Hall, which was built in 1910.
Each room or lodge, where freemasons hold their meetings, is quite similar in layout with their imposing columns, grand chandeliers, Masonic symbols, altar and an electronic organ.
The difference lies in the theme of the designs.
For instance, the Empire Room features 19th century French motifs, the Chapter Room an Egyptian theme and the Jacobean Room a medieval setting.
“Houdini used to come to the Empire Room,” said the Prague-born Kurz, a freemason for four decades.
Outside the Jacobean Room, there was a notice put up about a blood donation drive to be held on Dec 1.
The Grand Lodge Room has an intriguing trivia. Its architect was H.P. Knowles, who later designed a similar hall for the Titanic. He died on that ship when it sank in 1912.
Indeed, the freemasons are steeped in tradition although the origin of the organisation remains vague.
When George Washington was sworn in as the first US president, the “Masonic Bible” was used.
According to library director Savini, it was also supposed to have been used during the swearing-in of George Bush senior. However, it rained that day and the plan was abandoned because they did not want to risk damaging that rare book.
President George Washington was a freemason and a replica of a famous statue of him now stands at the Hollender Room where ancient books line both sides of this private office and the ceiling features Mayan and Inca themes.
“This is where the Grand Master of Masons and his committees would have their meetings to decide on new laws or any changes to be made,” said Kurz.
There are about 56,000 freemasons in New York state; a far cry from the early years when membership was at the 300,000 mark.
Still, New York has one of the biggest memberships in the United States. Its library here, which has 60,000 books on Masonic philosophy, is the largest of its kind in the world.
Its website (www.nymasons.org) lists famous members such as movie director Cecil B. DeMille, astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin, car maker Henry Ford and Benjamin Franklin, who had a hand in drafting the US Constitution.
But with a declining membership and visitors averaging about 60 each week, it appears that the freemasons will remain an enigma to people who love looking for a good mystery.
(Sunday November 26, 2006)
