The Berkeley Beacon

Issue date: 10/26/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Matthew McWilliams The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, above, is on the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets, directly across from Emerson's Little Building.

For those who like a good conspiracy theory, one of the most enduring mysteries begins with the $1 bill.

A popular story centers around the pyramid design on the bill's reverse side, with a single eye floating in the air.

According to the popular story, the pyramid and eye are a tribute to a secret society known as the "Freemasons."

Here at Emerson, the mystery of the Freemasons lingers right next the Ansin Building on Tremont Street, where the organization's regional headquarters resides.

The organization, however, is not entirely secretive.

The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts sits directly across from Emerson's Little Building, on the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets.

"It's a creepy building with no windows. I've always been curious about it," said Katie Cotugno, a senior writing, literature and publishing major.

The male-exclusive Masons are now opening their doors even further.

In the past, the group has often accepted as few as three to four people each year.

Robert Huke, public relations director for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, said the organization is attempting to branch out.

"We have always tried to extend what our fraternity offers to as many people as possible," Huke said. "In the past we have not actively sought members. That is what has changed. We can't operate as we have in the past since we are becoming more well known."

The official Web site now describes the group as a "society with secrets, not a secret society." The "hollow sidewalk" signs near the lodge are also not a great mystery, Huke said.

"The only things under the sidewalks are pipes, dining rooms and a kitchen," Huke said.

A student at Harvard University, who wished to remain unidentified, was sent an e-mail in his first semester of freshman year from the Masonic Society of Massachusetts.

"We've been watching you," the e-mail said. "And we think you would be good for our organization."

The student said there were no people in his family, friends or acquaintances that were Masons.

Continued...

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