I know it’s a fraternal based organization, but much of its meaning is kept private, and only revealed later as you " level up "
I have noticed many of the founding fathers of the United States were free Masons, and their symbolism is weaved into our monetary and structural building systems.
It’s basically just a mason you get for no charge. Kind of a bargain if you can get one that way, as usually, they are pretty expensive.
It’s really a GQ question, but here is the wiki on them.
I hear there are reasons to join.
More questions.
Does it get a tax exempt status as other religions do?
Why did the Catholic Church ban it?
I hear there is an initial part where a man must strip down, sometimes blindfolded, and get invitations with the sharp point of the compass on his back, without pricing the skin, but against it.
The top level secrets are not known, so those joining or who have been in for a while might be shocked to learn more as they level up, possibly with some is information given to the newer members.
I do know there is a handshake for greeting ( I know one of them ) , and people in the fraternity can get special privilege from others in various areas of life.
There seems to be some sort of connection with the belief in Aliens, and a narrative that humans were not originated as the Bible might tell you.
Just so you know, all of this stuff is easily Googled.
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Does it get a tax exempt status as other religions do?
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No, it’s not a religion. I think some of the large lodges can file together (collectively), but there aren’t any federal exemptions that I’m aware of. A quick Google search and scan seems to indicate that there are some local state exemptions for some lodges, but no idea what that falls under or how widespread it is.
Papal ban wiki.
Their tax exemption, if any, is not because they are a religion, but because they are 501(c)8 or 501(c)10 organizations. Cite.
Regards,
Shodan
This was the link I saw. Mine is more colorful though. 
Catholics can’t be Masons?
Good thing I joined the Loyal Order of Moose (Lodge 2188) then.
Are the words on Wiki true?
Which words on Wiki? I admit to rarely reading anything on Wikipedia expect for a quick 30,000 ft overview.
The first rule of…
This is more GQ than GD. Moved.
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I apologize for the double post but I cannot figure out how to edit on my tablet.
The Catholic Church has banned or denounced a great number of things over the years. Most people in US Catholic congregations seem to happily ignore most of this and still consider themselves to be good Church members.
There’s also a similar order just for Catholics, the Knights of Columbus. Presumably, they don’t do whatever it is that Masons do that make them unacceptable to the Church. But for the most part, they’re the same thing: A bunch of old men who hang out together and get involved in various charities, and sometimes dress up in silly costumes.
Yes, my lodge has those exemptions and is also exempt from state taxes. We still pay local property taxes.
Masons allow Protestants in … I can see why the 18th Century Catholic Church considered the Masons to be heretics … and why maybe Masons kept their business a bit secretive …
What would be the point of a secret society that let just anybody in on their secrets?
I know my Moose application had to be sponsored by a current member (the bartender was kind enough to use her number) and I had to pay $60 cash! Now that’s a rigorous vetting process.
Fun fact: George Washington presided over the ceremonial laying of the U.S. Capitol’s cornerstone in Masonic garb: https://ajmacdonaldjr.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/wahington4.jpg. Dan Brown made much of this, and other Masonic stuff in Washington, D.C., in The Lost Symbol, but just remember he writes fiction.
They also allowed by brother-in-law in, which was reason enough for me to avoid them.
I’m sure some of them are. Somewhere.
Freemasons are not a secret society, though
