My husband is a Mason and has been about 25 yrs. His dad was one as well. Women are not Masons. The wives of the Masons are all very supportive (at hubby's lodge).
Masons are very family oriented. Yes it is a men's group but they are all very protective of their families.
It does not take from our family. There are some very good men involved in his lodge. My daughter and I have been to the lodge for functions. We volunteer as a family with the Masons in the community with things such as finger printing for children, Scottish Rite Hospital events, and last year, we ran the games events for the 4th of July celebration in our town. So it is not like it is some big secret because it was clear that the Masons were doing this.
It is true, they have rituals and there are things they do that we are not privy to but that does not bother me. I don't look at it as some secret he doesn't share with me.. Masons are a part of his life and I support him. Some people give the Masons a bad rap and say they are a bad cult, etc. I have never witnessed anything but the good they do for people in the community and especially children.
I was at his lodge a couple years ago and one of the very old members who was very high up showed me around and explained a lot of things to me as to whay they do what they do... without sharing any compromising info. If your husband is interested in becoming a Mason and you have concerns, ask his sponsor... they are very forthcoming with information and your concerns -- or at least they should be....
Yes, there is a special ceremony for a funeral. It is one of the rituals I do not understand and am not privy to but I see that it is very meaningful and comforting to the Masons as well as the family of the Mason who died.
I have heard from some of my family and friends that Masons are bad, etc but they are not involved, never have been involved so I take their opinion like a grain of salt....
I know what I know about what they do and how they serve their community. I enjoy volunteering with them on the occasions that the family is involved, sponsoring dinners, etc. Also, my daughter (17)receives community service hours for her time spent volunteering which is great for her because colleges like to see smart students but they also like to see involved students.
I am proud of my husband being a Mason and witnessing the good he does in our community.
ETA.... per the negative response which was not called for but expected because some people just can't walk away from a post they know nothing about.... Catholics are not Masons, ever.
There is no reason to put some scare tactic with biased website info on here to slam what others do choose to be involved with and be good community leaders. I bet (Negative Nellie) you would accept the help from a Mason if you needed it? So don't slam them.