News

**sia** · (This post was last modified: 03-31-2012 07:32 PM by sia.)

The Web generation

THE INTERNET hasn't only made it easier to learn about the Freemasons, Casalou says, it's changed the type of men coming forward. "There is so much information on the Internet that by the time someone comes to a lodge to seek membership, they already know a lot about Masonry," he said. "Which is a big departure from previous generations. And it means they are more likely to be active participants."

Zulu became curious about Freemasonry after tattooing Masonic symbology on several clients. He joined five years ago at age 39 and now serves as webmaster and senior warden of North Hollywood Lodge No. 542. He has also gone on to become both a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner (Masonic membership is a prerequisite for both), and next year he will become the leader of his lodge. "I'll be the first black worshipful master in the lodge's history," he said, using the proper term of respect.

But he probably won't be the last. Because California's contingent of Freemasons is expected to grow, the average age of its members, once 71 and now 65, is expected to drop. By 2018, as Casalou predicts, the state will be awash in 55-year-old pre-retirement Masons giving each other secret handshakes, wearing ritual aprons and invoking the Grand Architect of the Universe.

The Internet continues to help. Zulu said that he gets at least four e-mails a week from prospective Masons around the globe who see his tattooed and pierced visage at the lodge website and want to be reassured such an alternative look isn't a barrier to membership.

"Yeah, I think it's going to become hip and chic to be a Mason," Zulu said. "And that could be a dangerous thing."

Scream1

http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la...2602.story

**ZeroToad**

Many join for the wrong reasons. Hiding

Ribbit

**Son of the Widow**

As a tattoo artist, Past Master and Shriner, I agree with Bro. Zulu. The new generation of Freemasons are a reflection of our society. Its not ur Grandpa's Lodge anymore.

**Skippy**

The Ku Klux Klan was founded by Confederate Military masons.... The Crusaders who invaded a foreign land and stole their wealth and knowledge were the Templars who are now the Masons. What a great group of brotherly fellows.

**sia**

Tat2ist Wrote:

As a tattoo artist, Past Master and Shriner, I agree with Bro. Zulu. The new generation of Freemasons are a reflection of our society. Its not ur Grandpa's Lodge anymore.

Care to extrapolate? Thx

**CountFapula**

Skippy Wrote:

The Ku Klux Klan was founded by Confederate Military masons.... The Crusaders who invaded a foreign land and stole their wealth and knowledge were the Templars who are now the Masons. What a great group of brotherly fellows.

taking care of one another. one brother at a time

read up on conspiracy! it feeds the beast! Lmao

honestly all of my mason friends are solid folk. always there, kind, honest and so what if they have secrets. bothers me not. i don't care to know what goes on behind my neighbors bedroom doors any more than what other people do in secret. OR WHAT YOU DO.

+1 for conspiritards