Masons open house Saturday

Staff Reports

Carson Valley Freemasons Lodge 33 open their doors for a public open house 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1421 Highway 395, Gardnerville.

This is the first time Nevada Freemasons have opened their doors to the public in celebration of Masonic Heritage, and it affords an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about the oldest and largest fraternity in the world.

Anyone who would like to know more about Freemasonry or anyone who is just curious and would like to take a peek inside the lodge is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Members and their families will be in attendance.

Freemasonry has a long history in the United States. There were 13 signers of the Constitution and 14 presidents (including George Washington) who were Freemasons.

Today there are more than 1.4 million Freemasons in North America, including more than 4,000 in Nevada.

Origins of Freemasonry are rooted in the guilds of stonemasons who build the castles and cathedrals in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The tools and objects used by these stonemasons have been adapted as the symbols and the ceremonies of modern Freemasonry, known worldwide as a symbol of character, charity and friendship. The square and compass design is the emblem of every Masonic Lodge.

Freemasonry is a fraternity that brings together good men of various political, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds to work together to improve themselves, their families, and their communities.