Hidden beneath a veil of unintentional secrecy , Freemasonry , allegedly the world’s oldest and largest fraternity , has a long and proud history , dating back , some say , to the building of Egyptian temples .

The brotherhood of those stonemasons formed long ago , but tradition carries on , and the mysteries that surround Freemasonry seem just as impenetrable . However , at a meeting of Shriners in Woodstock on Feb . 18 , local Shriners , who , in order to obtain such status must first be Freemasons , were more than willing to share the history of their organization , the details of the work that they do for the children who need them and to welcome those who , if they have the qualifications , would like to join them .

Connecticut is divided into two halves – the needs of Shriners on the eastern side of the state being met by the members of the Sphinx Shrine Temple , based out of Newington . Potentate , or CEO , The Illustrious David W . Mc-Donough , Sr ., explained the history of Freemasonry , a fraternal organization that , in 1870 broke off into The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ( A . A . O . N . M . S . ) , or Shriners . This happened when two Masons in Manhattan said , “ The Masons are kind of a snooty group … we want to have fun . ” Pulling away from the Arabic fashion of the day , they formed the Shriners , in order to “ be the playground of Masonry” – and to seek a cure for polio . “ Masons came out of the woodwork to join the Shrine and to raise money for polio , ” McDonough said .

Later , when a cure for polio was found , Shriners dedicated themselves to other orthopedic cases , as well as to pediatric burns , forming a network that raises millions of dollars and cares for thousands of children around the world – at no cost to the family .

To become a Shriner , a gentleman must first become a Master Mason , working his way up through the ranks of Masonry . How does one become a Mason ? Frederick W . Schmalz , director of Hospital Transportation , explained . “ You don’t have to know the first thing about operational masonry … youjust have to be a good man . ” Men with an interest in joining the Masons simply need to express an interest to a Mason or Shriner , and , once a petition has been signed , the Lodge votes whether or not to accept him . Masons are not a religious cult , requiring only that a member have faith in a single higher power .

Twenty-five-year-old Vin Matozzo , Public Relations and 1 st Ceremonial Master , is a relatively youngMason with the Sphinx Shrine . “ I love it , ” he said . “ It gives me an opportunity to be myself and to get involved with a good cause , a noble cause . ”

D . John Watkins , NeCT President , wrote , “ It’s not the guys with the funny hats or the little cars ; it’s a group of men with a common bond to help children ... If there is one thing about us , the children come first . Burned , broken or birth defect , rich man , poor man , white , black , red or yellow, we don’t care . Just let the child be repaired and live a full life . ”

At the close of last week’s meeting , the Potentate said , “ The message we send in 2010 ; the community , awareness , fellowship , having fun . That’s what makes youa great Shriner . ” To learn more about Sphinx Shrine , visit www . sphinxshrine . org . If you’reinterested in becoming a Mason or a Shriner , check out : http : // beashrinernow . com .