Since the mid-nineteenth century, many scholars have also equated Masonry with Mormonism, because of both groups' reliance on secret rituals and closed temples. This is one reason the Masons have begun to open up their temples to the public. Authors Rich and Merchant continue, "In summary, in the United States, Masonic policies have evolved and gradually moved away from the secrecy and pseudo-historical claims that once characterized the society. Secrecy was not abandoned, but it became less important" (Rich & Merchant, 2003). Thus, Masons have changed with the time, and modernized their organizations until they fit in our modern western society, and that is probably one reason that so many Masonic lodges still exist today.

Today, the rituals and secrecy of the Masonic lodge has been replaced by a group that is dedicated to service in the community and the world. They are especially active in disaster relief efforts around the world, including earthquake and hurricane relief, and they have had a history of this support since the 1920s. They also provide international calling cards to members of the military stationed overseas, provide hospital visitations to patients in Veteran's Hospitals and extended care facilities, and provide service in their local communities (Editors, 2007). The Masons are still a closed society, in that they require members...

There are now Masonic lodges in every state in the union, including Alaska and Hawaii, and the organizations donate millions of dollars to many different relief and humanitarian organizations. The Freemasons of the Middle Ages have evolved into a vital service organization in America, and it seems that they will continue to grow and prosper as more people come to understand the real purpose of the group and its endeavors.
References

Editors. (2007). History of freemasonry. Retrieved from the Masonic Service Association of North America Web site: http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp20 Sept. 2007.

Fuller, R.C. (2001). Spiritual, but not religious: Understanding unchurched America. New York: Oxford University Press.

Johnson, M.M. (1917). Freemasonry in America prior to 1750. Boston: Caustic-Claflin. Retrieved from Books.google.com Website: http://books.google.com/books?id=CfNGEeB2nuoC&dq=freemasonry+America20 Sept. 2007.

Rich, P., & Merchant, D. (2003). Religion, policy, and secrecy: The Latter Day Saints and Masons. Policy Studies Journal, 31(4),…