Grand Master Robert Parsons, seated, with Deputy Grand Master Stephen Mikalak in the Grand Lodge on North Tce. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe. Source: AdelaideNow <\/p>\n
GOOGLE \"Freemasonry\" and you're likely to find a host of websites about conspiracies, secrecy and the illuminati. <\/p>\n
But the truth, according to the Freemasons, is that the group is about symbols, rituals, allegories and metaphors that help men live a better life. <\/p>\n
South Australia and Northern Territory Grand Lodge Grand Master Robert Parsons and Deputy Grand Master Stephen Michalak say that far from being a secret society, the Freemasons simply has an image problem. <\/p>\n
They are now focusing on ways to attract younger members keen to give back to their community. <\/p>\n
\"In the past, going back 10 or 15 years, I believe, in our attempts to attract men to Freemasonry, we've been too old-fashioned,\" said Mr Parsons, who has been a Freemason since 1968. <\/p>\n
\"We have not kept up with the times inasmuch as the way to go about it,\" he said. <\/p>\n
\"Now we are experiencing a good influx of men, both young and older, who are joining and it's because we have changed our ways with technology. <\/p>\n
\"It's about time that we did and up until about three years ago we were struggling - we're still struggling as far as membership goes - but it has increased quite considerably over the past couple of years.\" <\/p>\n
Building foreman Jarrod Acres, 25, who joined two months ago, said he wanted to give back to the community. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more here: Grand Master Robert Parsons, seated, with Deputy Grand Master Stephen Mikalak in the Grand Lodge on North Tce. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Continue reading
\nAncient group casts for new blood<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"