Good info. Do any of those books gie out ANY of the secrets or secret rites that Masons go thru?
Actually you can find descriptions in several books (search the web). The earliest book written exposing the rites was in the late 1800's. They are full of occult references, sybols and practices, and usually involve hoodwinking the initiate.
Probably,this is a "club",like the Eagles,like the Elks,just older,each has its "secret initiations,rights".No club will take over anything,but they do good things in the community,and some have really cheap drinks!