For the first time in Bermuda's history, Freemasons opened their doors to the general public yesterday with the launch of Freemason's Community Week.

While he defined Freemasons as “the largest fraternity of men who makes a good man better”, organiser Bobby Rego said he hoped the open houses would be used as a learning tool.

“There is a secret aura that gets built up more than what really is,” he told The Royal Gazette. “People think there are secrets which are confined to Freemasons, but if individuals are interested they can find anything through research.”

Freemasonry has existed in Bermuda since the 18th century. There are three constitutions on the Island; English, Irish and Scottish. While each constitution originated in its respective country, there is no difference between the three, said Mr. Rego.

The English Freemason said one of the most unique things about being a brother in Bermuda is that they have the opportunity to visit each others' lodges, something brothers in other parts of the world may not do often.

“There are brothers in England who have never visited a Scottish constitution,” Mr. Rego said.

While he cited several reasons for the brothers to open their doors, Mr. Rego emphasised that he wanted to bring the organisation more into the public eye.

“We want to be more visual in the community and bring Freemasonry into the 21at Century.”

With the display of Freemason regalia and lodge rooms, Mr. Rego also said he hoped the open houses will help dispel the many myths regarding the brotherhood.

“We are not restricted to any religion, race or creed. There are Freemasons on this Island who come from all fibres of the community,” he said.

But do they really get off with speeding offences and enjoy other ‘secret' privileges with the flash of a ring or secret signal?

“No, no, no,” Mr. Rego said. “That's just one of the myths that non-Masons bring up.”

But he explained that the mystique surrounding Freemasons probably originated in the 1700's when secret societies were popular.

And he encouraged anyone who was interested in joining the organisation to enquire with a Freemason about becoming a member.

“In the last 50 years, there's been more proactively of attracting worthy men into Freemasonry,” said Mr. Rego.

Lodges throughout the Island will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.