When I first started researching pirates I began noticing a theme. Alot of their interaction with the French Government involved the Knights of Malta. Trying to find out who these Knights were, I was soon engrossed with the symbolism and history of their brotherhood. I began asking questions but no one seemed to really know who these guys were. Some people had a rough idea but no one knew why these guys were still around. Then I began finding symbolic connections to the Freemasons and dug further into the teachings and allegory of the ancient institution and was intrigued. I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of that history, to make a contribution to my time period with the assistance of Brothers who felt and thought the same as I did.
In Massachusetts, MW Jeffrey Black Hodgedon made a daring attempt to bolster the numbers of members and began advertising Square and Compasses Day, an open house at every lodge throughout the state, an opportunity for the community to understand just what Freemasonry is (though not its secrets, mind). Being a fatalist, I felt I had to attend. I looked around and met a great bunch of guys, so I asked - "How can I join?" And it was that easy.
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