[Jason]

COMMUNICATING with an old fashioned secret handshake or password at Freemason Lodge No 153 may be no problem.

But modern cellphones ... no way.

The modern invention is banned from the Rotorua Masonic Lodge which tomorrow celebrates 100 years of Freemasonry in the city.

Lodge Master Allan Birtwistle is keen to make sure the special ceremony goes without a hitch and has one simple request for brothers and invited guests - leave your phones at home.

Mr Birtwistle is quick to dispel the myths associated with Freemasons.

"We're not a secret society but a society of secrets.

While we're still a fraternity, women are more involved these days. Our rituals, while secret, are all about being a good human being and having good character.

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