Mark,
Depending upon your personal feelings, this could be answered in several ways. The most simple answer is that Masonry is a fraternity of men who meet together toward a common goal of "Making good men Better". Masonry provides charitable donations throughout the world totaling in the millions per day, this is done without expectation of recognition or retribution.
If you hold masonry more closely to your heart, you may consider that masonry is truely a "way of life" in that the virtues and lessons taught in freemasonry are ones that should govern everyones lives.
Your choice is how you wish the other individual to see you, as a member of a charitable fraternity, or as someone who tries to exemplify the upright character of himself by considering it a way of life, or both by taking the time to explain that masonry can be so much more than just an idea.
Hope that this helps and doesn't cloud the answer to your question.
Higher Power? Do you mean Supreme? Every religion has its own believings of Supreme. Doesnt that effect the work being done?Masonry is not linked with ANY religion, nor do we restrict membership based on religion. The petitioner must have a belief in a higher power, be of good moral character, and be vouched for by a member of the lodge he is petitioning.
Only a Mason is allowed to attend a metting, unless its a community function/fundraiser or an open house for prospective members to come forward.Do masons hold their meetings in public?
There are very few opportunities for masons to hold any ritual work in public. Freemasonry does not hold any "meeting" in public, all business and ritual work is performed within the confines of the lodge room. The business and rituals are also only for the members. One of the few times you could see a masonic ritual in public would be something like a "cornerstone laying" or dedicating a building. This is a very interesting ceremony and is also open to the public.Do masons hold their meetings in public?