VICTORVILLE • It’s part of a fraternity that’s more than five centuries old, shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories.
Now the Victorville Masonic Lodge is experiencing an influx of younger men looking to belong, to give back to their community — and to learn those cryptic handshakes.
“I think there’s a little piece of everyone that wishes they could be a part of a super-secret clubhouse,” said Joseph Fernandez, who, at 25 in January, became the youngest Master Mason in the local lodge.
That attraction to the more esoteric side of the Masons has been fostered of late through documentaries on the History Channel and the “National Treasure” films, portraying the Founding Fathers as having used symbols from the ancient masons’ guilds to hide great treasures.
But once the novelty of learning those secrets wears off, Fernandez, now 26 and a station commander at a local Army recruiting office, realized he’d joined a brotherhood he’s truly proud to be part of.
more VV Masonic Lodge experiencing an influx of younger men | younger, experiencing, influx - Local News - Victorville Daily Press
Now the Victorville Masonic Lodge is experiencing an influx of younger men looking to belong, to give back to their community — and to learn those cryptic handshakes.
“I think there’s a little piece of everyone that wishes they could be a part of a super-secret clubhouse,” said Joseph Fernandez, who, at 25 in January, became the youngest Master Mason in the local lodge.
That attraction to the more esoteric side of the Masons has been fostered of late through documentaries on the History Channel and the “National Treasure” films, portraying the Founding Fathers as having used symbols from the ancient masons’ guilds to hide great treasures.
But once the novelty of learning those secrets wears off, Fernandez, now 26 and a station commander at a local Army recruiting office, realized he’d joined a brotherhood he’s truly proud to be part of.
more VV Masonic Lodge experiencing an influx of younger men | younger, experiencing, influx - Local News - Victorville Daily Press