ONE OF Ararat's oldest organisations will throw open its doors to the public.
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Freemasons of Ararat will hold a community open day from 10am to 2pm Saturday at its High Street building (opposite SES headquarters).
This district’s Freemasons first met on the goldfields in 1857, formalised their meetings by 1859 and have been meeting in Ararat since then, moving to the current building in High Street in 1906.
Assistant secretary Bill Jones said in recent years there has been increased interest in Freemasonry, partly the result of the works of fiction by author Dan Brown and partly because Freemasons are more public in their involvement in the community.
“In years past, Freemasons participated in public processions and laid foundation stones for public buildings while dressed in their regalia and organised balls and charity events, but rarely allowed non-members into their meeting rooms and didn't speak about their meetings with anyone,” he said.
“Today we recognise the need to encourage greater public understanding of what we stand for, what we do and how we can help our community.
“It's a system of self-improvement intended to encourage ethical behaviour, personal discipline and confidence. In many respects it offers a progression of learning based on symbols. The most common and recognisable symbol is the square and compasses.”
Mr Jones said the learning is supported by a series of ceremonies and the use of music, words, movement and symbols.
“Much of this ceremony is more than 300 years old and draws its inspiration from the practices of the ancient guilds of masons who were responsible for building most of the great historical buildings of Europe and from some of the world's great writings on ethical behaviour,” he said.
“If you are curious about Freemasons, want to see inside a Freemason's Lodge, become involved in our organisation or find out more, come and visit us between 10am and 2pm Saturday.
“Speak to local Freemasons who will take you on a tour of our building and give you some understanding of what we do and how we contribute to our community.”