One of the things we don’t talk a lot about here on the Mason’s Lady is current events. This tends to be that because of the nature of Freemasonry, there is little news to be had, except for Masonic events and activities that are happening in my own immediate Masonic community. However, every once in a while, Masons find there way onto national news websites and TV channels. Unfortunately, Masons tend to not be in the news for all of the wonderful things that they do every day.

Recently in LA County, three members of a group calling themselves the “Masonic Fraternal Police Department” were arrested for impersonating police officers. Brandon Kiel, who is actually a member of the California Attorney General’s staff, was among the group.   Their website is no longer available, however, on it, they claimed that they were created by the Knights Templar in 1100 BC, and that they are the oldest and most respected organization in the world, and that they have jurisdictions in over 33 states and Mexico.

This group shows how real fake Masonic groups can seem. They had writings on their website from “Chief” David Henry, who was also known as the “Illuminati Grandmaster Henry X”. The following is a bit of obligation found on the site:

I Most Solemnly & Sincerely Promise & Swear to Protect & Serve & Uphold The Constitution & By-Laws of That Grandmaster & That Sovereign Jurisdiction So Help Me God Amen, Amen, Amen Fraternally Faithful, Absolute Supreme Sovereign Grandmaster Henry 32° 33° X°

Sounds legit right? Other posts on their website included Masonic jewelry, and pictures of the officers in “Grandmaster” Henry’s police force.

Not only are these guys not cops, they’re also not Masons, an issue glossed over by many of the news sites. It can get very confusing very quickly. Since there is no trademark on the square and compass or the like, anyone can call themselves Masons, and it can be difficult to tell if they are the real deal or not.

Here are some tips on finding out if a Masonic group you find is the real deal or not:

1. Do your research. Quite simply, a legit Masonic community will hold up under scrutiny. Even the most technologically inept Lodges hold up under an internet magnifying glass. Make sure that the group you are looking into is mention in more than one place, and more than just on their own website. Often state jurisdictions will link to, or at the very least mention Lodges within their jurisdiction.

2. If it sounds silly, it just might be. I won’t lie. There’s some pretty extravagant legit Masonic titles out there. Sovereign Grand Inspector General is a thing. Illuminati Grandmaster? Not so much. If you’re unsure of a title, research it. If it mentions the Illuminati, its probably not real.

3. Go with your gut. If you feel like it might not be real, its probably not. Send an email or two, ask for references. If they come up short, its a bad sign. Ask about some of the finer questions that aren’t Masonic secrets, but aren’t common public knowledge. If it falls apart, stay away.

The Masons don’t run a police force, or a fire department for that matter. While we may have our own security for circuses and the like, a Mason will never impersonate a member of the police force (although some cops are Masons!). Always look at any Masonic group you are unsure of with a keen eye. There are a lot of fakers out there. If you are ever unsure, you can always contact your Grand Lodge, and see what they have to say. If they’ve never heard of the group stay away. Often these groups are scams that exist only to take your money and give you a fancy title. They will never give you the brotherhood and satisfaction that you can get from legit Freemasonry.