Most people walking by on Morrison Street in downtown Portland Oregon are unaware of why the building they’re next to is quite so beautiful. The Scottish Rite building resembles something the ancient Greeks would debate their philosophies within. Its distinguished pillars that brush the sky and the graceful glasswork echo of something more than just decoration. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown has drawn more attention to the building as of late and the resulting conversation is exciting and controversial for both Masons and Non-Masons alike.

Some are aware of, or have vaguely heard of the Freemasons before. Many people have “Brothers” in their family but have never been privy to hear of the inner workings of the Order. Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, it’s dedicated to religious and personal freedom, education and public good. Here at The Scottish Rite a Master Mason can continue his Masonic education and maybe one day reach the 33rd Degree, the last in a system of knowledge called The Degrees. Masons here at the Portland Scottish Rite had a dinner function recently and discussed the content and implications of Brown’s new book.

Some men were happy that Masonry is getting extra attention in the hopes that more of the best and brightest men are going to want to petition for admittance. But there were others with more mixed feelings. Tim Brinkmeyer, a well-built man in his late twenties, and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in Oregon says that “Throughout the 52 Grand Lodges, over one and a half million Brethren are asking themselves the same question, is this a good or a bad thing for our Order?  I believe it is both, for it all depends on how this (just like any other tool) is utilized.” His nature is similar to many other young Masons today. He’s an aspiring professional of philanthropic conscience, interested in associating with other upstanding men whose experience and life skills may further enhance his personal achievements.

Dan Brown’s new book has made some Brothers concerned that hard won secrets will be given up within the pages. But some who have read the book feel that Dan Brown has only touched the surface, and that the very surface he’s touched is blurred and obscure. Yet the majority of Masons I’ve spoken to are happy that he has cleared up some silly rumors and concentrated heavily on the higher ideals expressed by the more prominent members of the Order’s history, particularly in the United States.

Illustrious Brother Gary Kuney 33rd Degree and SGIG to the Supreme Council of the World’s Mother Lodge in Washington DC had this to say about Dan Brown’s newest book: “Beyond Mr. Brown’s writing style, one aspect that draws many of us to his books is the sprinkling of facts throughout them. The only way a man can distinguish between the facts and fiction is to become a Master Mason and study our philosophy and rituals. I myself, feel lucky to have that privilege and continue to study regularly.”

It appears Brown may have struck a balance with both the Freemasons and curious public who may have wondered about the square and compass on a passing car’s window, or Temple archway. The Order has definitely been one of great value to some of the architects of our modern world including Newton, Bacon, Mozart, Voltaire and Franklin. Perhaps there are other blossoming minds who are curious about the finer points of the Universe’s construction that will be spurred to contact a Brother due to Brown’s recent novel, if so the Mason’s mentioned here today remind you that “to be one, you must ask one.”

If you would like to know more about Freemasonry go to www.masonic-oregon.com or contact the Grand Secretary at the Grand Lodge of Oregon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .