Elkridge Masons One of Largest Lodges in Maryland

Although masons are often thought to be part of a brotherhood shrouded in secrecy, David Rabe of Elkridge says that's not so.

"It's just the meaning of our symbols that we keep secret," said Rabe, who leads the lodge as its Worshipful Master. "The real secrets of masonry are the ways we recognize each other."

The organization builds character through study and service work.

Freemasons don't go out and recruit, with a membership based on attraction rather than promotion.

"It's due to the nature of the organization," said Rabe. "We're not supposed to ask people."

Still, Howard Lodge has one of the largest memberships in Maryland, counting 535 men among its membership.

Its members range from 18 to 90 years old. In one case, there are three generations of masons sitting in the meeting room on the second floor of the house, which looks like a normal single-family home on Levering Avenue. The meeting room is filled with regal looking blue chairs and sacred objects like the organization's special triangle used during its weekly gatherings.

"Through lessons and interactions, we are making good men better," said Rabe. "If you improve a man, it makes him a better man to his wife, a better man in raising his children and a better man in your community."

With proceeds from its membership dues and special events, the group maintains its Elkridge headquarters and donates to others, like a local family last year that needed financial assistance, said Rabe. It also offers scholarships to students and has donated to the Lupus Foundation.

"It's a brotherhood of men serving their community, looking for friends—it gives you a different social outlet, and we have a lot of fun. Some of the best friends of my life are here," said Rabe.

And its members have made their way across the globe to visit some of the other lodges. Dave Schneider, the lodge's historian, spent a few years in England and attended lodge meetings there. Another member, Ed Porch, made it into the masons' national Youtube video.

There are 2 million masons spanning the globe at hundreds of lodges worldwide. Howard Lodge 101 opened in Elkridge in 1905, but the building itself isn't the "lodge," say the masons. In fact, two other lodges meet at the location.

"It's the members that make up the lodge," Dan Hammil, senior warden, told Patch. Hammil said that each lodge has its own character.

Howard 101 is characterized by regular guys, said Rabe. "We're a working man's lodge. We've got plumbers, electricians, engineers...we're here because we like being involved in the community."

A man can petition to join Howard Lodge at any time. Women can join a similar organization called Eastern Star.

Howard Lodge is hosting an , May 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.