NJ’s Freemason Shortage

In New Jersey, the secret fraternal order known as the Freemasons are facing a sharp decline in their ranks. In the past 8 years, membership “has decreased by nearly 8,000 to 27,800.” In the post-WWII era, the Garden State counted 110,000 members statewide and even “claims to have the first known Freemason in America, John Skene of Scotland, who settled in Burlington County in October 1682.” Although the Masons have traditionally wrapped themselves in cloaks of secrecy, the fraternity is increasingly publicizing their events and taking credit for the charitable work they do, hoping the goodwill might alleviate any fear the public still conjures up about the mysterious order. NY lodges have also seen a reduction in membership but they’re still ecstatic about having the first Freemasonic governor in sixty years. |CourierPost|