What do Ben Franklin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bob Dole and Bill McCarrier, chairmain of the Butler County commissioners, have in common?

Like many other men, they met the requirements to join the fraternity of Freemasons.

“All that is required is that he be a man of character and believe in the one God,” said Jim Knights, a member of Harmony Lodge 429.

“We are men who do good things,” said Wayne Frankenstein of Zelienople, district deputy grand master of the 26th Masonic District. “We try to leave the world better than when we came.”

Freemasonry has a long history in Butler County. The oldest lodge in the county, Butler Lodge No. 272, began in 1853 and presently has 280 members.

In 1868, the founders of Harmony Lodge 429 came from a variety of professions including a revenue officer, three farmers, a cabinet maker, two physicians and a shoe dealer.

Masonry grew locally, especially after the Civil War and each of the world wars. Butler's Victory Lodge 694 began in 1919 and Butler's William H. Miller Lodge 769 began in 1954.

The two other county lodges are Argyle Lodge 540 in Chicora and John E. Mair Lodge 729 in Mars. Today there are 1,778 Freemasons in Butler County.

Although Masons have a deep reverence for God and the Bible, it is not a religion.

“It is each member's responsibility to revere God in their own family,” said Alan Duncan of Zelienople, the Harmony Lodge worshipful master, or leader.

Allen Housholder, a past master of Harmony Lodge, said specific religions and politics are not discussed at the lodge.

Cody Spangler is the worshipful master of Armstrong Lodge 239 in Freeport which has members from Butler and three other counties.

He joined after learning that he didn't have to be related to a Mason to become a member.

“When you become a Mason, you join the ranks of men that made this country, for example, the men that signed the Declaration of Independence,” said Spangler. “I can give back to the community in other organizations, but I want to be part of the oldest and proudest fraternity known to man.”

As a fraternity, Freemasonry has traditions and uses symbolism.

“People like rituals,” said Knight. “They are calming and very centering.”

The rituals of each lodge have been memorized and passed down by word of mouth from Mason to Mason through history.

Lodge meetings are not open to the public. That, along with the symbolism and regalia, have contributed to misconceptions and fiction about Freemasonry.

“The real secret of Freemasonry,” said Frankenstein, “is the fraternal bonds we develop. I would do anything for these guys and they would do the same for me.”

“When we get together outside of our normal meetings,” said Spangler, “we see what we can do to make the community better.”

Lodges in Butler County focus on local work. Harmony Lodge has helped Friends of the Park in Zelienople, Salvation Army, Harmony EMS, the Zelienople Rescue Squad and several Masonic organizations for seniors, children and disaster assistance.

Other lodges fund scholarships, organize coat drives and other charitable events. The statewide “Help Our Heroes,” funds calling cards for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as events for military families.

“We want the community to know that the lodge is their friend,” said Duncan. “We are a power for good in the community.”

Housholder said, “We take a good man and make him better.”

In the early 1870s, a group of Masonic friends in New York City decided to start another Masonic group, the Shriners.“They thought the Masons were too dry and didn't have any fun,” said Bill McCarrier, who was the potentate, or leader, of Syria Shrine which encompasses southwestern Pennsylvania.“The Shrine became the world's biggest philanthropy,” said McCarrier. “The Shrine Circus is a big fundraiser.”For parades, Shriners dress as clowns or ride in miniature cars and on motorcycles. Some play in brass bands or play bagpipes.“Marching in those parades gets donations for the hospitals,” said McCarrier.All Shriners contribute to the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children which are known for pediatric specialty care, research and medical education. Almost all care is free. Currently 25 children from Butler County receive care in the Shriners Hospital's centers in Erie.Jim Knights, also a Shriner, said, “If you know a child who needs medical help, call the Shriners.”About one quarter of all Masons join Shriners International, but it is just one of many Masonic groups. Among the organizations are groups for women and youths.“They say once you join the Masons,” said McCarrier, “there are more than 40 other organizations you can belong to.”