The Freemasons are interesting in how similar they are to the other organizations in the survey. Also, it seems non-members viewed the Masons as something more mysterious than other organizations.
The cloudy origins of Freemasonry are due to the extreme age of the organization. Yet, the Freemasons are open to all males with a belief in a supreme being and a drive to assist the community.
Many upstanding citizens and legends in their fields have been inducted into the ranks of the Freemasons: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven are some of the many notable figures
Here, we shall focus on the Freemasons in Moorhead and their influence. The Freemason held the most influence in the community in terms of number of seats in local government, and the numbers of directors at local banks. The Masonic influence in the community starts with two contrasting characters on their executive board, the Mayor of Moorhead and a salon owner. These two individuals demonstrate the openness of Freemason membership.
Freemasonry matured in Moorhead to serve many roles in the community. For example C.A. Ballad served as worshipful master of the Moorhead lodge, Professor at Moorhead Normal College, and in government positions. The survey ends with only one listed member, the secretary, who was a baggageman for the railroad in 1932.
The members involved with local government is on par with the Knight of Pythias, yet for an unknown reason. Perhaps the Knights of Pythias lacked member participation similar to the beginning lodge of Odd Fellows in New York, the Knights of Pythias leave the survey.
