Secret Societies in Wooster Today
Harry McClarran talks about the communities within secret societies today. For an HD version of this video, click here.
The Eagle Lodge on Beall Ave
Ebenezer Lodge, the Masonic Temple, on N Market St.
The Elk Lodge on N Market St
The Moose Lodge on N Bauer Rd
While membership in secret societies has dwindled in recent years, they continue to play an important role in the Wooster community, along with service organizations such as the Elks, the Moose, and Knights of Columbus. According to Wooster historian and Freemason Harry McClarran, members of fraternal organizations form strong bonds and continue to do work within the community.1 Most fraternal organizations contribute to specific charities, raising funds for causes such as diabetes research, kidney disease research, Alzheimer’s research, drug awareness, and veterans services.2 These organizations also provide services to their members, ensuring that they and their families receive medical treatment or housing if they are unable to afford it. Additionally, organizations complete projects specific to Wooster's needs, such as the construction of softball fields at Freedlander Park provided by the Masons.3
Secret societies are tight-knit. McClarran noted that one of his masonic brothers had recently received a 65-year pin, reflecting the loyalty found within these groups. In the age of Internet, secret societies no longer maintain much of their secrecy, but they continue to do good work in the community.
1 McClarran, Harry S. Interviewed by Anna Claspy. Personal interview. Wooster, OH, June 17, 2014.
2 Ibid.
3 Bobby Warren, "If you build it, they will come masonic lodge's field of dreams provides space for softball," Daily Record, May 20, 2007, accessed June 24, 2014, http://www.the-daily-record.com/local%20news/2007/05/20/if-you-build-it-they-will-come-masonic-lodge-s-field-of-dreams-provides-space-for-softball