LAWRENCE — Growing up shooting hoops on the Lawrence Common, Andre Polanco had always wondered what went on inside the large stone building lined with Greek columns that loomed over the park.

If all goes as planned, he'll soon find out.

Polanco interviewed yesterday to become a Freemason, one of the country's oldest fraternal organizations, known as much for its secrecy as it is for its charity.

"Going into the building is amazing. You can feel the history when you walk in," the Lawrence resident said. "You feel what it stands for. ... I've always been into this stuff. I can't wait to learn more about it. All I know is hearsay."

Dozens of people visited the Lawrence United Masonic Lodge's open house yesterday as part of the Freemason's 275th anniversary in Massachusetts. Open houses were held in most of the state's 235 temples.

Some people came to inquire about membership, but most just wanted a peek.

Over the years, the Freemasons have been accused of being a cult and trying to control governments. They've even been theorized to be protectors of the Holy Grail. The society's foundation is based on the story of the building of King Solomon's temple.

"A lot of people don't know what Freemasonry is," said David Cullen of Methuen. "They think you work in stone. Others are very superstitious about the masons. We're just trying to stop the mystery."

Well, most of the mystery anyway.

"We only have a couple secrets. ... Secret recognitions, handshakes, things like that," he said. "Most of our rituals, all that stuff, you can find right on the Internet now. Every detail is very specific. It's the same thing George Washington would have done back then."

The organization is involved with charitable works, running the Shriners Hospital for Children, which offers orthopedic and burn care at no costs. They also conduct blood drives and award scholarships.

The Freemasons weren't always this transparent, but they've had to adapt to encourage new members to join. While 40,000 strong in this state, it's an aging membership, and the group has become more aggressive in recruiting. Many temples lowered the initiation age from 21 to 18. Regular radio and television ads feature Benjamin Franklin telling men, "It's time to prepare for greatness." Past open houses have helped, too.

Movies like "National Treasure" and "The DaVinci Code" have also sparked a resurgence in the group's popularity.

Yesterday's tours were more like history lessons, as members — many dressed in tuxes with blue and white Freemason aprons and regalia — related stories of the building's past.

The Lawrence United Masonic Lodge first opened in 1923. It was built by George Gilman Adams, a Freemason who also built the Rollin School, former Lawrence Public Library and Water Tower.

Bob Murgia of Andover was just a year old back then.

"I always admired the building. It took me 86 years to get here," he joked. "When I heard there was an open house, I couldn't stay away."

Staff writer Crystal Bozek can be reached at 978-946-2278 or by e-mail at cbozek@eagletribune.com.

Famous Freemasons

Mark Twain, author

George Washington, president

Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father

Paul Revere, patriot in American Revolution

Buzz Aldrin, astronaut

Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

Want to become a Freemason?

Call Freemason David Cullen at 978-360-6525 to talk about the process and schedule a tour.