Some say Dan Brown's next sequel to The Da Vinci Code is going to be set right here in Washington, on a group that's been called a 'secret society.' The Masons are the world's oldest and largest fraternity. And yet very little is known about them.

Take a look around DC and you'll see them. Masonic symbols are rooted in the fabric of our nation's capitol. George Washington, along with many of the founders and builders of the city, were Masons.

"The freemasons are a fraternal organization in it's simplest terms," says Brent Morris of the Temple of the Scottish Rite.

Freemasons -- or "Masons" -- believe in strong character. The square and compass was their most widely used symbol in the early days. Craftsmen made up the brotherhood.

"The gentlemen are no longer working in stone... but the tools became symbolic reminders to them to improve themselves," Morris said. "Masonry for centuries has forbidden the discussion in lodge of religion and politics."

Mason's -- as Brent Morris explains -- don't talk about themselves much publicly either. He is a Mason, and author of several books on the brotherhood.

"At some point in Masonic history, Masons became not infatuated, but they came to enjoy the secrecy and the mystery," Morris said.
Dan Brown plans to make that mystery part of his next page turner, something that gives masons great concern.

"You don't know whether we're the good guys or bad guys...it's like how Hollywood treated Catholic priests."

Masons are well aware of the conspiracy theories that swirl around them and their ties to DC.
Some say the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial can be seen as four points of a diamond -- the shape created by the Masonic symbol.

Others see shapes like pentagrams in the city's design.

"In my opinion, it's a bunch of phooey..." Morris says. "You'd think that if George Washington had done this as a tribute to his Masonic brothers he would have said something -- and we know how secrets are kept in Washington."

Morris says part of shedding that "secret" image is showing people who they are.

Their ranks include astronauts, politicians, athletes -- everyday men and women. During a tour of the Scottish Rite Temple, we saw their grand temple room, their expansive library. Their lobby is captivating, even the outside hard to miss.

Brent Morris hopes people intrigued about the masons will come here to learn more.

"What we need to do is to tell our story in a forthright way..." Morris says.