WASHINGTON — The lodge room of the Naval Masonic Hall is a colorful and ... depending on the religious faith of the members present. The black and white squares of the checkered floor below ...

Released today, The Lost Symbol isn't likely to squelch any rumors, beginning as it does with a wine-filled skull, bejeweled power brokers, and a dark Masonic temple steps away from the White House.

A narrator explains: 'Freemasons wear white gloves as a symbol of purity and innocence, reflecting the importance of maintaining a clean and virtuous life in both actions and thoughts.

6. There are NO secret Masonic symbols on the U.S. dollar bill. The back of the dollar bill features an incomplete pyramid with an eye on top of it. Many people -- including some Freemasons -- say ...

while the black-and-white floor tiles and strategically placed seats resemble a chessboard. "It comes from the ancient Freemasons who used these symbols as working tools, such as the square and ...