Meet the millennial Masons

The interior of the lodge room at Santa Monica-Palisades Lodge No. 307 displays the regalia used in meetings. Pictured here is a banner embroidered with the word “strength,” considered one of the “three pillars” of Freemasonry (the other two are wisdom and beauty).

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After becoming a Master Mason (the term used for a new member who has completed all levels of study), Zulu went on to become a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner — both fraternal organizations that hold Masonic membership as a prerequisite. Here he wears his Shriner’s fez, his Master Mason’s apron and his daily wardrobe of French-cuffed shirts, pinstripe trousers, a shawl-collared silk brocade vest and a vintage watch chain circa 1895.

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The main stairway of the Santa Monica center is inscribed with architectural and educational tenets. The building is home to several Masonic lodges, including the first one in Los Angeles, the Grand Lodge of Iran (in exile) and Santa Monica-Palisades No. 307, one of the youngest-skewing lodges in the state.

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Jonathan Kanarek, owner of a men’s vintage clothing boutique called Everything’s Jake, displays a tattoo that includes the Masonic symbols of a compass and square. Another tattoo on his back references the three pillars of Freemasonry: strength, wisdom and beauty.

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The square and compass emblem is the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry, which has its roots in the medieval stonemasons guilds of Europe. This example greets visitors to the Santa Monica Masonic Center.

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New or old, one hallmark of Freemasonry fashion is a penchant for rings, usually in a precious metal and bearing a version of the square and compass logo. Here Zulu, left, Jonathan Kanarek and Daemon Hillin show off their Masonic bling.

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In addition to his Masonic ring and several tattoos with Masonic motifs, Zulu also sports a skull ring and carries a skull-topped walking stick.

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• Stylish Masons through history  (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Adrian Musci, left, with an unidenitifed guest and Daemon Hillin (wearing a white tie) relax at a recent Wednesday dinner meeting at Santa Monica-Palisades Lodge No. 307. The center has managed to attract many younger men to Freemasonry, due in part to a strong Internet presence.

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[An earlier version of this caption misidentified the man seated to the right of Musci.]  (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)