If you want a better feel for the history, check the Wikipedia link.

Wiki Freemasonry link

It would be best to ignore much of the RC comments on Freemasonry. Historically the church was rather protective of its power. "The most vigorous opposition to the fraternity has come from the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is openly hostile to Freemasonry, deeming it at least partly responsible for the French Revolution and the resulting decline of the church in Europe."

Catholics can be Freemasons, and there are Catholic members. The requirements for membership are rather simple and non-denominational. Catholics are often members of "secret societies" despite various prohibitions. Many of my college frat brothers were/are Catholic.

"The Free Methodist Church continues to prohibit its members from also joining societies such as the Freemasons. Recently the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest association of Baptists in the United States, also stated that participation in Freemasonry is inconsistent with its beliefs."

In essense, what you have is certain intolerant Christian groups opposing Freemasonry. That is not unusual, many churches are jealous organizations by nature.