The Revolution had tons of Freemasons. That's completely besides the point.

I know some free masons. Some have silly rituals and get made fun of from time to time. Yet, they are committed to bring about education and that hasn't changed through the centuries.

Far less cringe worthy than many student fraternities and I wouldn't say they hide themselves too much, this is mostly based on rumors.

Secret societies like the Illuminati are mostly less successful than people believe. I mean everyone knows them by now...