Cracking the Code: The Untapped Gold Mine of Freemasonry

 

For so many years Freemasonry has been the center of public and religious controversy, rumors and conspiracy theories. Eventually, Masonry started remaining quite instead of trying to provide a defense against the rumors and theories. The idea being, people's minds won't change not matter what we as Mason's say. Unfortunately, there is some truth to that. But, that is not the topic of this blog.

Personally, before I joined Masonry, I knew nothing about the fraternity. I was raised in a strict Christian home where we were taught that Freemasonry is a secret society and a Satanic cult. They were in opposition to Christianity and part of the Occult. In spite of this teaching, I still had a strong interest in Freemasonry that I couldn't explain.

Being one who is passionate about history, I understood that Freemasons played a major part in the American Revolution and the founding of our country up through the present day. Even though I didn't know much about them, the fact that so many influential men who helped formed such an amazing country were members, made me think that there must be something to this fraternity.

I moved to Salem, Ohio in 2015. I was 25 years old. I couldn't help but notice the Masonic Temple on State Street in the middle of town, which seemed to increase my desire to find out what Freemasonry was all about.

At the beginning of the summer in 2016, I called the Grand Lodge of Ohio to see if I could get contact info for the local lodge and that started my journey in Masonry. I was initiated on September 26, 2016 at Perry Lodge No. 185 in Salem. I am now a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of York Rite.

My mind was blown from the very beginning. Not only was it the complete opposite of what many had told me, but it started an exciting new chapter in my life. I've grown so much as an individual since I joined. Not only does Masonry provide me with an amazing brotherhood and trustworthy friends, but the lessons we learn through lodge and from each other has continued to strengthen my personal faith, not detract from it.

Because of books and movies like Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, the Last Templar and National Treasure,  everyone knows the legend of the Knight Templars and King Solomon's treasure. Many have read the stories of the fall of the Templars in 1291 and their later disbanding and execution. Conspiracies that the Freemasons carried on the secrets of the Templars and control the remaining treasure are abundant. In fact, you could probably spend weeks watching the amount of conspiracy videos and movies put out about the Masons.

I like the way Brother Benjamin Franklin summed up the "wealth" of Freemasonry:

For Freemasons, it's not about getting rich, powerful and influencing the government for our benefit. When we read American history we see Masonic brothers like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Dr. Joseph Warren, Ethan Allen, Roger Sherman and many more. Many of Washington's spies and generals were also Freemasons.

Contrary to some opinions, the United States was not shaped by Freemasonry. But, many Freemasons did help form this great country. It's easy to believe, that their Masonic experience and values, backed by their faith, is what moved them to step forward and fight for what they believed in. It's easy for us to look back and hold these men, their wives and children up as if they were superheroes. In fact, they were heroes in their own right, but they were also everyday men and women like you and I. They were farmers, business owners, doctors, lawyers and clergymen. The Continental Congress was not made up of experienced politicians, but of hardworking, common men that wanted to make a difference.

The tenants of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. That also extends beyond the fraternity and into our communities. That's why we see so many Masonic lodges that give back to the community whether through food drives, blood drives, donating to charities, etc. Many Masons still serve in government - whether local, state or federal - and in organizations like the Red Cross, American Heart Association, public safety, shelters and food banks because they understand something very important about themselves and Masonry.

The reason why is simple. We realize what the Creator has done for us, and what others do for us and people around them, and bound by our duty as Masons and our faith, we strive to help those in need and support our communities.

So, maybe to the disappointment of some, Freemasonry isn't out to rule the world; it isn't hiding the secret of where King Solomon's gold is hidden. Freemasonry doesn't make you wealthy, powerful or famous. The true gold of Freemasonry is the values, morals and lessons it teaches and the application of them to our personal spiritual lives.

In closing, throughout the years, Freemasonry has impacted generations of leaders, political and religious, and influencers that have changed their local communities, their country and the world. Never underestimate the effect you may have on those around you. Great change always begins with the individual. Focus on making a difference in your local area. If done for the right reasons, before long, it will have a ripple effect.

"The world today requires moral and spiritual regeneration. I have no doubt, after many years as a member of our Order, that Freemasonry can play a part in this vital need."

~ King George VI of England

 

Roof of the World Lodge No. 1094

 

This 1914 photograph shows members from Roof the World Lodge No. 1094 at the summit of Mt. Meiggs in Peru.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland chartered the Roof of the World Lodge in Cerro de Pasco, Peru in 1911. Considered the highest Masonic lodge in the world, the group met at an altitude of 14,208 feet above sea level. American executives and engineers employed by various mines and construction camps in Peru made up much of the membership. In 1914 the Lodge requested a special dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland permitting them to hold a regular lodge meeting at the summit of Mt. Meiggs in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of about 17,575 feet. The dispensation was granted and on August 29, 1914 twenty-six Master Masons held, according to some, the highest regular meeting of its kind in the history of Freemasonry. The photo above commemorates that 1914 meeting.

Because of its geographical location, Roof of the World Lodge has always contained a membership of unique diversity. During World War I this led to frequent embarrassment in the matter of attendance. For instance, the following notation is included in the minutes of January 5, 1918:

"The Secretary read a letter from the Grand Lodge concerning the admission of Brethren of alien birth to meetings: also a certificate on behalf of Grand Committee giving power to this lodge to admit to meetings...." certain named Brethren.

 Almost from the beginning there has been repeated agitation for a transfer of jurisdiction. To this end, communications were addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and the subject was discussed at regular Communications time and again over a period of years. Finally on September 6, 1919, it was

"...unanimously voted to petition the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Massachusetts to take such necessary steps whereby our present charter under the Grand Lodge of Scotland may be cancelled and a new charter be granted us under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of of the State of Massachusetts."

 The petition was prepared accordingly. In the end, however, the project was dismissed in view of the considerable expense which would have been involved in the purchase of new aprons, jewels, rituals and other necessary regalia.

In 1929 the lodge was moved from Cerro de Pasco to La Oroya, where a suitable hall for the purpose had been built in the Inca Club. The last meeting in Cerro de Pasco and the first in La Oroya were both held on April 6, 1929. The meetings have since been held in La Oroya at an altitude of 12,270 feet.

The widespread depression of the early 30's was felt in Peru. The lodge was called repeatedly for financial aid for needy Brethren and their families. At the meeting of May 17, 1932, consideration was given to the matter of back dues. There were many members who were in arrears for two to five years, and some even longer. Several months later, because of the fluctuating value of the Peruvian Sol, was decided that, henceforth, all dues were to be paid in the United Stated currency, except those who were unable to obtain U.S. currency.

In harmony with the rules of the Scottish jurisdiction, Roof of the World Lodge does not drop members for non-payment of dues. Though nothing is heard from members for years, and though his whereabouts may be unknown, his name stays on the membership roster. If he wanted to be restored to active membership, this could be done by him paying his dues from the previous three years. Life membership can be obtained for a certain fee for those who no longer live in Peru. Of the current membership, approximately fifty are life members.

The Mark Master Degree was conferred from time to time. The minutes speak of one meeting when the degree was conferred on four Brethren, two of whom were members of Roof of the World Lodge. That night there were present visiting officers and Brethren from sister lodges near the coast.

The financial outlook was now much brighter and the minutes report:

"The Right Worshipful Master suggested that having a Scotchman as Treasurer might be one of the principal reasons for the success financially."

A Special Communication was held on December 17, 1937 for the purpose of assisting a number of Peruvian Masons in forming a new lodge in La Oroya named Andina Lodge No. 27 chartered under the Grand Lodge of Peru. The Grand Master Diez Canseco of Peru, who later became President of the Senate, was in attendance for the occasion. Andina Lodge was dedicated in 1939 and since then the two lodges have cooperated together closely in various social and fraternal activities.

Great enthusiasm and activity became evident in 1947 with frequent meetings and constant reception of new Brothers. Social events, which had been neglected due to World War II, had taken on a new excited interest. A picnic and potluck were held on Sunday May 18th. A special train ran from Malpaso for the occasion and approximately two hundred people were present.

Stated Meetings are held third Tuesday of every month, and special meetings as occasion may require.

Our Fixed Point of Reference

Let’s imagine I am in a humongous, dark room. It’s a featureless room. It doesn’t even have corners in it. It has round walls. The whole point of that is, I don't even know where I am.

I’m feeling my way around in this room. I’m groping around in the darkness, trying to find where I am. Suddenly, I feel something in front of me. It’s a chair! Yes! Ah! Yes! It has … it has legs and it has braces and it has a back. It’s a chair! Ah! Good! Now I can sit here. At least I know where I am. I’m in the chair. Ah, it’s a good feeling! It’s a home base. I can navigate from this chair. All I have to do I carry this chair with me and I'll always know where I am.

If you found yourself laughing it may be you realize how ridiculous this illustration is because you know that no fixed point of reference is going to do you any good unless it has two factors: 1) it has to be separate from youself, and 2) it cannot move.

As soon as I pick it up and make it a part of my me, make it a part of my consciousness, make it a part of my mobility, it isn't a fixed point of reference anymore! I’ll never know where I am, because the thing moves. As long as it stays right there and doesn't move, now that’s security!

That’s one of the prime factors of navigation, you know. When you’re out on a sailboat, you’re out on the vast, featureless expanse of ocean and you have no idea where you are, unless you have a tool of measurement, in this case, a sexton. A sexton is used to measure from the stars to tell one's location. The reason you can measure from the stars to figure out where you are is, because the stars don’t move. They’re fixed in space. Now, the earth moves and it makes it look like the stars move, but we know all that stuff. The stars themselves don’t move. But, if the stars were just floating around wherever they wanted, you wouldn’t know where you are. That’s a fixed point of reference.

All of us has had points in our life where it seemed like we were at our lowest point. We were miserable, weak and discouraged. What did you have to hold onto?

When a new initiate is brought into the lodge he is told to 'kneel for the benefit of prayer'. Before rising, he is asked,  'In whom do you place your trust?' In truth, the initiate should be able to answer, 'In God.' Then what? 'It is well. Your faith being well founded, arise, follow your guide and fear no danger.'

Without a fixed point of reference in our lives, we will be like the explorer lost in the depths of the cavern without a light; like the sailor out at sea with no understanding of his navigational instruments or how to read the stars.

As we progress through Blue Lodge we learn of the working tools of a Mason. Yet, of most importance, are the three Great Lights upon the altar in every lodge room--the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.

The Holy Bible - to serve as our volume of Sacred Law and moral guide. The Square - to square our actions by the square of virtue. The Compasses - to circumscribe our desires and keep them within due bounds. As a Freemason, these provide a fixed point of reference for us. They should be our rule and guide for our conduct through life.

Without a fixed point of reference, not only can we not help ourselves, but we will be of no value to those around us or to our Craft.

Sources:

Illustration of the Chair as A Fixed Point of Reference taken from author Frank Peretti.

Alamo Lodge No. 44

 

Alamo Lodge #44 is the first and oldest Masonic Lodge in the City of San Antonio (Bexar County) and has a rich and unique history due to having been founded in the the historic Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The lodge was granted a charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas on January 15, 1848 and is now honored by a plaque on the south wall of the Alamo’s Long Barrack.

In the 1840’s, troops returning from the Mexican War leased the Alamo to be used by the Quartermaster Corps for storing and shipping army supplies.  The quartermaster was Major James Harvey Ralston, who had served in both houses of the Illinois legislature with both Lincoln and Douglas.  Ralston was a mason as were many of the army officers and some local citizens.  Those masons, with Major Ralston as the prime organizer, formed Alamo Masonic Lodge. The lodge room was on the second floor of the Nun’s quarters also referred to as the long barracks.

The Quartermaster Corp put the first roof on the Alamo Chapel and contracted with Joseph Kampmann, a German immigrant and builder, to rebuild the upper portion of the Alamo façade, which had been toppled by General Cos when he fortified the Alamo before being run out of town by Benjamin Milam, a brother mason, and his 300 volunteers in 1835.  Joseph Kampmann later became a member of Alamo Lodge and he and his wife are buried in the Alamo Lodge cemetery.

In 1899 Clara Driscoll began her drive to save the Alamo and its grounds from being sold to a hotel company.  Ms. Driscoll and the other members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas raised some of the money needed to save the Alamo, the rest of which Ms. Driscoll provided from her own funds and  by signing promissary notes.  A portrait of Clara Driscoll hangs in the Senate Chambers of the capitol in Austin along with that of Sam Houston.  Her portrait is titled “Savior of the Alamo”.  Clara Driscoll is buried in the Alamo Lodge cemetery in San Antonio.

Two past masters of Alamo Lodge #44 have served as Grand Masters of Texas: James H. McLeary (1881), and A. W. Houston (1914). Famous Masons at the Alamo include James B. Bonham, James Bowie, David Crockett, Almeron Dickinson, and William B. Travis.

Masons continued to play a significant leadership role in the Republic of Texas. According to The New Handbook of Texas: “Although constituting only about 1% of the population [of Texas], Masons filled some 80% of the republic’s higher offices. All of the presidents, vice presidents, and secretaries of state were Masons.”

Source:

Alamo Lodge No. 44, alamolodge44.org/home/

Federal Lodge No. 1

 

Federal Lodge No. 1, of the District of Columbia was chartered September 12, 1793, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, as Federal Lodge #15. The brethren who secured the charter were employed in the construction of the Capitol Building and desired to be present Masonically with their own Lodge at the ceremonies incident to the laying of the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. Brother Clot Worthy Stephenson, as representative of the nine brethren, journeyed to the Grand Lodge of Maryland which met at Easton, Maryland, on September 12, 1793, with a petition to form a Lodge in the nation’s capital. A charter was issued designating James M. Hoban, Worshipful Master; Clot Worthy Stephenson, Senior Warden; and Andrew Eastave, Junior Warden. The first meeting was held on Sunday, September 15, 1793, in a dwelling of one of the members south of the Capitol grounds on the site of the present U.S. House of Representatives Offices Buildings.

The first Master, Captain James M. Hoban, a native of Ireland, came to the District of Columbia in June of 1792 from Charleston, South Carolina, at the request of President George Washington, to design and construct the Executive Mansion. The construction of the Capitol was soon afterwards transferred to his charge. On October 13, 1792 James Hoban, architect and Collen Williamson, Master Mason, with members of Lodge No.9 of George town, were present at the laying of the cornerstone of the White House and their names appear on a brass plaid laid under the stone.

The first public appearance of Federal Lodge was Wednesday, September 18, 1793, at the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. On that historic date Brother Joseph T. Clark of Annapolis, MD; Right Worshipful Grand Master, pro tem of MD; Worshipful Master James M. Hoban and members of Federal Lodge #15, received President Washington, Officers and Members of Lodge #9 of Georgetown and retired to a temporary lodge room prepared by Worshipful Master Hoban, where Right Worshipful Brother Clark, Grand Master pro tem, opened the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and from thence, proceeded in parade formation to the site of the Capitol Building and laid the original cornerstone. Brother Clot Worthy Stephenson, first Senior Warden of Federal Lodge, was the Grand Marshal of that parade.

In December, 1794, the Lodge had 14 members whose names are entered on the Grand Lodge records for perpetuation. The Lodge moved from Capitol Hill to “the little hotel” on the north side of F St. NW above 14th street in 1796.

In 1798, Alexander McCormick subsequently one of the great lights of local Freemasonry, became Master of the Lodge and by strict laws and surer revenue sought to arrest its decay. In 1799 the Lodge had 16 members but Hoban and all other charter members were gone from the rolls.

Upon invitation of Alexandria Lodge, Federal Lodge attended the funeral of Brother George Washington on Wednesday, December 18, 1799. Brother Alexander McCormick, then Worshipful Master of Federal Lodge, was one of the bearers of the “lesser lights” and the unconsumed portion of the candle he carried was inscribed and preserved by him and is now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. The Great Light used by the Lodge at this funeral is still in possession of Federal Lodge. Its historic value was greatly enhanced when it was used at the formation of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Under the leadership of Past Master McCormick and Brother Charles Glover, Secretary of Federal Lodge, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was formed. These brethren arranged for a convention to be held on December 11, 1810, of the six Lodges in what was then the District of Columbia. (Federal, Columbia, Naval Lodge of Washington, Potomac Lodge of Georgetown, Brooke-Lodge and Alexandria-Washington Lodge of Alexandria) All of the lodges were represented except Alexandria-Washington Lodge in which a majority had voted to adhere to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The minutes of Federal Lodge contain a letter from Alexandria-Washington Lodge setting forth the reasons they did not wish to participate in the formation of the new Grand Lodge. The organization of the Grand Lodge was completed on February 19, 1811, but Federal Lodge continued to work under its Maryland charter until the monthly meeting in May when Worshipful Master Nicholas L. Queen, declared Federal Lodge No. 15 of Maryland “closed without day” and ceremoniously instituted Federal Lodge as “number one” of the new Grand Lodge jurisdiction.

The large proportion of the Freemasons among the British army and Navy officers of all grades, engaged in the capture of Washington in 1814 enabled the Grand lodge and Lodge officers to enter into fraternal relations with them during the brief occupation of the city, whereby private property and interests were respected to a degree unknown in the history of warfare.

On September 19, 1826, Federal Lodge joined in “the finest Masonic procession yet seen,” from St. John’s church to the southwest corner of John Marshall Place and D St for the laying of the cornerstone of Central Masonic Hall.

On January 4, 1830, Brother Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, Brother John H. Eaton, Secretary of War, and Brother William T. Barry, Postmaster General, were elected honorary members. In 1831, the lodge moved from the union lodge room to the Central, Masonic Hall.

In 1848, the noted Cherokee Chief, William P. Ross, received the degrees in the Lodge and at a subsequent lodge meeting a feud among headmen of the Cherokee Nation was healed in the lodge room. On July 4, 1848, nearly 50 members of the Lodge paraded at the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument. On November 9, 1848, the Lodge obtained a charter from the Grand Lodge for some members who were migrating to the new El Dorado in California. The new lodge, chartered as California Lodge No. 13, still survives at San Francisco as California Lodge No. 1.

In 1849 the Lodge for the first time called off meetings during the hot weather and in 1850 regular meetings were increased from one to two a month.

Federal Lodge sponsored the petition of Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14 in 1852 and the petition of Benjamin B. French No. 15 in 1853.

In 1854 the Lodge moved to the new Masonic Headquarters at the southwest corner of 9th and D St NW.

The fortunes of the Lodge declined as a result of the Civil War in 1861 but by 1863 the strength of the Lodge was restored by accessions from the Union Army and by brethren and applicants from the North. After the end of the Civil War the lodge moved to the new Masonic Temple at 9th and F St. NW and joined in the fitting and furnishings of the larger of the two lodge rooms. The Lodge paraded at the dedication of the Washington Monument in 1885.

On September 11, 1893, at a cost of over $1,000.00 to its members, the Lodge carried on a two-day celebration of its one hundredth birthday, which yet remains one of the great events in the local history of Freemasonry.

In 1898 the lodge won an elegant set of jewels for securing the greatest amount of funds for the new Temple at 13th and New York Avenue. Upon the adoption of a resolution proposed by Past Grand Master Donaldson the priceless original Lodge jewels were presented to King David Lodge No. 28 of Brookland.

Upon invitations by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, on December 14, 1899 the Lodge attended the solemn commemoration at Mount Vernon of the One-Hundredth anniversary of the Masonic burial of George Washington.

In 1899 Federal Lodge came into possession of $20,000 under terms of the will of Past Master Anthony Buchly who had died in 1884. Past Master Buchly who was a shrewd and kindly man also bequeathed $15,500 to the St. John’s Mite Association. The Buchly Charity fund of the Lodge now amounts to over $100,000 in principal. The income from this fund is available for charitable purposes.

On Tuesday, November 12, 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt appeared in Federal Lodge to accept honorary membership in the Lodge.

After cooperating for many years in collection of funds for a new Masonic Temple, Federal Lodge had its Grand Visitation in the new Masonic Temple at 13th and New York Avenue on October 13, 1908.

On September 17, 1932, historic Old Federal participated in the colorful Masonic parade and re-enacting of the laying of the cornerstone of the US Capitol in colonial costumes.

The one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was commemorated with an elaborate banquet and much ceremony on September 11th, 1947, during the year of Worshipful Master W.J. Chisolm, the Lodge honored the five Lodges which it had sponsored (California Lodge #1, Columbia No. 3, Lebanon No. 7, Washington Centennial No. 14, and Benjamin B. French No. 15) by a special meeting held at the Scottish Rite Temple.

In addition to the prominent persons named before who have taken an active part in the affairs of the lodge, Daniel C. Roper, who served as Secretary of Commerce under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, affiliated with Federal Lodge. Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, the polar explorer, and J. Edgar Hoover, of the FBI, received their Masonic Degrees in Federal Lodge, Former Senator Capehart of Indiana, Former Senator Truman of Missouri, and Former Representative Sol Bloom of New York.

In January 2010, Federal Lodge moved locations once again, returning to downtown Washington D.C. where it currently holds its meetings. Today, the Lodge is a quickly growing and an active organization that truly plays a dynamic role in the life of DC Freemasonry.

Sources:

Federal Lodge No. 1, www.federallodge.org/

Golden Rule Lodge No. 5 and The International Peace Garden

 GOLDEN RULE LODGE NO. 5

Golden Rule Lodge is steeped in history and tradition. One of the oldest Masonic lodges in Quebec, it traces its roots back to 1803, when Lively Stone Lodge was founded in Derby Line, Vermont. That lodge, composed of Masons from both sides of the border, met in a building situated half in Canada and half in the United States.

During the War of 1812, the Canadian members of Lively Stone formed a new lodge in Stanstead, on the Canadian side of the border. Golden Rule Lodge, as it was called, received its first charter from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. In 1856, the lodge received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Canada; in 1869, yet another charter was granted, this time from the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

Golden Rule Lodge has occupied the same hall for over a century and a half. That hall, financed and built by Masons from both sides of the border, is the oldest functioning lodge building in Quebec. Situated on Dufferin Street in Stanstead, it was built in the Classical Revival style in 1860. Bearing a strong resemblance to a Greek temple, with pilasters, cornices and a pediment suggestive of the architecture of antiquity, the lodge is considered one of the architectural gems of Stanstead. It has undergone little alteration, and in 2009, was designated a heritage site by the Town of Stanstead.

The lodge’s interior is a testament to living history. The walls on the first floor are covered with photographs of early pioneers and leading citizens from both sides of the border. The more formal second floor is decorated with allegorical paintings pertaining to the teachings of Freemasonry.G

Golden Rule claims another distinction: it is the only lodge in Quebec permitted to hold an outdoor “communication.” Thanks to an 1857 dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Canada, Golden Rule holds an annual gathering atop the 2,425-foot (739-metre) summit of Owl’s Head Mountain, overlooking Lake Memphremagog.

In the over 150 years since this meeting was first held in the open-air lodge room (actually a natural cleft in the rock) at the summit, it has become one of the most popular events on Quebec’s Masonic calendar. It attracts members of the fraternity from around the province, and from elsewhere in Canada, the United States, and further afield. The event, which usually includes the “raising” of a new Master Mason, is a much-anticipated occasion for fraternal exchange.

The ceremony, which takes place, rain or shine, each June, is a tradition of which Golden Rule Lodge is extremely proud. An unusual part of that tradition, and one that dates back beyond the memory of any living member, is that, as part of his raising, the candidate is required to climb Owl’s Head bearing a heavy backpack made of wicker and wood.

Referred to affectionately by members of Golden Rule as “the basket,” the backpack is well and truly loaded before its journey to the summit. Typically, it will contain ropes, a Bible, assorted Masonic tools and regalia, and the flags of Canada, the United States, and Quebec. When fully loaded, it will weigh about 60 pounds (27 kilos). The candidate must bear this burden alone as he struggles to the top of Owl’s Head. Once there, the formal and ancient ceremony of raising a Master Mason will begin.

American Union Lodge No. 1

The American Union Lodge No. 1 Free & Accepted Masons was organized in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on February 10, 1776, by Connecticut soldiers in the Continental Army. It met when and where it could during the Revolutionary War. By tradition, the lodge's name and seal were suggested by Benjamin Franklin and the seal was engraved by Paul Revere. Many of the lodge members settled in the Marietta, Ohio area following the war. On June 28, 1790, the lodge was reorganized in Campus Martius under its original warrant held by Past Master Capt. Jonathan Heart, commandant of Fort Harmer.

Several notable figures have visited and been members of the Lodge, but perhaps the most familiar in the history of Ohio Freemasonry would be Rufus Putnam, the first elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Today he is remembered annually through the Rufus Putnam Award, given to individuals for distinguished service beneficial to mankind, eminent leadership or achievement in the service of Freemasonry.

Today there are 253 Master Masons belonging to American Union Lodge No. 1, with their membership spanning from a dynamic age of 20 to the experienced age of 94. Annually, they host a degree at Masonic Park.

Sources:

The Ohio Beacon: American Union Lodge No. 1, theohiobeacon.com/news/american-union-lodge-no-1/

Ohio History Connection, www.ohiohistory.org