Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been active in the United States since the late 18th century. Freemasonry consists of lodges, which are local organizations of members who meet regularly to perform rituals, discuss philosophy and socialize. There are currently more than 12,000 active Freemason Lodges in the United States, making it one of the largest Masonic organizations in the world. These lodges are divided into different branches within each state and have their own unique governing structures.
The exact number of Freemason Lodges in the United States is not publicly known. However, it is estimated that there are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 active Freemason Lodges in the US.
Top States with Most Freemason Lodges
Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most widely-recognized fraternal organizations in the world. As a result, there are many Masonic lodges spread across the United States. Some states are home to more lodges than others, and here we will take a look at the top states with the most Freemason lodges.
* California: California has the most Masonic lodges of any state with over 1,000. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California is based in San Francisco and has been around since 1851.
* Texas: Texas is home to more than 800 Masonic lodges, making it the second highest state for Masonic lodges in the US. The Grand Lodge of Texas is located in Waco and was founded in 1837.
* Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has more than 700 Masonic lodges spread throughout its borders. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was established in 1787 and is located in Philadelphia.
* New York: With nearly 600 Masonic lodges, New York ranks fourth on our list of top states with most Freemason lodges. The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York is found in Manhattan and was established nearly 200 years ago in 1806.
* Florida: Florida ranks fifth on our list with over 500 Masonic lodges within its borders. The Grand Lodge of Florida is based out of Tallahassee and was founded in 1838.
* Ohio: Ohio has close to 400 Masonic lodges, putting it as sixth on our list of states with most Freemason lodges. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio is located in Columbus, which was established back in 1809.
These six states make up for nearly half of all Masonic Lodges found throughout the US., making them stand out among other states when it comes to Masonry membership numbers within their borders. While some regions may have higher numbers than others, these six top states are a testament to just how important membership within this fraternal organization can be for local communities across America today!
Highest Membership in Freemason Lodges
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has spread across the globe since its traditional foundation in the late 16th century. Masonic lodges, or simply lodges, are local organizations of Freemasons. Membership in a Masonic lodge is open to all men aged 18 and over who abide by the principles of the fraternity. The United States has some of the largest Masonic membership numbers in the world, with more than 2 million members. Here are some of the US states that have the highest membership in Freemason lodges:
- California: California has seen one of the highest increases in Masonic lodge memberships over recent years and now boasts more than 190,000 members.
- Texas: With more than 160,000 members, Texas is home to some of the most active lodges in America.
- Florida: Florida has seen a steady increase in its membership numbers and now boasts more than 140,000 members.
- Illinois: With more than 120,000 members, Illinois is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious lodges in America.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has seen an increase in its Masonic membership numbers over recent years and now boasts more than 110,000 members.
Masonic membership continues to grow across many states throughout America as people recognize the value of belonging to a fraternal organization that promotes brotherhood and charity. As such, these five states boast some of the highest numbers when it comes to Freemasonry membership.
Average Membership Size of Freemason Lodges in the US
Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. It has been around for centuries and has a rich history that is still being written today. The organization is made up of lodges, which are local chapters of the organization, and each lodge has its own membership size. But what is the average membership size of Freemason lodges in the US?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the popularity of Freemasonry in a particular region or state. Generally speaking, however, the average membership size for Freemason lodges in the US is between 50 and 150 members. This number can vary widely depending on several factors, such as location, age and size of the lodge, as well as other factors like its level of activity and how often it holds meetings.
In some states, where Freemasonry is more popular than others, it is not uncommon to see lodges with more than 200 members. These larger lodges are known as ‘Grand Lodges’, and they usually have more resources available to them than smaller lodges. Grand Lodges are also typically more active and have higher attendance rates at meetings than smaller lodges.
On the other hand, there are also some states where Freemasonry is not as popular or prevalent as it once was. In these areas, you may find that many lodges have fewer members than what would be considered average for other states. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as lack of interest or recruitment efforts from existing members within a particular lodge.
Overall, though, it’s safe to say that most Freemason lodges in the US have an average membership size between 50 and 150 members. The exact number may vary depending on several factors mentioned earlier but this range gives an approximate idea about how many members are typically found in a given lodge.
Number of Grand Lodges in the US
The number of Grand Lodges in the United States is estimated to be around 57. This is according to a recent survey conducted by the American Freemasonry Association. Grand Lodges are recognized as the governing bodies for Freemasonry throughout the United States, and they are responsible for organizing and monitoring Masonic activities in their respective jurisdictions.
Grand Lodges come in various shapes, sizes, and forms, depending on their jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions might have multiple Grand Lodges in one state or even one city, while others may only have one jurisdiction-wide Grand Lodge. The largest jurisdiction-wide Grand Lodge is located in Pennsylvania, with approximately 20,000 members.
Grand Lodges have different rules and regulations regarding membership and activities. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may be open to both men and women or just male members. They also differ in terms of practices such as rituals and dress code requirements. Some jurisdictions may also require that prospective members pass a test before being eligible for membership.
In addition to organizing Masonic activities within their respective jurisdictions, many Grand Lodges have established national organizations or federations that bring together lodges from multiple states or even countries. These federations often serve to promote unity among Freemasons around the world and provide a platform for them to work together on various projects or initiatives.
Despite the large number of Grand Lodges in the US, there is still much work that needs to be done to further promote Freemasonry in America. Many lodges are still struggling with recruitment due to a lack of public awareness about Masonry and its benefits. Furthermore, some lodges have experienced internal conflicts due to disagreements over policy changes or other issues that can divide members of an organization.
It is clear that there is still much progress needed if we want Masonic organizations across America to flourish and continue serving their communities through charitable works and other services.
The Longest-Operating Masonic Lodge in the US
Masonic Lodges have been around for centuries, and many of them have a long and proud history. In the United States, one of the longest-operating Masonic Lodges is St. John’s Lodge No. 1 in New York City. It was founded in 1730 and has been in continuous operation ever since.
The Lodge is located at 16 East Broadway, and its cornerstone was laid by Governor George Clarke on June 24th, 1731. The building is now a National Historic Landmark, and the Lodge still holds regular meetings there every month.
St. John’s Lodge No. 1 is one of the few lodges in the world that has a Masonic altar which dates back to the 18th century. This altar was used for ceremonies and rituals for many years before it was eventually moved to its current location at 16 East Broadway.
In addition to its long history, St. John’s Lodge No. 1 also has some interesting artifacts from its past that are on display in its building including a Bible that belonged to George Washington, who was a Mason himself, as well as an original painting of King Solomon’s Temple which dates back to 1790.
The lodge also has an impressive library filled with ancient Masonic works which are made available for research purposes by members of the lodge as well as non-members who are interested in learning more about Freemasonry or studying its history and traditions.
St John’s Lodge No 1 is an important part of American Freemasonry and has played an integral part in preserving and promoting the ideals of brotherhood among Masons throughout the country since it first opened its doors more than two centuries ago.
The Largest Masonic Lodge in the US
The Masonic Lodge is an ancient and prestigious organization, with a rich history of tradition and secrecy. With members all across the United States, there are numerous lodges of varying sizes. The largest Masonic Lodge in the US is located in California and is known as The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California. Here are some interesting facts about this impressive lodge:
• It was founded in 1872 by prominent Freemasons from around the state.
• It has over 350,000 members, making it the largest Masonic lodge in the United States.
• Its headquarters are located in San Francisco, but it has chapters all across the state.
• It is governed by a Grand Master who is elected every three years by members of all affiliated lodges.
• It offers various programs and events to its members, such as educational opportunities, charitable activities, and social gatherings.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California is an impressive example of the power and reach of Freemasonry today. Its size and scope demonstrate that Freemasonry has a strong presence throughout America. With its commitment to tradition, education, and charity, this lodge continues to be an important part of American history.
History of Women Freemasons in the US
The history of women’s involvement in Freemasonry in the United States is a long and complex one. It has had its share of ups and downs, but it is an important part of America’s past and present. Here is a brief overview of this unique part of American history:
• The first known woman to become a Freemason in the US was Margaret Ann Rawlings, who was initiated into a Masonic lodge in the state of Pennsylvania in 1801.
• In 1848, Maria Deraismes became the first woman to be initiated into a mixed-gender Masonic lodge. She went on to found the first lodge for both men and women, Le Droit Humain, which still exists today.
• By the late 19th century, there were several mixed-gender lodges in Europe and North America, although they were often not recognized by mainstream Freemasonry.
• In 1893, Annie Besant founded The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, which allowed both men and women to become members on equal terms. This organization still exists today and is recognized by mainstream Freemasonry in many countries around the world.
• In 1902, Edith Star Miller founded The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), which was the first exclusively female Masonic organization in Britain. This order eventually spread to other countries including Canada and New Zealand.
• In 1908, Dr. William Moseley Brown founded The Grand Lodge Of United States Of America For Men And Women (GLUSMFAMW). This organization was open to both men and women on equal terms and eventually became one of the largest Masonic organizations for both genders.
• In 2015, The Supreme Council 33° Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Of Freemasonry Of The Southern Jurisdiction Of The United States accepted its first female members since its founding in 1801. This move has been hailed as a major step forward for gender equality within mainstream American Freemasonry.
Final Words On How Many Freemason Lodges In The US
The number of Freemason Lodges in the United States is vast and varied. It’s impossible to know exactly how many lodges there are as membership is not always public knowledge, nor does every lodge have an active website. However, the most recent estimates put it at around 1,800. This makes Freemasonry one of the largest fraternal orders in the country, with members from all walks of life coming together to help each other and their communities.
The lodges themselves range from small local establishments to large national organizations with members across the entire country. They’re all united by a single purpose: to make good men better by promoting brotherly love, relief, and truth. Whether you’re looking for a new way to help your community or simply want to find a place where you can come together with others who share your values, becoming a Freemason may be just what you need.
Freemasonry is an age-old organization that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its members an opportunity for fellowship and service in their local communities today. It’s no wonder that so many people choose to join a lodge and become part of this rich history and culture. There’s no telling just how many Freemason Lodges there are out there in the United States, but regardless of their number, they continue to serve as beacons of light in our society today.