THE OLDEST MASONIC LODGE WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

 

The Brethren of Winchester Hiram #21 Masonic Lodge would like to welcome you to our Cyber Lodge.  The purpose of this website is to inform and educate non-masons about our organization.  In 1768, our organization was founded in Winchester, Virginia by several men who wished to operate an autonomous Masonic lodge there.   They requested (and were granted) a charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on October 1, 1768.  Today our lodge is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Virginia with whom we will celebrate our two hundredth anniversary this year.  Our lodge is currently located at 118 South Loudoun Street in Winchester, Virginia (Old Towne Mall).  We currently enjoy a membership of over 250 members.  The lodge consists of officers and members who share not only a commitment to each other but also a sincere dedication to serving the community in and around Winchester.  In addition to the Masonic lodge or “Blue Lodge”, some of us belong to other appending bodies such as the Shrine, Scottish Rites, Eastern Star, and the Knights Templar.  If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us and we would be glad to answer any questions that you might have about our organization and what we do as Freemasons.

 

We have listed some of the questions that non-masons have asked over the years in the hope of shedding some light on the organization as a whole.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Masonry

 We have listed some of the questions that non-masons have asked over the years.  We are good men that have a strong religious belief in GOD.   We are Not a religion, but we are religious in nature.  To be one you make ask one, applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Architect of the Universe (GOD).  To become a Master Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. They must have two Mason in good standing sign their petition.  The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.  Once the petition is voted on and approved the candidate will learn about the degrees he must pass through before becoming a Master Mason.  We welcome men of all color, race, and religion.   Once again you must believe in a single God and be of good moral character.

 

What Type Of Men May Join The Masons?

We consider ourselves to be men of high moral caliber who have a strong belief in a God.  We are not a religion, but we are religious in nature.  We welcome men of all color, race, and religious backgrounds.  

 

How Does One Become A Mason?

To be one you must ask one.   Applicants must be men of good moral character who believe in a Supreme Being and demonstrate a desire to join the organization.  There are three steps in becoming a Master Mason which begin when an applicant petitions a lodge.  They must have two Mason in good standing sign their petition.  The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.  Once the petition is voted on and approved, the candidate will learn about the degrees or steps that he must pass through to becoming a Master Mason.   

 

How Can You Tell That A Man Is A Mason?

Most Masons are men who go about their daily lives with no hint of their affiliation except for the way they lead their lives although many are readily recognizable locally by name, face, or accomplishment.   If you have a question as to their membership, just ask, questions are welcome although all may not be answered.

 

Have Any Men Of Influence Been Masons?

George Washington and thirteen other Presidents, eight Vice Presidents and forty-two Justices of the Supreme Court have been Masons.  Our lodge consists of lawyers, doctors, judges, businessmen, school teachers, and too many other professions to list.  Our brothers have severed in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, and today they continue to answer the call from our Commander and Chief to serve all over the world. 

 

What Do Masons Believe In?

We believe in our country and the principles that have made it a great nation.   We believe in each other.  We believe in the truth, and we believe in a God which is left up to each individual to define.  That God must promote peace, love, and harmony - no atheist can be a Master Mason.

 

What Must A Man Commit To Be A Mason?

Each Master Mason must adhere to an obligation and guide their actions by that obligation for the rest of their life.  The organization as a whole does not tolerate un-Masonic conduct and will remove any members who display it.

 

Who Are The Masons?

Masons (also known as Freemasons) are the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than two million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons enjoy varied political ideologies but hold their friendship and brotherhood to be more important than personal beliefs. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one Supreme Being.  Many of North America's early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the Confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian and American leaders.   One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other "Brother."

 

What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.

 

Where Did Freemasonry Begin?

No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Most scholars believe Masonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization when four Lodges in London joined in forming England's first Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the Fraternity, there were already several Lodges in the Colonies, and in Canada the first Lodge was established in 1738. 

 

Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North America, and in large cities there are usually several Lodges.  A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcomed as a "Brother."

 

Who Can Qualify To Join?

Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.

  

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