Freemasonry in Arkansas
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Arkansas.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Arkansas
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1838 (188 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Little Rock, AR
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in April
- Address
- 712 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Masonic History in Arkansas
Freemasonry in Arkansas is administered by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M., chartered in 1838. Headquartered in Little Rock, the Grand Lodge oversees Masonic activity across the state — including lodges in towns and cities of every size. Arkansas Masons follow the same three Blue Lodge degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason) that anchor the Craft worldwide.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Arkansas — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of Arkansas
Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M.
Chartered 1838
How to Join Freemasonry in Arkansas
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Arkansas follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some Arkansas lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in Arkansas below or in our lodge directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Arkansas.
When was Freemasonry established in Arkansas?+
The Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M. was chartered in 1838, making organized Freemasonry in Arkansas 188 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in Arkansas?+
To join Freemasonry in Arkansas, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in Arkansas?+
Arkansas has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M., headquartered in Little Rock. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in Arkansas?+
The Grand Lodge of Arkansas F. & A.M. is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 712 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: +1-501-375-3633. Website: https://arkgrandlodge.com.
Show Your Arkansas Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.