Freemasonry in California
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the California.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in California
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California
- Chartered
- 1850 (176 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in October
- Address
- 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Masonic History in California
Founded in 1850 — the same year California achieved statehood — the Grand Lodge of California is one of the largest in North America and meets at the San Francisco Masonic Center on Nob Hill. California has historically hosted some of the most architecturally significant Masonic buildings in the United States.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached California — 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 California
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California
Chartered 1850
How to Join Freemasonry in California
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in California 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 California 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 California below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from California
1 notable Mason associated with California.
Clark Gable
1901-1960 • Actor
Known as the "King of Hollywood." Star of "Gone with the Wind" and many classic films.
Lodge: Beverly Hills Lodge No. 528
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in California.
When was Freemasonry established in California?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California was chartered in 1850, making organized Freemasonry in California 176 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 California?+
To join Freemasonry in California, 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 California?+
California has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California, headquartered in San Francisco. 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 California?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California 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 California?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Phone: +1-415-776-7000. Website: https://freemason.org.
Show Your California Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.