Freemasonry in District of Columbia
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the nation's capital.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in District of Columbia
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia
- Chartered
- 1811 (215 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Washington, DC
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in December
- Address
- 5428 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20016
Masonic History in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia's Grand Lodge meets at the historic Almas Shrine and counts among its alumni many U.S. Presidents and senior officials. Washington D.C. is also home to the House of the Temple — the Scottish Rite's "Mother Council" — one of the most famous Masonic buildings in the world.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached District of Columbia — 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 District of Columbia
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia
Chartered 1811
How to Join Freemasonry in District of Columbia
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia below or in our lodge directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in District of Columbia.
When was Freemasonry established in District of Columbia?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia was chartered in 1811, making organized Freemasonry in District of Columbia 215 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 District of Columbia?+
To join Freemasonry in District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?+
District of Columbia has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia, headquartered in Washington. 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 District of Columbia?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 5428 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20016. Phone: +1-202-686-1811. Website: https://dcgrandlodge.org.
Show Your District of Columbia Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.