Freemasonry in Massachusetts
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Massachusetts.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Massachusetts
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1733 (293 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in December
- Address
- 186 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
Masonic History in Massachusetts
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is the oldest in the Americas, chartered in 1733. Paul Revere served as Grand Master from 1794 to 1797. Massachusetts is also the founding home of Prince Hall Freemasonry — Prince Hall received the charter for African Lodge No. 459 in Boston in 1784.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Massachusetts — 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 Massachusetts
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.F. & A.M.
Chartered 1733
How to Join Freemasonry in Massachusetts
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Massachusetts
1 notable Mason associated with Massachusetts.
Shaquille O'Neal
1972-present • Basketball Player
One of the greatest NBA players ever. Became a Prince Hall Mason in 2011, continuing his commitment to community service.
Lodge: Widows Son Lodge No. 28 (Prince Hall), Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Massachusetts.
When was Freemasonry established in Massachusetts?+
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.F. & A.M. was chartered in 1733, making organized Freemasonry in Massachusetts 293 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 Massachusetts?+
To join Freemasonry in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.F. & A.M., headquartered in Boston. 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 Massachusetts?+
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.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 Massachusetts?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 186 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111. Phone: +1-617-426-6040. Website: https://massfreemasonry.org.
Show Your Massachusetts Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.