Freemasonry in Missouri
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Missouri.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Missouri
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1821 (205 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Columbia, MO
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in September
- Address
- 6033 Masonic Drive, Columbia, MO 65202
Masonic History in Missouri
Missouri Freemasonry, chartered in 1821, is famously the home jurisdiction of Harry S. Truman, who served as Grand Master of Missouri before becoming the 33rd U.S. President. Mark Twain was raised at Polar Star Lodge No. 79 in St. Louis.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Missouri — 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 Missouri
Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M.
Chartered 1821
How to Join Freemasonry in Missouri
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Missouri
2 notable Masons associated with Missouri.
Harry S. Truman
1884-1972 • 33rd President of the United States
One of the most dedicated Masons to serve as President. Rose to become Grand Master of Missouri and received the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite.
Lodge: Belton Lodge No. 450, Missouri
Mark Twain
1835-1910 • Author & Humorist
America's greatest humorist and author of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Raised a Master Mason in 1861.
Lodge: Polar Star Lodge No. 79, St. Louis
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Missouri.
When was Freemasonry established in Missouri?+
The Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M. was chartered in 1821, making organized Freemasonry in Missouri 205 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 Missouri?+
To join Freemasonry in Missouri, 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 Missouri?+
Missouri has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M., headquartered in Columbia. 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 Missouri?+
The Grand Lodge of Missouri 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 Missouri?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 6033 Masonic Drive, Columbia, MO 65202. Phone: +1-573-474-8561. Website: https://momason.org.
Show Your Missouri Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.