Freemasonry in Ohio
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Ohio.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Ohio
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1808 (218 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Springfield, OH
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in October
- Address
- 1 Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504
Masonic History in Ohio
Ohio Freemasonry, organized in 1808, is one of the largest U.S. jurisdictions and home to many notable Masons including astronaut and senator John Glenn (Concord Lodge No. 688). At its 20th-century peak, Ohio had over 250,000 Masons.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Ohio — 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 Ohio
Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A.M.
Chartered 1808
How to Join Freemasonry in Ohio
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Ohio
1 notable Mason associated with Ohio.
John Glenn
1921-2016 • Astronaut & Senator
First American to orbit Earth. Later served as US Senator from Ohio.
Lodge: Concord Lodge No. 688, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Ohio.
When was Freemasonry established in Ohio?+
The Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A.M. was chartered in 1808, making organized Freemasonry in Ohio 218 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 Ohio?+
To join Freemasonry in Ohio, 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 Ohio?+
Ohio has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A.M., headquartered in Springfield. 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 Ohio?+
The Grand Lodge of Ohio 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 Ohio?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 1 Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504. Phone: +1-937-399-2344. Website: https://freemason.com.
Show Your Ohio Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.