Freemasonry in Pennsylvania
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Pennsylvania.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Pennsylvania
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania
- Chartered
- 1786 (240 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Philadelphia, PA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in December
- Address
- 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Masonic History in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Freemasonry has the longest documented operative-to-speculative continuity in America: Benjamin Franklin served as Grand Master of Pennsylvania in 1734. The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia — designed by Brother James Windrim — is one of the most architecturally significant Masonic buildings in the world.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Pennsylvania — 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 Pennsylvania
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania
Chartered 1786
How to Join Freemasonry in Pennsylvania
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Pennsylvania
2 notable Masons associated with Pennsylvania.
Benjamin Franklin
1706-1790 • Founding Father, Scientist, Diplomat
One of the most influential Founding Fathers. Became a Mason in 1731 and served as Grand Master of Pennsylvania. His Masonic connections extended across the Atlantic to France.
Lodge: St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia
Arnold Palmer
1929-2016 • Professional Golfer
Legendary golfer who popularized the sport. Known as "The King" of golf.
Lodge: Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.
When was Freemasonry established in Pennsylvania?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania was chartered in 1786, making organized Freemasonry in Pennsylvania 240 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 Pennsylvania?+
To join Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Philadelphia. 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 Pennsylvania?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: +1-215-988-1900. Website: https://pagrandlodge.org.
Show Your Pennsylvania Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.