Freemasonry in Virginia
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Virginia.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Virginia
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Virginia A.F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1778 (248 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Richmond, VA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in November
- Address
- 4115 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223
Masonic History in Virginia
Virginia is where George Washington was initiated, passed, and raised — at Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 in 1752-1753. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria is one of the most famous Masonic monuments in the world. Virginia's Grand Lodge was chartered in 1778.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Virginia — 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 Virginia
Grand Lodge of Virginia A.F. & A.M.
Chartered 1778
How to Join Freemasonry in Virginia
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Virginia
1 notable Mason associated with Virginia.
George Washington
1732-1799 • 1st President of the United States
Father of the United States and Commander of the Continental Army. Initiated in 1752, he remained an active Mason throughout his life and was inaugurated as President while wearing Masonic regalia.
Lodge: Alexandria Lodge No. 22, Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Virginia.
When was Freemasonry established in Virginia?+
The Grand Lodge of Virginia A.F. & A.M. was chartered in 1778, making organized Freemasonry in Virginia 248 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 Virginia?+
To join Freemasonry in Virginia, 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 Virginia?+
Virginia has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Virginia A.F. & A.M., headquartered in Richmond. 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 Virginia?+
The Grand Lodge of Virginia 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 Virginia?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 4115 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223. Phone: +1-804-222-3110. Website: https://grandlodgeofvirginia.org.
Show Your Virginia Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.