Freemasonry in Washington
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Washington.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Washington
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Washington F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1858 (168 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Tacoma, WA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in June
- Address
- 4970 Bridgeport Way W., Tacoma, WA 98467
Masonic History in Washington
Freemasonry in Washington is administered by the Grand Lodge of Washington F. & A.M., chartered in 1858. Headquartered in Tacoma, the Grand Lodge oversees Masonic activity across the state — including lodges in towns and cities of every size. Washington Masons follow the same three Blue Lodge degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason) that anchor the Craft worldwide.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Washington — 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 Washington
Grand Lodge of Washington F. & A.M.
Chartered 1858
How to Join Freemasonry in Washington
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Washington
1 notable Mason associated with Washington.
Duke Ellington
1899-1974 • Jazz Musician & Composer
Legendary jazz composer and bandleader. Member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, the historically African American branch of Freemasonry.
Lodge: Social Lodge No. 1, Washington D.C. (Prince Hall)
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Washington.
When was Freemasonry established in Washington?+
The Grand Lodge of Washington F. & A.M. was chartered in 1858, making organized Freemasonry in Washington 168 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 Washington?+
To join Freemasonry in Washington, 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 Washington?+
Washington has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Washington F. & A.M., headquartered in Tacoma. 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 Washington?+
The Grand Lodge of Washington 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 Washington?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 4970 Bridgeport Way W., Tacoma, WA 98467. Phone: +1-253-473-7667. Website: https://freemason-wa.org.
Show Your Washington Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.