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Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization.

It is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighborhoods, and our future. With 2 million Masons in the United States and more then 3 million worldwide, we’ve established a strong and highly respected local, national, and international presence.

How it all began

In the Middle Ages, the term “freemason” referred to highly skilled stonemasons who were hired as free agents to build castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland. Because of the inherent danger of their work, many stonemasons formed local organizations, called lodges, to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those who were killed on the job. They also used lodges as places to meet, receive their pay, plan their work, train new apprentices, and socialize.

In 1717, the Freemasons organized as a fraternal group with the establishment of the first governing body, called a Grand Lodge, in London. Within the next two decades, English Freemasonry spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the American colonies. In 1733, the first American lodge was established in Boston under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and other founding fathers were among the first Masons in America.

From the Middle Ages to California gold

During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of settlers came to California in search of fortune. Those who were Masons brought their rich traditions with them, soon establishing some of California’s first Masonic lodges in the mining towns of the Gold Country.

In 1850 – the same year that California became a state – the Grand Lodge of California was established in Sacramento. Now headquartered in San Francisco, today the Grand Lodge of California has more than 63,000 members and about 340 lodges in the state, making it one of the largest Grand Lodges in the world.

How to become a Mason

Membership is open to men age 18 and older who believe in a Supreme Being and meet the qualifications and standards. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome.

One of Masonry’s traditions is that we do not solicit members. Men must seek membership on their own initiative. When you’re ready to join, select a lodge close to your work or home, whichever is most convenient. A lodge locator is available at freemason.org. Contact the lodge you choose and ask for a membership information packet. Or you may complete the request for information form on freemason.org and someone will contact you regarding membership.

For more information about the Masons of California, go to freemason.org.