Welcome to the 2025 Lodge Leadership Retreats! Please download the presentations and materials from the retreat linked below.
Friday Night Presentations Welcome!
Building a Lodge Together Part 1: Strength in Numbers
Handout: The Functions of a Lodge
Freemasonry and the Hero’s Journey
Saturday Morning Presentations
Talking about Freemasonry Session 1 – Who Are We?
The Executive Committee – The Heart of Planning for the Lodge
From Records to Relationships: Building a Connected Lodge
Introduction to iMember Accounting Part 1 and 2
Handout: Grandview/iMember Accounting
System Manual
Saturday Afternoon Presentations
Senior Grand Warden Keynote
Talking about Freemasonry Session 2 – What Do We Do Keystone Initiative
Welcoming New Members: The Secrets of an Engaging Onboarding Process
Strategic Budgeting: Lodge and Hall Association Financial Planning
Talking about Freemasonry Session 3 – How Does Our Manifesto Comes to Life? Saturday Night Presentations Deputy Grand Master Keynote Masonic Homes/Relief Report
Sunday Morning Presentations Maximizing Retention
The Secretary as a Leader Fraternal Updates Building A Lodge Together Part 2
How did you first learn about about Freemasonry? Was it by stepping into a lodge hall and meeting with members? At a community event? From a movie or TV show? New! A Simple Guide to Freemasonry Research shows that by far, the most common introduction that current members had to the organization came from a personal connection such as a relative or colleague. In other words, not from the Internet. That’s why it’s so important that current members feel comfortable talking about Freemasonry with the people around them—and that those searching for more information are provided with simple and accurate answer
To that end, this short booklet is designed to help current members answer some of the most common—but often confusing—questions about Freemasonry. Download and read through this guide to brush up on the basics. And share it with those around you who’d like to learn more.
Don’t worry about memorizing answers. The most powerful thing you can do is share your personal experience. Consider this a tool to help you get started.
As members, you’re encouraged to discuss your Masonic experience with people around you. It’s how the tradition stays alive, from one person to the next
Unpacking Masonry’s relationship to God, the church, and the Supreme Architect of the Universe. Is Masonry a religion? What religion are Masons? Can Catholics be Masons? What’s the Masonic bible? Are Mormons Masons? What’s the deal between Freemasonry and Catholicism? Questions about the relationship between Masonry and religion are among the most frequent inquiries we receive. The question of the connection between Freemasonry and religion is not an easy topic to tackle.
Famous Freemasons
Freemasons come from all backgrounds, all belief systems, and all walks of life. So it’s no surprise that the list of famous Freemasons is very long—and varied. It includes everyone from actors and celebrities to artists and politicians. Let’s meet a few.
Prince Hall Masonry
Prince Hall Masonry is a historically Black branch of Freemasonry that began in the 1700s. Learn about the organization’s revolutionary history, and the important role it plays for Black Freemasons and the Masonic family today.
Female Freemasons
Although Freemasonry was first founded as a men’s fraternity, there’s a long history of female Freemasonry, as well as mixed or coed Masonic lodges. Learn more about the history and present-day state of women’s Freemasonry in California and around the world.
Other Masonic Bodies
Freemasonry has inspired many offshoot Masonic groups, which offer a unique extension of the essential member experience. From the playful personality of the Shriners to the expanded degree lessons of the York Rite, the Knights Templar, and the well-known Scottish Rite, here’s an introduction to Masonic appendant bodies and other affiliated organizations.
Ranks of Masonry
Freemasonry has inspired many offshoot Masonic groups, which offer a unique extension of the essential member experience. From the playful personality of the Shriners to the expanded degree lessons of the York Rite, the Knights Templar, and the well-known Scottish Rite, here’s an introduction to Masonic appendant bodies and other affiliated organizations.
Freemasonry Symbols
Maybe you’ve heard rumors about the “Freemason pyramid” on the dollar bill, seen the square and compass logo on buildings around town, or wondered about the meaning of emblems like the Masonic trowel. What’s the history behind Masonic symbols, and how do they factor into what happens in a lodge?
Masonic Music
Music can play an enormous role in adding emotional depth to any occasion. That’s especially true when it comes to Masonic events like officers’ installations, degree ceremonies, and lodge meetings. And yet for many Masonic organizations, the lack of a regular organist or musician makes it difficult to tap into the power of musical accompaniment to heighten the impact of the ritual. Here are some selections recorded by the Grand Organist in California that any lodge can use to enliven its meetings, along with guidance from the Grand Lecturer.
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry is a world-renowned institution that serves as the official repository of Freemasonry’s history, archives, and artifacts. While there are several important Masonic museums and libraries around the globe, the one in London is considered the central institution of the fraternity.
Here is a summary of what it is and what it contains:
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry, London
Location: It is located within Freemasons’ Hall in London, the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Purpose: The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Freemasonry for both Masons and the public. It is a vital resource for historical research and education.
Collections: The museum houses an extensive collection of Masonic artifacts, including:
Regalia: A vast collection of aprons, jewels, collars, and other ceremonial attire, some dating back several centuries.
Historical Documents: Rare books, manuscripts, and minute books from lodges, which provide a rich history of the fraternity.
Art and Decorative Objects: Portraits of prominent Masons, ceremonial furniture, and decorative items.
Personal Artifacts: Items that belonged to famous Masons, such as a set of tools used by Sir Winston Churchill.
Other Notable Masonic Libraries and Museums
While the London institution is the most prominent, there are other significant Masonic museums and libraries around the world that serve a similar purpose:
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial (Alexandria, Virginia): This memorial not only honors George Washington as a Mason but also serves as a museum and library, showcasing his role in the fraternity and housing numerous artifacts.
The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): Located within the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, this museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Masonic history in the United States.
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library (Lexington, Massachusetts): This institution offers a wide range of exhibits on American Freemasonry, patriotism, and social history, with a focus on education.
These institutions collectively serve as guardians of Freemasonry’s history
The library serves as a research source for Masons, academic scholars, and others who wish to explore the history of Freemasonry in North America. The library is open to the public by appointment. Please contact Joe Evans, Collections Manager, to schedule an appointment at +1 (762) 546-5346 or Info@grandlodgeofnorthamerica.org
This video, titled “What is Freemasonry? History of Masons Made Easy,” offers a comprehensive overview of the fraternal organization.
It covers:
The origins of Freemasonry: It traces the fraternity’s roots from medieval stonemason guilds to its modern form.
Key symbols and rituals: It explains the meaning behind symbols like the square and compasses.
Values and beliefs: It clarifies that Freemasonry is not a religion but requires a belief in a higher power and emphasizes charity and community service.
Historical influence: It mentions famous Masons like George Washington and Winston Churchill and addresses the historical challenges and criticisms the organization has faced.
The video also touches on the current state of Freemasonry and the role of women’s and co-ed groups.
Leadership in Freemasonry is a unique and highly structured system that emphasizes service, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth. Unlike many corporate or political structures, the path to leadership in a Masonic lodge is a journey of increasing responsibility and education.
Here is a look at the practices of Masonic leaders:
The Path to Leadership
A Masonic leader is not simply appointed; he is elected and ascends through a progressive series of roles. A typical path involves serving in various officer positions, such as Inner Guard or Secretary, before eventually being elected as a Warden. This process allows a member to learn the rituals and responsibilities of the lodge from the ground up.
The Principal Officers and Their Roles
The primary leaders of a lodge are the Worshipful Master and the two Wardens.
Worshipful Master (The Master): The Worshipful Master is the supreme authority in a lodge for his term of office (usually one year). He is responsible for presiding over all meetings, overseeing the work of the lodge, and ensuring that the ancient traditions and laws of Freemasonry are upheld. He is not a dictator but a leader who governs with the consent and guidance of the members.
The Senior and Junior Wardens: The Wardens are the Master’s principal assistants. The Senior Warden oversees the lodge when it is at ease and prepares to take on the role of Master in the future. The Junior Warden is responsible for ensuring the well-being and moral conduct of the members while the lodge is not in session.
Core Leadership Practices
Masonic leadership is less about command and control and more about guidance and example. A Masonic leader practices by:
Serving as a Mentor: A key role of a Master and his officers is to mentor newer members, helping them understand the moral lessons of the degrees and guiding them on their journey.
Leading by Example: A Masonic leader is expected to be a living example of the principles of the fraternity—integrity, honor, and compassion.
Promoting Harmony: The ultimate goal of a Masonic leader is to ensure that the lodge operates in peace and harmony, resolving any conflicts and fostering a spirit of brotherhood among all members.
Learning and Educating: Leaders are expected to have a deep knowledge of the ritual and history of the fraternity. They are responsible for educating the members and helping them grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Freemasonry uses the tools of the ancient stonemason as a framework for a system of moral and philosophical education. The rituals and degrees of the fraternity are designed to teach a man how to use these symbolic tools to build his character and live a life of integrity, purpose, and compassion.
The core idea is simple: just as a builder uses his tools to construct a physical edifice, a Mason is taught to use symbolic tools to build his moral and spiritual “temple.”
Here are a few examples of how Masonic education uses the tools:
The 24-Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel: These are among the first tools a Mason encounters. The 24-Inch Gauge is a tool to measure time, and it teaches a Mason to divide his day into periods for rest, labor, and service to God and those in need. The Common Gavel is used by a stonemason to chip off rough edges from a stone, and it teaches a Mason to remove the faults and imperfections from his own character.
The Square and Compasses: As the most iconic symbols of Freemasonry, these are the ultimate tools of moral education. The Square reminds a Mason to “square his actions” and live an honest and upright life. The Compasses teach him to “circumscribe his passions” and keep his desires and actions within proper bounds.
The Trowel: This tool is used to spread the cement that binds stones together in a building. For a Mason, the Trowel symbolizes the spreading of brotherly love and affection, teaching him to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and community with every action he takes.
Through these and other symbolic tools, Masonic education encourages a lifelong journey of self-reflection and personal growth. It is a system designed not to teach a man what to think, but how to think, and to provide him with the moral instruments to build a better life for himself and for others.
Research lodges and organizations Research lodges and organizations in California and worldwide hold discussions, gather and preserve Masonic information, maintain libraries, supply papers and speakers at the request of other lodges, and provide general knowledge in the field of Masonic education. Research lodges in California include:
El Camino Research Lodge – San Jose Northern California Research Lodge – San Francisco Orange County Research Lodge – Anaheim Southern California Research Lodge – South Pasadena Golden Compasses Research Lodge – Sacramento Research organizations around the world include: The Masonic Society The Philalethes Society The Masonic Restoration Foundation Masonic Library and Museum Association Association of Masonic Museums, Libraries, and Archives of Europe UCLA Freemasonry and Civil Society Program REHMLAC (Historical Studies Program of Freemasonry and Patriotic Societies in Central Scholl of General Studies at the University of Costa Rica) The Scottish Rite Research Society
Thank you for your interest in supporting our charitable work. Your donation helps us fulfill our commitment to improving our community by providing assistance to those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports our projects in education, community service, and youth development.
Your generosity changes lives. By making a donation, you are becoming a partner in our mission to build a more compassionate and supportive world. Your gift helps us provide vital resources, support families in crisis, and empower the next generation. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Support Our Most Vulnerable Today
Your generosity changes lives. By making a donation, you are becoming a partner in our mission to build a more compassionate and supportive world. Your gift helps us provide vital resources, support families in crisis, and empower the next generation. We are deeply grateful for your support.
The principle of Relief, or charitable giving, is a cornerstone of our fraternity. We believe in providing for the well-being of humanity through a quiet yet powerful force for good. We welcome your support, which will enable us to continue our work in service to others and uphold our timeless commitment to charity.
Community partnerships are a vital part of a Freemason’s commitment to service. While individual Masons and lodges are dedicated to local charitable work, they often amplify their impact by forming strategic partnerships with a wide range of organizations, both local and national.
Here is a look at the types of community partnerships Masons are often involved in:
Supporting Youth Organizations
One of the most significant ways Masons partner with the community is by sponsoring and supporting youth groups. These organizations provide moral and leadership development for young men and women. Masons often serve as mentors, advisors, and financial supporters for groups such as:
DeMolay International
Job’s Daughters International
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Collaborating on Healthcare and Education
Freemasonry has a long history of partnerships with healthcare and educational institutions. This includes:
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: The most famous example is the partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children, where Masons provide the funding and support for a network of hospitals that deliver specialized care at no cost to families.
Schools and Universities: Many lodges provide scholarships, donate school supplies, and offer mentorship programs for students, working directly with local school administrators and parent-teacher associations.
Disaster and Emergency Relief
In times of crisis, Masons often work in partnership with established emergency services and relief organizations. They provide financial assistance and volunteer support to help communities recover from natural disasters, demonstrating their commitment to Relief in times of urgent need.
These partnerships are a practical way for Freemasons to live out their core principles of Brotherly Love and Relief, demonstrating that their fraternity is not just about its members but about actively building a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
The Masonic Homes of California is a well-established charitable organization that provides a comprehensive range of services, with a strong focus on senior living and care. It is often referred to as a “jewel in the crown” of California Freemasonry due to its extensive support for members and their families.
Here is a summary of their services and locations:
Locations
The Masonic Homes of California operates two main residential campuses:
Union City: Situated in the hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, this campus offers various levels of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.
Covina: Located near Los Angeles, this campus also provides a full range of services for its residents.
Key Services
The organization’s mission has expanded significantly over its history. It now offers a variety of services to its members and their families:
Residential Senior Communities: They provide an active and vibrant lifestyle for retired Masons and their families, with options for independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care.
Masonic Outreach Services: This statewide program offers support to Masons of all ages. This includes connecting them with local resources for in-home care, providing case management, and in some cases, offering emergency financial assistance.
Masonic Center for Youth and Families (MCYAF): This center provides comprehensive mental health and behavioral services for children, teens, and families.
Expanded Eligibility: In recent years, the Masonic Homes have expanded their eligibility to include not only Masons and their widows but also their parents and parents-in-law, making their services accessible to a wider circle of the Masonic family.
The Masonic Homes of California are a testament to the fraternity’s core principle of Relief, providing a safe and supportive community for its members during their time of need.
