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Who We Are
Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truth – within ourselves and the larger world. Through Freemasonry, we make true friends, improve ourselves, and have a positive impact on our communities.
Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truth – within ourselves and the larger world. Through Freemasonry, we make true friends, improve ourselves, and have a positive impact on our communities.
Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love
Freemasonry teaches that every man is connected by a bond of brotherhood, regardless of background or status. Masons are committed to treating one another with kindness, respect, and understanding, fostering unity and harmony within the lodge and the world.
Relief
Relief
Charity and compassion are central to Freemasonry. Masons provide aid to those in need, support their communities, and extend a helping hand to fellow brethren, embodying the principle of selfless service.
Truth
Truth
Freemasonry encourages the pursuit of knowledge, moral integrity, and personal growth. Masons strive to live honorably and truthfully, always seeking wisdom and enlightenment in their journey through life.
Origins of Freemasonry
Origins of Freemasonry
Freemasonry traces its roots to the medieval stonemason guilds of England and Scotland, where highly skilled craftsmen—known as freemasons—were responsible for constructing castles, cathedrals, and other monumental structures. These artisans formed lodges, which served as both workshops and support networks, ensuring the well-being of their members. Given the dangers of their trade, these lodges provided aid to injured workers, as well as assistance to the widows and orphans of those who lost their lives on the job.
Freemasonry traces its roots to the medieval stonemason guilds of England and Scotland, where highly skilled craftsmen—known as freemasons—were responsible for constructing castles, cathedrals, and other monumental structures. These artisans formed lodges, which served as both workshops and support networks, ensuring the well-being of their members. Given the dangers of their trade, these lodges provided aid to injured workers, as well as assistance to the widows and orphans of those who lost their lives on the job.
Over time, as cathedral building declined, these lodges began accepting non-masons, or "speculative Masons," men who were not actual stonemasons but who were drawn to the principles of brotherhood, moral philosophy, and enlightenment that these organizations promoted. This shift marked the transition of Freemasonry from a craft guild into a fraternal society dedicated to personal growth, ethical conduct, and charitable work.
Over time, as cathedral building declined, these lodges began accepting non-masons, or "speculative Masons," men who were not actual stonemasons but who were drawn to the principles of brotherhood, moral philosophy, and enlightenment that these organizations promoted. This shift marked the transition of Freemasonry from a craft guild into a fraternal society dedicated to personal growth, ethical conduct, and charitable work.
The formal organization of Freemasonry as we know it today began in 1717, when the first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was established in London, England. Freemasonry quickly expanded across Europe, reaching France, Spain, Italy, and Sweden by the early 18th century. By 1733, it had arrived in the American colonies, with the first official American lodge founded in Boston under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England.
The formal organization of Freemasonry as we know it today began in 1717, when the first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was established in London, England. Freemasonry quickly expanded across Europe, reaching France, Spain, Italy, and Sweden by the early 18th century. By 1733, it had arrived in the American colonies, with the first official American lodge founded in Boston under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England.
Since then, Freemasonry has flourished, spreading across the United States and beyond. Today, Grand Lodges exist in all 50 states, as well as numerous countries worldwide, continuing the tradition of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement that began centuries ago in the stone quarries and lodges of medieval Europe.
Since then, Freemasonry has flourished, spreading across the United States and beyond. Today, Grand Lodges exist in all 50 states, as well as numerous countries worldwide, continuing the tradition of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement that began centuries ago in the stone quarries and lodges of medieval Europe.
History of Freemasonry in California
History of Freemasonry in California
Freemasonry has been deeply woven into the fabric of California’s history for more than a century and a half. During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of pioneers traveled west in search of fortune, bringing with them not only their hopes and ambitions but also their Masonic values and traditions. Many of these men were already Freemasons, and as they settled in the booming mining towns of the Gold Country, they sought to establish lodges where they could uphold the principles of brotherhood, charity, and moral integrity in the rapidly growing frontier.
Freemasonry has been deeply woven into the fabric of California’s history for more than a century and a half. During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of pioneers traveled west in search of fortune, bringing with them not only their hopes and ambitions but also their Masonic values and traditions. Many of these men were already Freemasons, and as they settled in the booming mining towns of the Gold Country, they sought to establish lodges where they could uphold the principles of brotherhood, charity, and moral integrity in the rapidly growing frontier.
In 1850, the same year that California achieved statehood, the Grand Lodge of California was officially established in Sacramento. Freemasonry quickly flourished in the new state, with the number of lodges expanding from 11 to 130 within just a decade. Membership grew from 258 to over 5,000, reflecting the fraternity’s widespread influence and appeal among the pioneers, businessmen, and civic leaders who helped shape the state’s future.
In 1850, the same year that California achieved statehood, the Grand Lodge of California was officially established in Sacramento. Freemasonry quickly flourished in the new state, with the number of lodges expanding from 11 to 130 within just a decade. Membership grew from 258 to over 5,000, reflecting the fraternity’s widespread influence and appeal among the pioneers, businessmen, and civic leaders who helped shape the state’s future.
Throughout California’s history, Freemasons have played a key role in leadership and public service. Nineteen California governors have been Masons, along with at least four U.S. Senators from the state. Today, the Grand Lodge of California remains one of the largest Masonic jurisdictions in the world, with more than 50,000 members and approximately 330 lodges across the state.
Throughout California’s history, Freemasons have played a key role in leadership and public service. Nineteen California governors have been Masons, along with at least four U.S. Senators from the state. Today, the Grand Lodge of California remains one of the largest Masonic jurisdictions in the world, with more than 50,000 members and approximately 330 lodges across the state.
From its early days in the Gold Rush towns to its continued presence in modern society, Freemasonry in California has stood as a guiding force in promoting virtue, leadership, and community service—a tradition that continues to thrive today.
From its early days in the Gold Rush towns to its continued presence in modern society, Freemasonry in California has stood as a guiding force in promoting virtue, leadership, and community service—a tradition that continues to thrive today.
Interested in Becoming a Mason?
Interested in Becoming a Mason?
Freemasonry is a fraternity of men dedicated to self-improvement and service to others. If you're interested in learning more about joining Enterprise Lodge No. 70, click the link to get started!
Freemasonry is a fraternity of men dedicated to self-improvement and service to others. If you're interested in learning more about joining Enterprise Lodge No. 70, click the link to get started!
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