A Brief Word Concerning Clandestine Lodges...
Freemasonry organizes itself by Grand Lodges (in the USA, each state has its own Grand Lodge, under which constituent Lodges operate.) These constituent Lodges are where local men join and become Freemasons. That said, the terms, Freemasonry, Freemason, Masonry, Mason, etc., are not trademarked - so, anyone could (and sometimes do) call themselves by these names. Those people and lodges who use those names and terms without permission or formal "recognition" by mainstream Grand Lodges are refered to as "clandestine."
Sound confusing? Don't worry - most non-Masons (and many Masons) are unaware that there are many organizations that call themselves "Masonic," while having nothing to do with the ideals, philosophy, and charitable endeavors of recognized Masonic bodies.
Similar to how Universities "accredit" other Universities to show the legitimacy of their degrees, the Masonic world recognizes Grand Lodges in order to show their amity with each other. Another way to think about this is how countries have treaties with each other that define their relationships.
To help make the distinction between the larger world of recognized Grand Lodges and their constituent Lodges, and the smaller world of clandestine lodges, the Conference of Grand Masters of North America gather every year to discuss issues of recognition, among other topics. The Grand Lodges of the United States (and many around the world), take the recommendations given by the Conference of Grand Masters, and formulate their own decisions regarding recognition of other Masonic bodies. Recognition is a long and thorough process. If you'd like to read more about it, you can find information from the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, HERE.
Sound confusing? Don't worry - most non-Masons (and many Masons) are unaware that there are many organizations that call themselves "Masonic," while having nothing to do with the ideals, philosophy, and charitable endeavors of recognized Masonic bodies.
Similar to how Universities "accredit" other Universities to show the legitimacy of their degrees, the Masonic world recognizes Grand Lodges in order to show their amity with each other. Another way to think about this is how countries have treaties with each other that define their relationships.
To help make the distinction between the larger world of recognized Grand Lodges and their constituent Lodges, and the smaller world of clandestine lodges, the Conference of Grand Masters of North America gather every year to discuss issues of recognition, among other topics. The Grand Lodges of the United States (and many around the world), take the recommendations given by the Conference of Grand Masters, and formulate their own decisions regarding recognition of other Masonic bodies. Recognition is a long and thorough process. If you'd like to read more about it, you can find information from the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, HERE.
Excercise Caution When Choosing a Lodge to Join!If you join an unrecognized Lodge or body, you will not be eligible for the rights and benefits generally associated with membership in a recognized lodge or Grand Lodge, such as traveling and visiting other Lodges in the U.S. and around the world. If you need help figuring out if the Lodge you'd like to join is recognized, check with one of the Grand Lodges listed on the right.
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Washington D.C. Grand LodgesThere are only two Grand Lodges in Washington, D.C. that are recognized by the Conference of Grand Masters of North America:
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