Medford Lodge 178

The Free & Accepted Masons are a fraternal organization, rich in history, of men working towards “making good men better.” We are involved in the betterment of one’s self and the giving to charity. We live our lives “upon the square.”

Freemasonry is a global brotherhood of good men who get together regularly for fun, fellowship, philanthropy, and self-improvement. It is a community of like-minded kind, charitable men of good character who look after each other, our families, and our community. The loyalty, trust, and love that we share with our brothers around the world transcends the obstacles that might keep us apart, even war. We improve ourselves and the world around us by being learned men, serving others, and by living honorable lives of leadership through positive example.

You must be a man of at least 18 years of age to join a Masonic Lodge. We do have an organization for younger men called DeMolay, which is for younger men ages 12 to 21, and Squires for boys 9-11.

You must be of good moral character and have three people willing to vouch for your character. Masons come from all walks of life. We are teachers, business people, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, artists, police, firemen, EMT’s, barbers, and much more.

Freemasonry is a brotherhood. While some may view that as exclusive, we actually do many social events with all of our families. There is a Masonic women’s organization called Order of the Eastern Star that has a very similar experience and benefit for women. We would love to have you learn more about our local Medford chapter!

Masons must believe in a Supreme Being. We refer to that Supreme Being in a general term that may apply to any reverent belief. Masonic lodges around the world draw from different religious philosophies and teachings based on the prevailing belief system in that region and how those lessons may apply to making good men better.

The definition of the word “ritual” has been skewed over the years to imply religious ceremonies, sometimes of a nature that may seem scary to those not in the know. But, a ritual is nothing more than something a person does habitually and often in the same way. You eating dinner, watching your favorite program, and going to bed every night is a ritual. We have ceremonies that have frequently spoken common elements, sort of like a play. Much of it is of an educational nature. Mostly we just eat too much.

Freemasonry is not a religion, though it draws on religious philosophical teachings in order to help us all learn and grow. It is a fraternal and charitable organization, much like the Rotary or Lions Club, that happens to incorporate historical tradition intertwined with a spiritually reverent approach to humanist improvement.