Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon, commonly referred to as the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon, is a fraternal organization dedicated to fostering personal development, community service, and friendship among its members.

History

The first efforts to establish Freemasonry in Oregon began in Oregon City on February 5, 1846, when a notice was posted seeking Master Masons to form a lodge. This led to the creation of the Multnomah Lodge petition, which was sent to the Grand Lodge of Missouri for a charter. The charter journeyed from Missouri to Oregon in a rawhide-covered trunk and was delivered on September 1, 1848. By 1850, two more lodges existed near present-day Portland. The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon was formally established on September 15, 1851, with Berryman Jennings as its first Grand Master[1].

Purpose and Activities

At its core, Freemasonry focuses on building character through moral teachings, allegory, and symbolism of ancient stone masonry. The organization emphasizes:

• True Friendship: Freemasonry offers a unique combination of shared traditions and purpose, fostering lifelong relationships among members.
• Personal Development: Members are encouraged to embody strong values through their actions and service to others, aiming for personal growth and character development.
• Supporting the Community: Freemasons are committed to supporting their communities through various charitable initiatives and local service projects[4].

Philanthropy and Community Service

The organization engages in extensive charitable work, including disaster relief, aged care, financial assistance, and scholarship programs. These initiatives reflect the Masonic commitment to serving communities and helping individuals reach their full potential[1].

Facilities and Legacy

Notable among the organization's initiatives is the establishment of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home, which opened in 1922 in Forest Grove. While the original building is now leased to McMenamins, a new facility called The Jennings McCall Center was built in 1989 to continue the legacy of care and support for Masonic members and their families[1].

Structure

Today, the Grand Lodge of Oregon presides over more than 100 lodges and supports over 5,300 Master Masons across the state[1].

Note

The EIN provided (930306840) does not match the EIN associated with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon in available sources. The EIN listed as 93-0177555 is associated with this organization in Forest Grove, Oregon[2]. The website provided (washington46.org) does not appear to be directly related to the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon, as their main site is noted elsewhere[2].