Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia

Overview

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia is a fraternal organization that operates within the state of West Virginia, USA. It is part of the broader Masonic tradition in the United States, sharing roots with other Masonic bodies globally.

History

The Masonic tradition in West Virginia dates back to the 18th century, with the state's history being intricately linked to the broader American Masonic movement. In the early American colonies, Masonry played a significant role, and this influence continued through the colonial era and beyond. The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, as a distinct group, trace their international origins to the 18th century when some Masons diverged over ritual practices.

Mission

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia aim to foster brotherhood and mutual benefit among its members. They are committed to promoting honor, integrity, and truth as core values, consistent with the broader Masonic principles of friendship, morality, and brotherly love.

Activities

As part of the West Virginia Masonic community, the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons are involved in various charitable and fraternal activities. They contribute to the social fabric by engaging in community service and fostering civic responsibility among their members. Their efforts align with the broader goals of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, which seeks to unite men from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to be better citizens.

Structure

Masonic organizations in West Virginia, including the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, are structured around lodges that provide a framework for members to meet, conduct rituals, and engage in community services. The Grand Lodge of West Virginia oversees these activities, ensuring coordination and adherence to Masonic principles across the state.

Recognition and Affiliations

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia are part of a larger Masonic network that spans the globe. Although not explicitly recognized by the Grand Lodge of West Virginia as a separate entity in the same way as the Prince Hall or Regular Grand Lodges, they share common Masonic traditions and values.

Tax Status

As a non-profit organization, the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia operate under a tax-exempt status. However, the provided EIN, 237000314, does not match any available records for this organization. It is possible that this might be a typographical error or confusion with another entity.

In summary, the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Virginia represent a branch of the Masonic tradition that emphasizes fraternal bonding, community service, and adherence to ethical principles. Despite some confusion regarding their tax status, they contribute to the rich tapestry of fraternal organizations in West Virginia.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Lodge_of_West_Virginia [2] https://wvmasons.org/ancient-masons/ [3] https://wvmasons.org [4] https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ancient-free-and-accepted-masons-of-west-virginia,550113719/ [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-7413071