Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Montana

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Montana is a fraternal organization and nonprofit entity located in Montana, USA. Its history dates back to the early development of Freemasonry in the state.

History

Freemasonry in Montana began when Meriwether Lewis, a leader of the Corps of Discovery and a known Freemason, entered what would become Montana in 1805. The first meeting of Masons in Montana occurred on September 23, 1862, when members of the Fisk expedition performed Masonic rituals near the Rocky Mountains summit. These early Masons included Nathaniel P. Langford, David Charlton, and George Gere, all from Minnesota.

The first Masonic lodge in Montana was Idaho City Lodge in Nevada City, which received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska in 1863. However, it ceased operations later that year. The Virginia City Lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Kansas in 1864, and the Helena Lodge were among the earliest sustainable lodges. The Grand Lodge of Montana was formally established on January 26, 1866, when these lodges met in Virginia City.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Montana Freemasons have a long tradition of charitable work. In 1886, Brother David Auchard bequeathed his estate to establish a Masonic home for aged or distressed Masons, widows, and orphans, which came into operation in 1909. Today, the organization supports local initiatives such as the "Reading Achievement" program, where participating lodges encourage children to read by offering prizes like Kindles.

Lodges like Sentinel Lodge 155 in Missoula engage in various community events, including fundraising for the Shriner children's hospital and organizing activities to support local long-term care facilities.

Governance and Structure

The Grand Lodge of Montana oversees more than 82 lodges with a membership exceeding 3,500 brothers. It is led by a Grand Master and other appointed and elected officers who manage its operations and charitable activities.

Prominent members of the Montana Freemasonry include early governors, judges, U.S. Senator John Tester, and U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg.

Mission

The organization aims to promote friendship, develop programs that enhance lodge visibility and community engagement, and continue its role as a fraternal and charitable entity in Montana.

References

No specific references are cited in this article; however, general information about Freemasonry in Montana is sourced from various historical records and Masonic organizations in the state.