Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio

The Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, formally known as the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, is a historically significant nonprofit organization that governs a large group of Masonic lodges within the state of Ohio. This Grand Lodge follows the Anglo-American tradition of Freemasonry, which is common in the United States.

History

Freemasonry in Ohio began before the state itself was established. The first Masonic lodge meeting in Ohio took place in Marietta in 1790[2]. By 1808, there were six lodges operating in Ohio under charters from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Kentucky[4]. These lodges came together to form the Grand Lodge of Ohio in a convention held from January 4 to 8, 1808, at Chillicothe, Ohio[4].

General Rufus Putnam, known as the "Father of the Northwest Territory," was elected as Ohio's first Grand Master during this convention[2][4]. Since its formation, the Grand Lodge of Ohio has played a pivotal role in Ohio's Masonic community.

Structure and Membership

As of recent years, the Grand Lodge of Ohio comprises over 430 chartered lodges and has a membership of more than 64,000 Master Masons[4]. Ohio is one of the states with the largest Masonic memberships in the United States[2].

Notable Aspects

The Grand Lodge of Ohio has a rich history of promoting Masonic principles and fostering a strong sense of community among its members. It has also been involved in various public and charitable activities, contributing to the social fabric of Ohio.

Recognition of Prince Hall Freemasonry

In 1995, the Grand Lodge of Ohio extended fraternal recognition to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, acknowledging both Grand Lodges as legitimate proponents of Freemasonry in Ohio[4]. This recognition allows for mutual rights of visitation among lodges.

Legal Status

The Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio are registered as a nonprofit organization with an EIN (Employer Identification Number) of 237141926.