Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Virginia

The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Virginia, commonly known as the Grand Lodge of Virginia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious Masonic organizations in the United States. Its history dates back to 1778, and it is recognized as the oldest continuous, independent grand lodge in the U.S., although this claim is disputed by the Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts[1][3].

History

The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formally constituted on October 30, 1778, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The formation was initiated by a convention held on May 6, 1777, where delegates from several lodges decided to create a unified governing body for Masonry in Virginia. This decision was driven by the need for local governance, as the lodges were originally chartered by various foreign authorities, including the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland[1][3].

Initially, nine chartered lodges were involved in the formation of the Grand Lodge. However, it is believed that Masonic activity in Virginia existed prior to these formal charters, possibly under "immemorial custom," which did not require formal charters from a Grand Lodge[1].

The first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia was John Blair, Jr., who was elected in October 1778. George Washington, a prominent Freemason, was offered the position but declined due to his military duties during the American Revolutionary War[3].

Mission and Vision

The Grand Lodge of Virginia is guided by a mission to promote the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God. It aims to assist lodges in growing and prospering while teaching and perpetuating a way of life that emphasizes integrity, character, and community service. The vision of the Grand Lodge is to be recognized as a premier organization composed of men of integrity who are committed to their families, faith, and communities[2].

Organizational Structure

As of recent data, the Grand Lodge of Virginia oversees more than 300 Masonic lodges across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a membership exceeding 33,000 brethren. This makes it one of the largest state-level Masonic organizations in the United States[2].

Notable Members

Throughout its history, the Grand Lodge of Virginia has included several notable figures, including U.S. Presidents George Washington and James Monroe. Many Founding Fathers of the United States were also Freemasons, reflecting the organization's significant influence on American history[2].

Activities

Freemasonry in Virginia, as elsewhere, emphasizes brotherly love, relief, and truth. Members engage in a variety of activities, including fellowship, charity work, educational programs, and leadership development. These efforts aim to strengthen the character of individual members while contributing positively to their communities[2].

Prince Hall Masonry in Virginia

While the Grand Lodge of Virginia is predominantly Caucasian, there is a separate tradition of Prince Hall Masonry for African American Freemasons. The first Prince Hall Lodge in Virginia was established in 1845, reflecting a broader movement that began in Boston under Prince Hall in the late 18th century[4].