Virginia Free & Accepted Masons, Inc.

Overview

The Virginia Free & Accepted Masons, Inc. is a nonprofit organization associated with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Grand Lodge itself is one of the oldest continuous independent Masonic Grand Lodges in the United States.

History

The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formally established on October 30, 1778, following a convention held earlier that year to centralize Masonic authority within the state. The lodge's first headquarters were in Williamsburg, Virginia, but it moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1784, where it remains to this day[2][4].

Activities

The Grand Lodge oversees numerous local Masonic lodges throughout Virginia, promoting fraternal values and charitable activities. Member lodges engage in various community services, including supporting local charities and fostering educational programs.

Structure

The organization is led by a Grand Master and other Grand Officers who manage the administrative and ceremonial aspects of Freemasonry in Virginia. The structure consists of a hierarchical system with local lodges reporting to the Grand Lodge.

Affiliation

The Virginia Grand Lodge has historical ties with both the colonial era and the founding of the United States. It has been involved in significant events, such as the laying of the cornerstone for various civic structures, reflecting its commitment to both community development and the principles of Freemasonry[1][2][4].

Legacy

The Grand Lodge of Virginia is notable for its enduring history and its role in American Freemasonry, with several of its members playing important roles in the country's early history[3]. It continues to serve as a major institution for Freemasons in Virginia, emphasizing brotherly love, relief, and truth.

[1] https://virginiahistory.org/research/research-resources/finding-aids/manchester-lodge-no-14-af-am [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Lodge_of_Virginia [3] https://scottishrite.org/blog/about/media-publications/journal/article/masonic-tourist-living-history-freemasonry-in-williamsburg-va/ [4] https://grandlodgeofvirginia.org/history/ [5] https://mwphglva.org/grand-lodge-history/