About Us
What is Freemasonry?
(as quoted from the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma's website):
Freemasonry (Masonry) is a fraternity; it’s the
oldest and largest men’s organization in the world. The dates
have been lost in antiquity, but the earliest forms of Freemasonry may
have arisen in the mid-1100's. Records are better from the time of Shakespeare
onward, and much better after 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was formed
in England. There are about 2 million Masons in the United States, and
about 4 million Masons world wide.
Local groups of Masons meet in Lodges, often called
“Blue Lodges.” Blue Lodge Masonry is for men only (it is
a fraternity) but there are organizations in the Masonic family for
women only, for men and women, and for young people.
What is its purpose?
(as quoted from the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma's website):
The purpose of the Fraternity is the self-development
of the individual as an independent, thinking, ethical, compassionate
man of integrity. It is often said “Freemasonry takes good men
and makes them better.” That’s true. It also gives us great
friendships with people we know we can trust, no matter what.
While charity is not the primary purpose of Masonry,
Masons and Lodges still do much to make the lives of others better.
Last year, we gave more than $2 million to help communities buy emergency
equipment, help needy families, provide scholarships, support education,
purchase school supplies for teachers, support the arts in the public
schools, and much, much more. We sent supplies to American troops overseas
and gave both volunteer time and money to help their families here.
One in every six Oklahomans benefits in some way from the philanthropic
activities of Oklahoma’s Freemasons.
Who are we?
In the spring of 1903, a few of the early settlers
began to talk about Masonry. They called a meeting April 27, 1903, for
the purpose of taking action to secure a Lodge in Wheatland. This meeting
was held in the office of tthe HEDERICK GRAIN CO. with eleven men present.
On motion, Brother L. F. Johnson was elected chairman and Brother S.
A. Morrison secretary of the meeting. It was decided they petition the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Okla. Territory for a
dispensation.
About one week later, on May 2, 1903, the chairman
called another meeting in the office of the grain co.. On motion each
Brother was instructed to procure a demit from his respective lodge.
On motion the Brothers decided to borrow $150.00 for purchasing paraphernalia,
dispensation, and defray necessary expenses that might occur on organizing
a lodge. The money was borrowed from the grain co. for 180 days at 10%
interest.
On May 29, 1903, the following Brothers were nominated
to fill the three principle offices; Brother Leander F. Johnston Worshipful
Master, Brother Samuel E. Prather Senior Warden and Brother Alexander
Rogers Junior Warden.
"URIAH" was selected to be the name of the
proposed new lodge, it being in honor of Brother Uriah Johnson, he being
at this time past 77 years old and a Master Mason of more than 40 years.
The temporary Treasurer at this time was Brother Elmer T. Mitchell.
How do I join?
Come visit us on a Tuesday night. Talk to the Brothers.
Fill out a Petition for Membership. Submit the petition with your $150
one-time fee. We will wait 28 days to read the petition while a committee
of Brothers interviews you and takes a recommendation back to the Lodge.
Once your petition is read and accepted, you will being your journey
through the fascinating world of Masonry.
|