Having just recently done my 1st degree, I was reading about different lodges and such and was wondering, how can someone find out if a lodge is irregular( I think I am using the term correct) or clandestine or not in good graces with the GL or your particular state. I dont have any place I am wondering about, it is simple curiosity.

Is this a big issue here in the States….. I know Co-Masonry is not accepted/irregular or whatever the proper term is…but how would one tell if it was a mans only lodge… are their lodges as out in the open as most regular lodges are?

I hope some of the experience Brothers have some info on this… or how about this, have you ever ran into someone trying to fake their way into your lodge…

Good question, brother. Firstly, in 45+ years in masonry, I have never experienced or heard of anyone trying to fake his way into a lodge, and I doubt that anyone else has either.

To answer your question: The Grand Lodges of all 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize each other as regular, and this extends to all lodges which are chartered by them. Additionally, all 51 also recognize many foreign grand lodges. In Maryland, each lodge is supposed to have a book supplied by the GL which lists all the lodges chartered by all 51 GLs and the foreign grand lodges which we recognize. A visitor needs to produce a valid dues card (i.e., for the current year or the previous year) to show what lodge he belongs to and that he is in good standing with that lodge. This, however, is not definitive proof of his membership, since the dues card might not be his own. If he is not vouched for by a member of your lodge, final proof comes from his being examined by a committee appointed on the spot by the WM, who will use the catechism to elicit proof that he is a mason, before he is admitted. (Yes, catechisms do have a use.) Of course, in the case of a visitor from another state, the committee has to allow for the fact that no two jurisdictions have the same catechism; also, the visitor may not be proficient in it, or may have never learned it (came in a one-day class, maybe). But experienced masons can put questions and make conversation which will reveal to their satisfaction that the visitor has received the 3 degrees of masonry.

Now if you are on a trip to another state and have some free time and think you would like to attend a lodge meeting, and you see a lodge building which has a sign showing the name and number of the lodge and that it will be meeting that evening, you have to know that this is a regular lodge, since you are barred from sitting in a clandestine lodge. If you know the name, number and location of the lodge, you could call the Grand Secretary of MA and ask if that is a regular lodge. Or if you have internet access you can search for the Grand Lodge of that state (for example, you could google “Grand Lodge of Kansas, Grand Lodge F&AM; of Kansas, etc.”) and their website should have a list of subordinate lodges. You can also get this from the links section of emason http;//freemasonry.com. If all else fails, you could go the the meeting and ask to visit and at some point ask to see their charter. They have to show it to you; if they don’t, or can’t, beware. If it shows that it was issued to that lodge by the Grand Lodge of ..... F&AM;, or AF&AM;, or FAAM, you can take it that it’s a regular lodge.

In the case of Prince Hall lodges, the situation is a bit more difficult. Not all US grand lodges recognize PH as regular. Some of those that do, have an agreement with the PH Grand Lodge that they will not permit visitations. The relationships between traditional grand lodges and PH grand lodges is still evolving.

Dear Fireman99:
The question is a good one and should be considered when traveling and/or when on vacation.
The important traveling document is the Lodge Dues Card ( an annual piece issued to you by your Lodge Secretary). This is presented by the secretary after the third degree and after needs for proficiency is confirmed.  In some Lodges classes are taken and A Lodge Charter is signed.
The rules of the district apply.  The Lodge Secretary should be in possession of the Grand Lodge Bound Publication attesting to all the Recognised Jurisdictions. It may be available for purchase at your GL. A letter of introduction from the Grand Lodge could be drawn for EA of FC.
This would allow for the candidate to visit before the MM.  The Lodge Secretary helps in all.

Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator

This is an interesting topic.

My petition will be voted on tomorrow night and if all goes well I will be joining my local lodge here in Ohio. I am originally from Ireland and in June I will be heading back home for a wedding. While I am there I would love to visit the Grand-Lodge of Ireland in Dublin and also the lodge in my hometown that I didn’t even know existed. Does anyone know what might be needed to gain access to these lodges?

If the dues card is not used in the UK I imagine it is very likely the case in Ireland also.

OK MO:
The timing may work out for you to be a Master Mason by June, that is a tight schedule.
Your Applications are just in? Your Lodge Secretary is the best judge of the schedule.  But your question amounts to what do you need to get in a Lodge? Back to your Secretary!  He knows what to request from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Here in Mass there is an official Letter of Introduction under the Seal of the Grand Sacretary.  As long as your Secretary would attest that you are a Mason of ( degree) in good standing, the welcoming Lodge will let you in. Be certain to confirm that you will attend a “regular” lodge recognized by your Grand Lodge.
Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator

Yes, it is possible that I could complete the Master Mason degree before I go, but you are right, it is a tight schedule.

I will only be home for a week so it is unlikely that I will be able to attend a regularly scheduled meeting but I would very much like to visit the lodges and meet some of the Masons there.

Thanks Brothers for your responses….

While I would love to come over and visit your Island, the current travel budget doesnt look like I will be making the trip across the Atlantic anytime soon. But, the info on how to find out from state to state just might be of great assistance. I do have a goal of making it up to the Great Commonwealth of Mass especially the Boston area….there are several places there I would like to see….and maybe visit a Lodge or two….after getting my MM….

Fireman99:
On traveling to Boston, and this goes for other visitors, both Master Masons, their lovely wives and family and non-Maosonic visitors:
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, in Boston, MA, USA is open for tours during midweek days. The several Lodges that meet in that building receive and welcome MM visitors with their credentials to join many times. Those details may be from the website above as, “find a Lodge.”  Fireman99 when you are ready contact us here.
Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator