Chandler Lodge No. 138 65 N. Main St. London, OH 43140

Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than two million Freemasons in North America alone. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one God.

Many of America's early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other "Brother."

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.

Where Did Freemasonry Begin?

No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Some scholars believe Masonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. While others speculate its heritage is derived from the "Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem", otherwise known as the Knights Templar. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization when four Lodges in London joined in forming England's first Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the Fraternity, there were already several Lodges in the Colonies.

Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North America, and in large cities there are usually several Lodges. A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcomed as a "Brother."

What Do Freemasons Do?

The Masonic experience encourages members to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men with similar goals and values.

Beyond its focus on individual development and growth, Masonry is deeply involved in helping people. The Freemasons of North America contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable causes. This philanthropy represents an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment of this great and honorable Fraternity. Much of that assistance goes to people who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs.

Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of philanthropies, including scholarship programs for children, and perform public service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their families in social and recreational activities.

Several Masonic Principles Are:

•     Faith must be the center of our lives
•     All men and women are the children of God
•     No one has the right to tell another person what he or she must think or believe
•     Each person has a responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law
•     It is important to work to make the world a better place for all
•     Honor and integrity are keys to a meaningful life

What Is The Masonic Lodge?

The word "Lodge" means both a group of Masons meeting together as well as the room or building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes called "temples" because the original meaning of the term was a "place of knowledge" and Masonry encourages the advancement of knowledge.

Masonic Lodges usually meet once or twice a month to conduct regular business, vote upon petitions for membership, and bring new Masons into the Fraternity through three ceremonies called degrees. In the Lodge room Masons share in a variety of programs. Here the bonds of friendship and fellowship are formed and strengthened.

Men of Character and Integrity Join The Masons

Most are men who go about their jobs and professions with no hint they are Freemasons except for the way they lead their lives. Many are readily recognizable by name, face, or accomplishment. George Washington and thirteen other Presidents, eight Vice Presidents and forty-two Justices of the Supreme Court have been Masons.

So Who Are The Masons?

Masons are men of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place. They belong to the oldest and most honorable fraternity known to man. If you think you may be interested in becoming a member, you can begin by contacting a Lodge in your area or speaking to a Mason.

Who Can Qualify To Join?

Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.

If you would like more information about joining Chandler Lodge please contact our Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

text

The Masonic Temple in London, Ohio is now located at 65 North Main St, on the northwest corner of Main and Fifth Ave. Chandler Lodge was charted by the Grand lodge of Ohio on October 21st 1846. At the time the lodge was located downtown. By 1856 they shared a lodge hall with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows on South Main St. In 1889 the lodge was moved to the location now occupied by the State Theater in downtown London. A fire on February 20, 1929 consumed the building and destroyed the lodge all its records. The lodge remained prosperous and rented the third floor of the Exchange Bank Building. It was after this last move that it was decided to find a more suitable location with room for growth, and a known landmark for the growing farming community of London.

The cornerstone for the current temple was laid on July 10th, 1932. The dedication ceremony of the lodge was a grand affair with a parade through downtown with many community leaders and Masonic dignitaries on hand. The new temple was opened and commenced its Masonic duties on February 7th 1933. The temple contains one of the largest and nicely ornamented meeting halls in the district. In addition it contains a second smaller meeting room, offices, a large sitting and informal meeting room, and a full kitchen and dining room for 150 people that have been recently remodeled. Today the 'new' Temple is a well known 'old' landmark and meeting place for citizens of London.

The Masonic related bodies that meet at the temple include:

• Chandler Lodge #138 F & A.M.  Chartered October 21st, 1846 (2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.)
• Adoniram Chapter #73, Chartered October 18th, 1856 (2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
• London Council #41, Chartered October 13th, 1866 (2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
• Order of the Eastern Star; London Chapter #386, Chartered October 25th 1916 (1st Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
• Willis Commandery #82, Chartered October 9th, 1951 (4th Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
• John L. Owsley Council of Allied Masonic Degrees #217, Chartered in 1986

Besides the stated meetings of the Masonic bodies and other community organizations, the Temple also is part of many annual events in the city of London, such as the Strawberry Festival, Cobra Car Show, The Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, and an annual Christmas Party for the Children of Madison County.

The London Masonic Temple is available for public use.  Groups needing space and facilities for meetings, dinners, and general parties may contact theThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for rental information.