‘Virginia: Reunion of the Founding Lodges’

    

I’m not sure if this is an annual or more occasional event in Virginia, but next month Fredericksburg Lodge 4 will host the 2026 Reunion of the Founding Lodges.

As you know, the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Virginia began to take shape in May 1777, when a meeting of Masons, dubbed deputies, from the diverse lodges was suggested with the idea of choosing a grand master and organizing a grand lodge for Virginia. On Tuesday the 13th, the group was organized, with deputies from Blandford, Cabin Point Royal Arch, Kilwinning Port Royal Crosse, Norfolk, and Williamsburg lodges meeting at that last lodge’s location.

The Commonwealth of Virginia became independent from British rule on June 29 of the previous year, even preceding the “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America” that would be promulgated from Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. But the Masonic consideration of this convention of Freemasons was the nature of authority in the Craft. At that moment, these lodges held charters from the grand lodges of England, Ireland, Pennsylvania, Scotland, and one denominated “America,” according to those meeting minutes. (That last one, I believe, refers to North Carolina.)

Our ancestors here simply wanted local authority to make decisions concerning the fraternity “should any abuses creep into the Lodges, or should any body of the Brotherhood be desirous of forming a new Lodge.” Their reasoning on how to create a new grand lodge simply was based on how the grand lodges in England, Ireland, and Scotland had organized themselves through their own respective sovereignties.

This convention adjourned and reconvened June 23, 1777, again at Williamsburg. The deputies agreed to recommend to their lodges and to all other lodges in Virginia that “His Excellency General George Washington as a proper person to fill the office of Grand Master.” This was two and a half years before the brethren at American Union Lodge in New Jersey attempted to make Washington the grand master of the entire country’s Freemasons. Of course, neither initiative came to fruition.

Fast forward to October 13, 1778, and John Blair, Past Master of Williamsburg Lodge, was elected Grand Master. On October 30, he was installed “into the office of Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Virginia.” (Note no “Ancient.”)

But enough history. On May 16, Fredericksburg 4 will host this event. From the publicity:

Reunion of the Founding Lodges

Saturday, May 16

Fredericksburg, Virginia

This special gathering will bring together brethren and guests, including ladies, from across the Commonwealth for an evening of fellowship, history, and shared tradition in the place where our story began. Please share with your lodge and brethren.

Highlights

• Keynote Address by Most Worshipful Jeff Hodges

• Private viewing of the George Washington Masonic Obligation Bible

• Guided tours of Fredericksburg Lodge 4

• Fredericksburg Area Museum America 250 exhibit with curator-led interpretation

• Festive Board with formal toasts and fellowship

Schedule

2 p.m. – Lodge open for tours

4 p.m. – Museum Tour (Group 1)

4:45 p.m. – Museum Tour (Group 2)

6 p.m. – Social Hour

7 p.m. – Dinner

7:45 p.m. – Festive Board

Festive Board tickets are available here.

We look forward to welcoming brethren and guests from the Founding Lodges and across the Commonwealth as we gather in fellowship and continue the traditions entrusted to us.

I’d love to check this out, but I’ll be with The American Lodge of Research that day for our joint meeting with Ulster Lodge 193 in Saugerties.