224 S. High St
Lancaster, OH 43130
740.653.3162
Lancaster Ohio Masonic Temple
  • Home
    • TRESTLEBOARD (Calendar)
    • Temple History >
      • Grand Master Charles R. Sherman
    • Photos of the Temple
    • About
    • Theatre & Concert events
  • Masonic Lodge
    • Freemasonry Explained
    • How to Join
    • Masons at Work
    • Scholarships
    • Grand Lodge of Ohio
    • 13th Masonic District of Ohio
    • Appendant Bodies
    • Past Masters of Lancaster #57 >
      • Grand Lodge Officers from Lancaster #57
    • Member Log-in (Grandview)
  • Appendant Bodies
    • York Rite at Lancaster Masonic Lodge >
      • Chapter #11, R.A.M.
      • Council #3, R.&S.M.
      • Commandery #2 K.T.
    • Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Ohio
    • Grand Council R.&S.M. of Ohio
    • Grand Commandery K.T. of Ohio
    • Scottish Rite >
      • Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
      • Valley of Columbus
    • Shrine >
      • Tarhe Shrine Club
      • Aladdin Shrine
      • Shriners Hospitals
    • White Shrine of Jerusalem
    • Parthenia #124 OES
  • FACILITY RENTAL
    • Gallery
  • Contact

Welcome to the home of the Lancaster, Ohio Masonic Temple

Freemasonry has been in Lancaster since January of 1820, when Lancaster Lodge #57 started activity Under Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio.  The Lodge received its Charter in December of the same year.  Soon thereafter the York Rite bodies were established as well.

Freemasons in Lancaster met in various locations around town, first in the North Jury Room of the Courthouse, later in other locations around town.  We have been in our current location since 1908.

2 Be 1 Ask 1

Historic Lancaster Masonic Temple

The Lancaster Masonic Temple is a registered historic property located within the Lancaster Historic District, which in turn is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The original building was constructed in 1838 as the Methodist Episcopal Church.  By the turn of the century, Lancaster's Methodists had outgrown the building and constructed a new building at the top of Wheeling Hill.  In 1907 the old property was sold to the Masonic lodge.  After a disastrous fire in December of 1944 destroyed the original building, an exact replica was built.  With a few minor differences - such as fireproof steel and poured concrete construction instead of wood - the present building was completed in 1953 as a faithful reproduction of the original both inside and outside.  Learn more about our history here.

Picture

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

Picture
Lancaster Masonic Lodge will be holding its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 8 (Saturday before Easter) at Rising Park.

OPEN: 10.00 A.M.
HUNT START: 10.30 A.M.


                 Hunt is open to children up to age 15.  Free admission.



Picture
Despite its tantalizing mythos as a secret cult, Freemasonry is a family-oriented, community-centered service organization that seeks to improve the quality of men’s lives as it promotes social well-being through its charitable programs and civic-minded members.

Much of the history of Lancaster Masonic Lodge is the history of the city of Lancaster.

Master Masons representing Lancaster Lodge will be on hand from to greet all visitors, answer your questions, and give guided tours to explain the significance of Lodge furniture, ornaments, jewels and working tools used in private Masonic ceremonies. There will also be a small historic exhibit of photos and items from the  Temple's historical past.

The Open House is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry to meet and talk with Masons in our community. Freemasonry has been in continuous existence in Lancaster since 1820, and its members continue an unbroken tradition of building & serving the community. In the early days Lancaster’s Freemasons were largely responsible for establishing the library, three churches, and the school system. Anchor Hocking – the company that brought great prosperity to Lancaster throughout the 20th century – was founded by Bro. Isaac J. Collins.

Today we find ourselves supporting community arts and education through co-presenting youth theatrical productions in the Temple's historic auditorium as well as occasional musical concerts.  The Lodge offers small merit-based scholarships annually.    We are also members of Destination Downtown Lancaster.  Many of our individual members continue to be involved in service to the community in countless ways. The Temple's banquet room is available for community & private events, from workshops to birthday parties.

If you are interested in learning more about the ancient fraternity called Freemasonry, now is your opportunity to do so!   Stop in, take a look at the lodge room, and ask your questions. Discover why so many men through the ages have been a part of Freemasonry. Men such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John Glenn, and many, many others have been a part of this brotherhood. Lancaster’s famous Freemasons have included Charles Sherman, William J. Reese, postmaster and judge Elnathan Scofield, Ohio governor William Medill, architect Daniel Sifford, tinsmith Samuel Effinger, newspaper founder Jacob Deitrick, U.S. Representative Philemon Beecher, and many more.


For photos of past community events, please visit our Theatre & Concert Events page.

Picture
Picture

No upcoming Masonic events.


Picture

Picture

    Past Events

Veterans Day Spaghetti Dinner

Picture
On Saturday 12 November, Lancaster Chapter No. 10 Blue Star Mothers and Boy Scout Troop #165 served their annual Veterans Cat Spaghetti Dinner.  Musical entertainment was provided by Heritage Fifes & Drums.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Lancaster Fire Department
Annual Retirement Dinner

For many years, Lancaster Masonic Lodge has hosted the fine hard-working men & women of the Lancaster Fire Department for their annual Retirement Dinner.  It is a way for us to honour and recognise our wonderful city's first responders. The 28 September dinner had the banquet room filled with the mouth-watering aroma of slow-cooked prime rib!

[Photo credit: LFD Lt. Josh Harris]


Saturday Cinema - Destination Downtown Lancaster

On 14 May 2022 a  rapidly-approaching severe storm system forced Destination Downtown Lancaster's Saturday Cinema to relocate from Bandstand Square downtown to the Ballroom of the Masonic Temple at the last minute.  Within but ten minutes after the call was received, the Temple's doors were unlocked and the migration was on! 

MEETING SCHEDULE

LANCASTER MASONIC TEMPLE
The Temple is the home of Lancaster Lodge #57 F&AM, the Lancaster York Rite bodies: Chapter #11, Council #3, and Commandery #2; and White Shrine.

STATED COMMUNICATIONS:
Lancaster #57 - First & Third Tuesday 7.30pm, dark July-August.
     
Chapter #11 - Fourth Tuesday 7.30pm
Council #3 - Fourth Tuesday 8.30pm
Dark July-August.

Commandery #2 - Second Tuesday 7.30 pm, dark July-August.

White Shrine - Third Monday 7.30pm

EDUCATION GROUPS
Rough Ashlars - every Saturday 8.00am


COVID-19 STATUS:  Masks are no longer required under Ohio Department of Health & CDC guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated.  Members and Visiting Brethren are still welcome to wear a mask of they wish. 
Free disposable masks are available.

Lancaster Masonic Temple
224 S. High St.
Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: 740.653.3162
Email: LancasterLodge57@gmail.com

Photo credits:
Brother Nick Powell

Brothers of Lancaster #57


Website Design by:
Worshipful Brother Scott Snider
2023 Lodge Officers:
Worshipful Master: Billy B. Arnold, Sr
Senior Warden: Jonathan W. Allison
Juni
or Warden:  James E. Beadle
Treasurer: Michael  H. Stasiak
Asst. Treasurer:  William C. Duerson
Secretary: Thurlow B. Weed IV

Asst. Secretary:  Frank Stuck
Senior Deacon: Joshua D. Manley

Junior Deacon: L.. Michael Flowers
Tyler:   Tyler J. Huston
Senior Steward: Craig Miller
Junior Steward: Edward L. Miller
L.E.O.:  Timothy E. Byers PM
Assistant L.E.O.: James R. Bradford PM

Chaplain: Donnie E. Casto PM
Assistant Chaplain:  Kevin J. Chase PM
Musician: Thurlow B. Weed IV
Lodge Advisor: Frank Stuck PM, PDDGM