Local Masons set to draw back the curtain on Saturday June 24, 2017

Have you ever wondered what the inside of a Masonic Lodge looks like? Or about the true history of the Fraternity? What about that goat your uncle or grandfather told you about? Conspiracies? Secret tunnels?

This Saturday, to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the founding of the Grand Lodge of England, (June 24, 1717 - June 24, 2017) the members of Dallas Masonic Lodge No. 182 on Main Street will open their doors to the public during an Open House, between 2 and 8 PM. Members of the Lodge will be present to give a rare view into the Lodge and will discuss some of the “secrets” that have mystified many because of the recent spate of films and books on the subject. Refreshments will be provided as well as the chance to learn more about the 18th century origins of what is now known as Speculative Masonry. Personal tours of the Lodge room will be available to all, during which visitors can view the many symbols associated with Freemasonry and feel free to ask questions.
The celebration outside of England of the Tricentennial of the Grand Lodge of England is important because much of the ritual which has been handed down, as well as the original Charters granted to various other Grand Lodges around the world, sprang from that Grand Lodge.
Dallas Lodge 182 has been a part of the history of Dallas since before the city’s official Charter.
“We are proud of our Lodge. We received our Charter in what is now Dallas in 1853 from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F&AM, a year before the City of Dallas received its Charter from the State of Georgia”, said Wil Rakestraw, who is serving as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge during 2017. “Our members come from all walks of life, as they always have. They have participated in the events of the City, fought in wars, and served the community in a variety of ways. And a recent Grand Master of Masons in Georgia is a current member of our Lodge, as is a Grand Chaplain Emeritus. However, one of the regulations of every Lodge in the world is that during meetings, social rankings and vocations aren't recognized. Every member is equal. It’s the closest thing to a real democracy that you will ever find.”“We do meet behind closed doors, but we are absolutely not a Secret Society,” continued Rakestraw. “Our meetings are private, just like a lot of civic and corporate meetings are. But we are proud to be Freemasons, and we don’t hide our membership like true secret societies do. On the other hand, our members don’t make flashy displays of their membership, either. Our work is mostly quiet and behind the scenes, and our purposes aim for the betterment of the community and the individual. Although women cannot join, most of our members agree that our wives or significant others would be bored to tears if they sat through our meetings. There is a very fine appendant Masonic organization, the Order of the Eastern Star, which is open to both men and women, and the local Chapter meets in our building.”
“The whole Masonic organization is based on the brotherhood of builders of the ancient Temple of King Solomon. Our ceremonies and teachings are based on architectural symbolism. Our Lodge meetings in Dallas are on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, except for November and December, when the second meetings in those months are not held. Dallas Lodge 182 operates under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free & Accepted Masons, located in Macon.”
The Open House will be at the Lodge which is located across the street from the old courthouse, on Main Street. All are welcome. Their website is www.dallasmasoniclodge182.org.

Phil Pearce, Dallas Masonic Lodge 182
Director of Masonic Education