POJPJ#98 Port Orchard John Paul Jones

Lodge #98

Free & Accepted Masons

 

About Us

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.

Freemasonry has been characterized as a fraternity devoted to high ideals and admirable benevolence whereby community service and charitable work are, in fact, principal Masonic activities.

Though its heritage in antiquity is unmistakable, no one knows with certainty how or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed. 

A widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that modern speculative Freemasonry arose from the stonemasons’ guilds during the Middle Ages. It was founded upon the structure, ceremonies, and symbolism of the lodges of operative or working freemen stonemasons, who built the magnificent Medieval Gothic structures throughout much of Europe and England.

Dated in 1390 AD, the Regius Poem, which was a copy of an earlier work, details the charter of a lodge operating in the 900s AD "Masonry" then meant architecture and encompassed most of the arts and sciences. Because lodges held knowledge as competitive secrets, only trusted, capable companions were instructed in the craft - and then only by degrees, orally and through symbols, because of widespread illiteracy.

What is known is that in 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, and records from that point on are more complete.

Becoming a Freemason.  Contrary to common misconception, joining Freemasonry is not by invitation only. In fact, Freemasons are not allowed to ask potential candidates to join.  Candidates must ask to join Freemasonry (2B1ASK1).  However, after the initial introduction is made, the official process of becoming a Mason begins when a candidate for Freemasonry formally petitions a lodge.

In general a candidate for Freemasonry must:

 Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one. Regular Freemasonry requires that its candidates believe in a Supreme Being, but the interpretation of the term is subject to the conscience of the candidate. This means that Freemasonry accepts men from a wide range of faiths, including, but not limited to:  Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and etc.  In addition Freemasonry accepts men of all nationalities, race, color and creeds.

 If you are interested in Freemasonry, please send us an e-mail, call, or stop by and introduce yourself!!  We meet the 1st Friday of every month for dinner at 6:30 PM.  We are also often at the building on Wednesday’s around 6:00 PM and we look forward to meeting with you!  

Port Orchard John Paul Jones Lodge #98 is a strong lodge with a rich heritage in the Port Orchard and Kitsap County area, dating back to 1894 when it received it's charter from the Washington Grand Lodge.  For an excellent overview of Port Orchard #98's history, visit The Sidney Museum Website.

Port Orchard lodge members are made up of men from all social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.  At Port Orchard John Paul Jones #98 you will find businessmen, ship-yard workers, Active and retired military members, and many other men who are pillars of their community.  We look forward to meeting you!