ABOUT THE LODGE

Albert Pike Lodge #714 is one of the largest and most active "Blue Lodges" in Arkansas. A "Blue Lodge" is a Lodge of Masons located in many communities in the state. At present, there are some 284 Blue Lodges in Arkansas. The governing body of the Blue Lodges is the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, located in Little Rock. The Grand Lodge consists of the principal officers of the Blue Lodges, plus the Grand Lodge Officers who are elected from its membership.

Albert Pike Lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in 1924. The Lodge briefly met at Lee School in Little Rock until a more permanent location could be found. It was above Aday's Drug Store on 13th Street where the Lodge met until the construction and dedication of a new building at 12th and Pine Streets in 1950. The building was used until 1993, when it was sold due to westward growth of the city and lack of space for expansion. Albert Pike Lodge was welcomed by Magnolia Lodge #60 and shared its facilities until 1995, when it relocated to its present building at 8400 Pin Oak Drive in Mabelvale.

Albert Pike Lodge meets regularly every Thursday night. Our Stated (or "business") meeting is held on the first Thursday of the month. Dinner is served at 6:15 and meetings begin at 7:00.

In addition to being active in the Blue Lodge, many members of Albert Pike Lodge are engaged in many "appendant" Masonic organizations such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay for boys, Order of the Rainbow for girls, Grottoes of North America, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and many others.

The Masons of Albert Pike Lodge represent a broad cross-section of society. Coming from many different backgrounds and professions, the brethren meet upon the level of equality to enjoy working at the Craft of the fraternity and for social gatherings. On many occasions during the year, visitors are welcome to tour the Lodge and meet the brethren. For more information on paying a visit to the Lodge, one simply needs to send an e-mail to AlbertPike714@hotmail.com.

Albert Pike Lodge strives to be a good neighbor and member of the local community. From sponsorship of Little League teams to regular contributions to a nearby church food bank, the brethren take great pride in the giving of their time, money, and talents to help wherever we are needed. Being a good citizen is one of the most important duties of a Freemason.

We welcome fellow Masons to visit the Lodge whenever convenient. If you are from another state and would like more details about our meetings (dress code, length of meetings, etc.), please contact us. Our doors are always open for visiting brethren!

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A FEW FACTS ABOUT FREEMASONRY

Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is often misunderstood as a "secret society". Nothing could be further from the truth. While our meetings are private, they are no more so than a company's board of directors or those of any other fraternity. If we were truly a secret society, then you most certainly wouldn't be reading this! You also wouldn't find us listed in the phone directory (which we are), you would not see anyone wearing Masonic jewelry (which we do), and you wouldn't see visible signs on our Lodge buildings (which are usually very prominent). If you're interested in a secret society, try the Priory of Scion. Oh - and if you find it, please let us know. We've been around a long time and we still don't know who or what they are or may be.

Is Freemasonry a religion?
There are many well-meaning people who confuse Freemasonry with religion. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for it. Indeed, the fraternity encourages its members to be active in their individual churches.

Why haven't I ever been invited to become a Mason?
Some have said that Freemasonry is an "elitist" organization because it does not actively recruit new members. While it is true that we do not recruit new members, this does not imply an "elitist" culture. Our fraternity does not recruit because of ancient traditions, which become clear when one is initiated into the fraternity. But again, no big secret. Put simply, a man must become a Mason of his "own free will and accord".

So, how do I go about becoming a Mason or learning more about the fraternity to see if I might be interested in joining?
It's very simple. We have a saying, "To be one, ask one." All one has to do is express an interest in Masonry to any Mason. We'll take it from there. Now you know what that bumper sticker means that you probably see every now and then: "2 B 1, Ask 1". Don't know a Mason? Well, you probably do and just don't know it. Pay attention to the rings we wear, the pins in our lapels, or the emblems on our vehicles. If you see the "Square and Compasses", you're looking at a Mason. We're members of your church, your next-door neighbors, and most likely members of civic-minded organizations in your community. We're just regular guys, and we can be found almost anywhere.

Can women become Masons?
No, Freemasonry is a fraternity and is therefore limited to men. However, Freemasonry has many appendant bodies that are for co-ed or female only membership. Our ladies are very important to us!

For more information on Freemasonry, please visit "What is Masonry?" on this web site.

For a more comprehensive (yet basic and easy to understand) look at the fraternity, we suggest the following books:

Freemasons for Dummies by Christopher Hodapp or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry by Brent Morris.