New Leadership For Douglas Free Masons
Photo Courtesy of David Peterson
The Olive Branch Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Douglas recently inducted their officers for the 2018-2019 term.
Although Freemasons generally meet behind closed doors, this event was open to the public and included the Masons’ families, friends and many distinguished Freemasons. Gary Watson Sr. of Putnam was installed as Master of the Lodge.
Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, with the exception of July and August, at the Masonic Lodge located at 7 Depot Street in Douglas.
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, tracing its roots to the Middle Ages. What you might not know, is the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was established in Boston in 1733, and is actually the third oldest Grand Lodge in the world, after only those in England and Ireland.
The Olive Branch Lodge of Freemasons was chartered in 1797 by Paul Revere and has been an active contributor to the Douglas, Sutton and Millbury communities ever since.
Freemasonry seeks to bring men of every country, religion, race, background, age, income, and opinion together and develop the bonds of friendship between them. Through a large variety of North American Masonic philanthropies, more than $3,000,000 has been given to charity by Masons. Locally, college scholarships are awarded to 6 high school seniors in the area every year. A national charity favorite of the Freemasons has been Shriner’s Hospitals.
Members are encouraged to value principles, ethics, and morality and to live their lives by “making good men better”. Freemasonry positively benefits its members, families and communities.
Membership in Freemasonry is open to all men, age 18 and over, regardless of race or religion. If you are interested in becoming a Mason, you are invited to attend an open house on Saturday, October 20th. All Massachusetts lodges, including the Olive Branch in Douglas, will be open for visitors to meet current members and learn more about Freemasonry.
For more information about joining a lodge near you, or to register for the open house, click here.