Grand Lodge of Ohio
Seal of the Grand Lodge of Ohio
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| Latin Motto | Virtute Silentio Amore |
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| Constituted | 1808 |
| Jurisdiction | Ohio |
| Location |
Ohio USA |
| Website | freemason.com |
The Grand Lodge of Ohio, formally known as the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, is the governing body of the largest group of Masonic lodges in Ohio (the next largest being the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio). The Grand Lodge of Ohio follows the Anglo-American tradition of Freemasonry that is common in the United States. In 2013, the Grand Lodge reported a total membership of 91,040.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio was formed on January 4–8, 1808 by a convention of five of the six Masonic lodges then meeting in Ohio. The convention was held in the statehouse at Chillicothe and, on January 7, Rufus Putnam was elected Grand Master.
Prior to formation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, six lodges operated under authority of charters issued by their individual parent grand lodges in the eastern United States:
Erie Lodge was the driving force behind the formation of the Grand Lodge, and proposed the idea to the other lodges in the state. Due to a dispute over the credentials of its representative, James Kilbourne, New England Lodge was not present at the convention but is considered a founding lodge nevertheless.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio has had a continual existence since 1808 and in 2010 had over 500 chartered lodges operating in Ohio with a total membership of over 100,000.
On December 4, 1994, Steven Reece, Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, formally requested recognition of his grand lodge by the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio. The Grand Lodge granted fraternal recognition at its 186th annual session on October 20, 1995. The agreement between the two grand lodges states:
In recognition of the fact that both Grand Lodges are regular in origin and legitimate in nature, now therefore be it resolved that:
It is mutually agreed by The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio and The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Inc. on this 20th day of October, 1995, that we dwell together in peace and harmony, and each do hereafter fraternally recognize the other as legitimate proponents of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth within the state of Ohio and do accord to the other rights of visitation in Grand Lodge and constituent lodges wheresoever assembled, subject to the rights, powers and authority of the Grand Masters and the Masters of the constituent lodges to preside over their respective Grand Lodges and lodges.
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Wikipedia