October 19th Open House to Enlighten, Educate, and Inform

Haverhill, Massachusetts – October 7, 2019 – Along with Masonic lodges across the state, Freemasons meeting in the Haverhill Masonic Building, 111 Merrimack Street, will open their doors to the public on Saturday, October 19th, between 9 am and 3 pm, as part of the 2019 Fall Open House. In conjunction with this year’s open house, the two lodges will be holding a charity drive for local veterans in need.  Items needed most are toiletries and undergarments as well as dry & canned foods. For a detailed list of items go to haverhillmasonry.org .

Freemasonry in Haverhill began in 1802 with the establishment of Merrimack Lodge. In 1865, Saggahew Lodge was formed to meet the needs of the rapid local growth of the fraternity.  Both Lodges continue to meet in the same building and collaborate on many projects including several charitable programs that serve their community.

More than 200 lodges will be hosting Open Houses to help the public gain a better understanding of Freemasonry and to demonstrate the positive impact it has on its members, their families, and their communities. Members will provide tours of their building, talk about Freemasonry’s history, discuss its ceremonies, and what value members derive from their participation in the fraternity.

“The Open House is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry to meet and talk with Masons in their community,” said Paul F. Gleason, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and the presiding officer of over 25,000 members. “Although many have heard of us, very few are aware that for over 285 years we have been part of an unbroken tradition of great men who have changed our world in a number of ways. Our Masons are each trying to be the best versions of themselves possible through their actions. I warmly invite the public to join us on October 19th.”

Are you attending?

Anyone may visit our open house, but If you have any questions or want to let us know you are coming you can send us a message on our Contact Page.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasons trace their roots to the stonemason guilds that built Europe’s cathedrals and castles during the early part of the last millennium. As construction of these buildings declined, they began accepting members from outside their trade. These new members, influenced by the “Age of Enlightenment,” transformed the organization from a group for builders to one focused on developing the character of its members. Freemasonry was formally organized in London, England in 1717. In 1733, it was formally organized in Massachusetts, making it the oldest Masonic group in the Western Hemisphere and the third oldest in the world.

Freemasonry, the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, seeks to bring together men of every country, religion, race, background, and opinion in order to develop the bonds of friendship between them. Through a large variety of North American Masonic philanthropies, approximately $2,000,000 is given to charity every day, 70% of which benefits the general public. Freemasons help others, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it helps us grow. We value honor, integrity, and believe there’s always more to learn in life. Freemasonry in Massachusetts is comprised of 25,000 members in more than 200 different lodges throughout the Commonwealth. For additional information, please call 1.800.882.1020, or visit MassFreemasonry.org.