Freemasonry (or Masonry, for short) is one of the world’s most historic membership organizations, a 300-year-old worldwide fraternity of like-minded people committed to bettering themselves and their communities. Masonry encompasses a series of moral teachings based on allegory and the symbolism of ancient stonemasonry. But we’re so much more than our history. We’re a way to find friendship, purpose, and connection.
Our Lodge Room
Our secret isn’t ancient rituals or secret ceremonies. It’s our members. Meet some of them here. Our members come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. The average age of new members is about 36.
While the Masons of California represents the largest Masonic organization in the state, it isn’t the only one. See a list of other Masonic groups here.
A Masonic lodge is essentially a local chapter. The term “lodge” refers to both the members of that chapter and the building in which they meet.
Keep in mind that Freemasonry exists in nearly every country in the world. Lodges in a given region are overseen by a grand lodge, The Grand Lodge of California oversees Oakland Lodge No. 61. The Grand Lodge of California is made up of more than 330 other local lodges. Other Masonic organizations, like the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California and the Women’s Grand Lodge of California, have local lodges, as well.
Every lodge has at least one recurring event on the calendar: A stated meeting. That’s where members share announcements, vote on new members, and do the ongoing work of running the lodge, which is a nonprofit organization. It’s also a regular chance for members to catch up and support one another.
The lodge is also where new members advance through the degrees of Masonry, and where members hold parties, community events, and communal dinners.
Freemasons get together for lots of different reasons, from sharing a cup of coffee to taking in a ballgame to hosting large events where the whole town’s invited.
For example, we get together to
Oakland Lodge No. 61 finds its history deeply connected to the county of Alameda, where it has resided for over 170 years. Today, it stands as a
consolidation between several Masonic Lodges; two notably being Live Oak No. 61 and Oakland Durant Rockridge Lodge No. 188, which consolidated December 1st, 2023. Nestled in the neighborhood of Rockridge, Oakland Lodge No. 61 has been a beacon of brotherhood since its establishment.
Live Oak Lodge No. 61 was the first lodge to meet in Alameda County and
its roots can be traced back to August 19, 1854. Amongst its first officer line were
the likes of Lawrence C. Owen first Master, Isaac E. Paddock, Senior Warden and
first Master under its charter, Jeremiah E. Witcher Junior Warden and prominent
Oakland City engineer, and Samuel H. Robinson, Mayor of Oakland in 1856 and
1857. Live Oak originally met above a carriage shop in what is now Jack London
Square where there now stands a plaque erected to the memory of Live Oak Lodge
No. 61. The lodge thrived and had a rich membership in the area and sponsored
members including Anthony Chabot, Francis K. Shattuck, Frank K. Mott,
Reverend Samuel Bell, and many others.
The three lodges that made up Oakland Durant Rockridge Lodge present a
fascinating glimpse into the notable members of Oakland’s past. Oakland Lodge
No. 188 was the first of these lodges, founded in 1868 and headed by none other
than Nathan W. Spaulding, a multiyear mayor of Oakland and assistant United
States treasurer of San Francisco – a position to which he was appointed by
President James A. Garfield, an Ohio Mason. The leaders of the two other
foundational lodges, Durant Lodge No. 268 and Rockridge Lodge No. 468, also
played pivotal roles in local and state affairs. Henry Durant, for instance, was the
founding president of the University of California system. Many members of
Rockridge Lodge numbered among the city’s police and fire departments.
Today, Oakland Lodge No. 61 remains an enduring symbol of unity and
enlightenment in our City of Oakland. We continue to thrive as members of our
Present and Past both continually dedicate themselves to Education, Relief, our
Community and to our Fraternity. Committed to fostering personal growth, moral development, and charitable endeavors, our Lodge serves individuals seeking fellowship, enlightenment, and service to humanity. With a rich history dating back to 1854, the lodge continues to thrive, exemplifying the principles of Freemasonry and contributing to the betterment of both its members and the wider community.
5449 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
© 2023 Oakland Masonic Lodge No. 61