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175 Years of Freemasonry in the WILD WEST
Freemasonry made its way into the Oregon Territory long before statehood, predating the first railroad, as gold fever swept through the West. Ours is a history built by pioneers—men who carried the working tools of the Craft alongside their rifles and plows, who gathered in log halls and candlelit rooms to lay the foundation for a Grand Lodge in the rugged, untamed land that would one day be Oregon.
In the 1800s, Grand Lodges across the United States were being formed as settlers pushed west. Oregon Freemasons carved their own path in this historic march, and now we’re approaching a milestone of American Freemasonry worth celebrating.
While the 175th Annual Communication took place in June 2025, our true jurisdictional anniversary is September 15, 2026—exactly 175 years since the Grand Lodge of Oregon was officially established in the heart of frontier life. This date is more than a number, it marks a legacy of grit, vision, and brotherhood.
From the candlelit halls of Oregon City in 1851 to the thriving Craft we enjoy today, our journey has been shaped by the pioneering spirit that carried Freemasonry across mountains and through the wilderness. The 175th anniversary will honor not only the passage of years, but the enduring bonds of our Masonic Family.
To mark this occasion, we invite you to join us for a full season of celebration. Mark your calendars for Sept. 12, 2026, for a special anniversary event. A custom anniversary logo will be shared across digital platforms and may appear on commemorative materials. We plan to share historical artifacts from the archives (including the leather-wrapped trunk that carried our first charter along the Oregon trail from the Grand Jurisdiction of Missouri), highlight stories and milestones from our history, and encourage Lodges and Masons across the state to participate in local celebrations.
We encourage Lodges to incorporate the milestone into the 2026 calendar, offering a special event to engage both members and the public. Want to collaborate on an idea? Connect with me via email! This celebration belongs to all Oregon Masons, and it will be a time for the entire Masonic Family to come together to honor this legacy.
Marissa Douglas, Marketing Director
