FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon worshipers?

[Larry the Mason from Holbrook]

The Freemasonry FAQ

Version 1.0
August 2006

This Frequently Asked Question comes from the weekly USENET MASONRY FAQ, posted to this newsgroup every Friday at 08:00 Pacific. Please refer to the weekly FAQ for other resource and contact information.

59
Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon worshipers?

The reason is actually simple practicality. Masonic Lodges meet at
night, since their membership typically works during the day. Before
street lights were available in the 19th century, men walked to Lodge
in the dark of night and it was common to schedule Lodge meetings
shortly after a full moon to provide maximum illumination for
Brothers' walk to and from Lodge.

Obviously, this is no longer an issue, though some Lodges whose
history stretches back into the 19th century or earlier still schedule
their meetings by the moon's period. These are sometimes referred to
as "moon Lodges".

 

[Timothy Fleischer]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

Another reason for the Moon Lodge was this: so that no matter where the Lodges may be dispersed throughout the world, that many of them might be at labor at the same time further unifying the Fraternity, if they were to meet on or before or on or after the full moon. My lodge in Texas still meets by the Lunar Calendar. It was formed in 1867.

 

[BryanMaloney]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

Another possibility is that, since lodges go back to the early 18th century, the moon was a very convenient timekeeping method that everyone had access to.

 

[Rick Clifton]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

The reason older lodges met on or near the Full Moon is, wait for it...........................

You went to lodge Horseback or in a Wagon.

They could See to get Home by One of the Lesser Lights.............. Moon Light !

They are referred to as "LUNAR LODGES"

If your ever in Mimbres N.M. you can sit in one.

Mimbres Lodge No. 10

Meets on the Saturday on or Before Each Full Moon

Lodge meets first, the women will be down stairs fixing a meal.
After the meeting everyone eats, then its back upstairs
for Eastern Star meeting. Its an Event.
Good grub, every time.

 

[Brother JC]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

I fear you may soon be the last one in the state, Brother Rick.

 

[scribe1384pm]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

The last Moon lodge I attended was North Zulch lodge between Bryan and Madisonville, Texas. This was about 30 years ago. Not sure if they are still meeting by the moon on Saturday nights. Happy Easter Brothers.

 

[Benjamin Baxter]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

I went to one last night. It is chalk mountain 894. It is a great building with history, great grub, and awesome fellowship. Need to attend when you can. I heard that there were less than 12 moon lodges left in Texas. Saturday on or after full moon. 6 meal and 7 meeting.
:thumbup:
Freemason Connect Mobile

 

[Mac]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

I fear you may soon be the last one in the state, Brother Rick.

Don't forget about Loma Alta Lodge, the Mother Lodge of McMullen County. I intend to visit one of these days.


Freemason Connect Mobile

 

[Bill Lins]

Re: FAQ: Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon wors

The last Moon lodge I attended was North Zulch lodge between Bryan and Madisonville, Texas. This was about 30 years ago. Not sure if they are still meeting by the moon on Saturday nights.

They now meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7:30pm.

 

[Warrior1256]

Very unusual question. Had never heard anything similar before. Also interesting answers.

 

[Glen Cook]

I attended an HRA chapter in Cheshire last month which meets on the first Wesnesday after the full moon