The Grand Lodge of Oregon celebrates 175 years on September 12 with a free public open house in Forest Grove, an anniversary gala, and lodge events statewide. Founded in 1851, Oregon Freemasonry is opening its doors to anyone curious about what the fraternity does today.
FOREST GROVE, Ore., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Grand Lodge of Oregon is marking its 175th anniversary this September, celebrating a century and three quarters of brotherhood, personal growth, and service to communities across the state.
Since its founding on September 15, 1851, Oregon Freemasonry has grown into a statewide network of local lodges dedicated to helping good men become better and giving back to the places they call home. The anniversary is both a look back at that history and an open invitation to the public to learn more about the men and the mission of modern Oregon Freemasonry.
Freemasonry traces its roots to the stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages, when tradesmen built cathedrals and formed bonds of trust that outlasted the work itself. Today, instead of building churches, Freemasons work toward self-improvement, community service, and deep, lasting friendship. In a time when many men describe a lack of connection and few meaningful spaces outside of work and family, the fraternity offers something increasingly rare: a place to grow alongside others who share the same values of friendship, mentorship, and personal growth.
"For 175 years, Oregon Freemasonry has brought men together through friendship, shared values, and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while opening our doors to anyone who's curious about who we are today," said Richard Varner, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oregon.
The milestone is also personal for Varner. "As a young man whose father had passed and was new to a community, Freemasonry introduced new friends and mentors who helped me become a better man, father, leader, and, I hope, a better role model to other men," he said.
A Celebration Open to the Community
The 175th anniversary will be marked by several events in September:
- Open House. Free and open to the public, come and go as you like. Self-guided tour of the Masonic campus in Forest Grove (2150 Masonic Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116), including the Richmond Library & Masonic Museum, The Jennings McCall Retirement Community, and McMenamins Grand Lodge. Select stops feature presentations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 12, 2026. Free parking at McMenamins Grand Lodge (east and west lots) and the Grand Lodge of Oregon. No registration required.
- Anniversary Gala. An evening celebration for members and guests, featuring a buffet dinner and drinks prepared by McMenamins, live music, remarks, fellowship, and commemorative photos. September 12, 2026, at McMenamins Grand Lodge Hotel in Forest Grove.
- Local Lodge Events. Lodges across Oregon will host their own gatherings, big or small, from August through October 2026.
Event details and registration are available at OregonFreemasonry.com/175.
Far from the secretive image some may expect, Oregon's lodges see themselves as centers of civic impact, known for visible service and charitable leadership. The anniversary is an opportunity to show that side of the fraternity to a new generation of Oregonians seeking meaning, mentorship, and belonging.
Men interested in learning more about becoming a Mason in Oregon can visit OregonFreemasonry.com.
About Oregon Freemasonry
Rooted in centuries of tradition, Oregon Freemasonry is a fraternity dedicated to personal growth, moral integrity, and service to others. Through a network of local lodges and charitable programs, it offers men the opportunity to build character, leadership, and lasting friendship while strengthening their communities. The Grand Lodge of Oregon, chartered September 15, 1851, oversees lodges throughout the state.
Media Contact
Marissa Douglas, The Grand Lodge of Oregon, 1 971-238-4978, [email protected], www.OregonFreemasonry.com
SOURCE The Grand Lodge of Oregon
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