Petaluma-Hamilton #180, Free and Accepted Masons
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity, its members committing to bettering themselves, their communities, and the world as a whole. With Lodges in almost every country and major city on Earth, our Craft has helped millions of men and their families to grow and become better citizens.
Our Lodge was founded in 1855 and has remained a constant force for good in Petaluma ever since. Even our historic building serves as a literal cornerstone of downtown living, having been erected in 1881. Surviving the many cultural and political shifts of history, we proudly continue the long traditions set down by our forefathers of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
What is Freemasonry?
Originating in the ancient traditions of stoneworker guilds, modern Freemasonry is more focused on the internal character of its members than the direct erection of monumental buildings. Using tools and symbols of antiquity, we foster an environment of positive personal growth, duty to the world, and give our members everything they need to become better men.
Working with other Sonoma County Lodges and our state Grand Lodge, our aim is to encourage fellowship, charity, education, and leadership opportunities, all in the focus of improving ourselves and our communities. Some have called Freemasonry a “secret society,” but today you will find men all across the world proudly showing their Masonic affiliation with rings, bumper stickers, emblazoned hats, and even tattoos. Freemasonry does have secrets designed to make our members’ journeys through the degrees more impactful, but we regularly open our doors to any and all who are interested in our activities.
Freemasonry has something for almost everyone, with related organizations specific to boys (De Molay), girls (Rainbow and Job’s Daughters), and adult men and women (Order of the Eastern Star), as well as other groups helping members to explore other avenues of Masonic history and culture through appendant bodies such as the York or Scottish Rites.
What Events do we Host?
Aside from our regular monthly business meetings and Family Night dinners, much of our time is spent practicing or performing our ancient ceremonies, theatrical works designed to teach the values core to our work, including Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.
Working with the community we also host many public events, such as an annual Holiday party where we support local families, scholarship or school support nights where we recognize students and teachers who have gone over and above the call of duty in promoting good citizenship within Petaluma, and other service works such as park clean-ups and homeless shelter supply drives.
We work closely with other local organizations such as the Petaluma Historical Museum to bring education and opportunities to our favorite community – our continual focus is doing good in the world, starting right here at home!
How do I find out More?
This website is a fantastic place to start, particularly looking at the Contact Us page – we have a monthly newsletter we email out to members and friends, a Lodge smartphone application available to help our members keep in touch, no matter how far they spread across the world, and of course our Family Night dinners, open to all.
Drop us a line, we would love to meet you!
