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Free Thinkers Lodge 2114 is Le Droit Humain Freemasons residing in Portland, Oregon Metro region. Check out our meetings. We are available to meet individuals interested in Freemasonry, answer questions, and initiate those seeking more light.

 The Lodge was named to honor Les Libres Penseurs Lodge in Pecq, France, where Dr. Georges Martin gave his full support in the initiation of women, and where Maria Deraismes was initiated in 1882.  Free Thinkers Lodge works the Georges Martin ritual.

The French expression “Le Droit Humain” is difficult to translate into English. It refers to Natural Law and Justice in human life, as distinct from laws that human beings make. It denotes the rights and responsibilities that every person is born with, similar to those “unalienable Rights” cited in the American Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

If you are looking for Seattle area freemasonry which accepts all identities, please visit Seattle Freemasons website.

About

The oldest Masonic organization for both men and women is the Order of International Freemasonry for Men and Women: Le Droit Humain, which was founded in Paris in 1893. The first Federation of the Order was founded in the United States, making the American Federation the oldest Federation of Le Droit Humain. You can read the history of Le Droit Humain via the main federation website.

Maria Deraismes, journalist and fighter for the rights of women and children, and Dr. Georges Martin, Senator, General Councillor for the Dept. of the Seine, Municipal Councillor of Paris, undertook campaigns in favor of the civic and political rights of women, the defense of the rights of oppressed children, against clerical intolerance and for the establishment of a neutral school respecting the ideas of everyone.

Maria Deraismes was initiated on 14th January 1882 into Lodge “Les Libres Penseurs” of Pecq, a small village to the west of Paris. She was one of the first female Freemasons, symbolizing initiatory equality.

Eleven years later, on 4th April 1893, Maria Deraismes and Georges Martin, a well known Mason, created in Paris the first Masonic Lodge for women and men. Out of this Masonic Lodge came the birth of the Grande Loge Symbolique Ecossaise “Le Droit Humain”, establishing the equality of men and women, out of which, later, came the birth of the International Order Of Freemasonry For Men And Women: Le Droit Humain.

Maria Deraismes died on 6th February 1894, and the task of organizing and developing “Le Droit Humain” fell on Dr. Martin. His energetic will placed him beyond frontiers, ethnic groups, religions and cultures, and he very quickly founded Lodges outside France: in Switzerland and in England.

The Order spread throughout Europe before sowing itself in other parts of the world.

Francois Louis Goaziou came to America from France and found work in the Pennsylvania coal mines.  In 1897 he started a monthly French newspaper, which he edited and printed himself. In 1902 this paper began to appear weekly and attracted the attention of a Professor of French at Columbia University of New York City, Antoine Muzzarelli.  Mr. Muzzarelli was a member of Lodge L’Atlantide of the Grand Orient of France in New York City, but was also interested in the newly organized Droit Humain Order.

On October 18, 1903 Francois Louis Goaziou and fourteen other men and the next day Mrs. Goaziou and Mrs. Etienne Barthelot were initiated, passed and raised. On October 25, 1903 the first Co-Masonic Lodge in America-Alpha No. 301 of Charleroi Pennsylvania was consecrated.

“Le Droit Humain was built out of a marvelous dream to unite humanity despite all the barriers, ethnic groups, geopolitics, religions and cultures.”

Learn about becoming a freemason. All sex & gender are encouraged to apply.

Apply now by completing this application and sending it to freemasonspnw [[at]] gmail

Join

Download application to join:  APPLICATION FORM

This application will be forwarded to the Worshipful Master of Free Thinkers Lodge 2114.

You can print, complete and mail the application to PO Box 17431, Portland, Oregon 97217 or email a PDF to  freemasonspnw  @  gmail.com.

We will contact you to schedule a Zoom or in-person meet up after we receive your application. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to answering your questions and getting to know you.

    Common Membership Questions

    What is the minimum age requirement to join?

    You must be 18 years or older.

    What accommodations can you make for my physical or mental needs? Do you accept people with variable abilities, disabilities or handicaps?

    It depends upon the circumstances. Certain situations might prevent full participation. Our group currently meets on the ground floor of a building, but occasionally uses an upstairs suite. The texts we use have digital files but are not formatted for all adaptive technology. Active participation includes memorization and presentation of the lessons you learned, however your presentations are not limited to essays or English language recitation. Rituals are designed to immerse you in an experiential lesson and can heighten certain senses. At no point will you be in danger or exposed to mind-altering substances. Depending on your uniqueness, you may want to discuss your plan to participate in these activities with your health team and/or other support systems. Let us know what will help you succeed.

    Our membership includes folks living with diagnoses / life experiences that could cause difficulty with participation, however they have fully participated and enjoy being members. There may be some situations we cannot accommodate, however we will try to meet you where we can.
     

    How much time and energy do I need to contribute?

    Especially in your first year as a Freemason, please be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time learning, studying and memorizing. The more time and effort you are willing to contribute, the more growth and progress you will see. When you put forth your best effort, you will benefit greatly.

    Do I need anything special to be a member?

    You must be free, of full age (18 years) and of good report (a good reputation, with people who are willing to vouch for your character). In addition, using a computer/smart phone and regularly checking your email is necessary, as that is our primary method for regular communications. We use an app for chat and event updates – it is suitable for most smart phones.

    Am I required to buy any special uniform or type of clothing for meetings?

    You do not need to purchase a specific uniform, but we do wear certain colors. When you become a Master Mason (3rd degree), there will be necessary ritual regalia (around $60).

    Do I have to be financially wealthy or politically well-connected to join?

    No. You only need to be able to comfortably afford Masonic fees and dues.

    If I’m already a Mason, can I attend your meetings?

    All Masonic obediences, including Freemasons from male-craft lodges, are welcome to attend our meetings, pending verification. Once we verify that you are in good standing with your lodge, we can proceed. Please Contact Us.

    If I’m already a Mason, how do I join?

    Contact us with information regarding your lodge so we can verify you are in good standing. We then will arrange a meeting (virtual or in person) to discuss your options.

    What kind of people join?

    There is a frequent saying in Freemasonry: “We take good men (women & NB) and make them better.” Many of the people that apply to join are already on the path of self-improvement. Freemasonry helps by giving people tools to become even better. Want to learn more? Check out National’s website for in-depth info.

    How soon can I join?

    We accept new members on a rolling basis. Your patience in this matter is appreciated as we seek to expedite inquiries and initiations in balance with our other duties.

    I’m scared, but I also really want to join.

    No worries! We are happy to meet up, talk over the phone, or chat via email. We can answer most of your questions (although some answers may be vague – no spoilers to be found in this group). Information about initiation, degree work, and more can be found on the internet, but nothing will prepare you for the real-life experiences of being a Freemason. At some point, you will have to trust your instinct. We look forward to all the light you bring.

    The application says I need two people to recommend me. Who should I put?

    You can leave those lines blank. After your application is submitted, or if you inquire without submitting an application, you will be in contact with one or more LDH members. By the time you are scheduled for initiation, at least two LDH members will be happy to sign your application recommending you.

    How old are your members?

    In Portland, ages range from 20s to 40s. Our oldest member is in their 50s.

    Contact

    You can email freemasonspnw at gmail or use the contact form below.

      FAQ

      Free Thinkers Lodge 2114 was consecrated August 7, 2021 by V:. Ill:. Sis:. Anne-Marie Moody 33°.

      After Covid-19 delays, we are very happy to announce our Lodge is fully independent and self-sufficient.  Consecration was initially approved by the International Order of Le Droit Humain France and scheduled for 2019. It was rescheduled for March 2020 but, as you can guess, we were forced to postpone. By June 2021, we saw a window for a safe opportunity to bring members from across the US to consecrate our Lodge, perform degree work to advance current members, and celebrate.

      What is the general history of LDH freemasonry in the Pacific Northwest?

      While we have found records of earlier Le Droit Humain members in the Pacific Northwest (1921 & 1941), the records are incomplete and we do not know why the activities stopped. In 2008 a group of people located within a few hours of Seattle were initiated into the Order and became founding members of a Triangle/lodge in Seattle. Several of those members became Master Masons and formed the Evergreen Triangle based in Seattle. In 2011, the first Portland member joined this Seattle group followed by a second person in 2014. By 2019, there were enough members in Portland that it was possible to form Free Thinkers Lodge.

      Why the name Free Thinkers?

      We selected the lodge name Free Thinkers (Les Libres Penseurs) to honor and revive the name of the Lodge in which Maria Deraismes was initiated January 14, 1882.  Additionally, we hold free thinking as one of our core values. We believe the title “Free Thinkers” reflects the culture of our Portland Metro area as a progressive, open-minded community. We seek through this name to allow space for all beliefs and backgrounds, accepting individuals of all identities, as in the pioneering spirit through which Maria Deraismes was accepted as a woman in a time of inequality.

      What if I live somewhere between Portland and Seattle? Which should I join? 

      We understand that folx traveling long distances can face challenges. You are welcome to join which ever location you prefer, and after you join you are welcome to attend which ever meetings you feel suit you best — in fact, once a member of LDH, you can seek invitation to any lodge meeting around the world.  

      What if I live in Oregon but not close to Portland?

      If you apply & qualify, you can join our Portland Lodge. In order to progress through degrees you will need to attend in-person Lodge meetings which are usually held one time per month. In time, you may be able to achieve what our Portland founders did: form a lodge in your local area. We will not say this is easy – the Portland founders sacrificed to travel to Seattle for many years to reach the proper degrees, qualifications, and administrative experience to be approved to open a lodge. You must have at least 3 members (at the Master level) to form a Triangle which is the smallest size lodge. It is possible to do. It may take years of diligent effort. On the flip side, it can be rewarding to carpool to lodge meetings, discussing Masonic topics and form close bonds that can last a lifetime as you strive to build a lodge closer to home.

      It may be more expedient to travel to a different Lodge in another State and have that be your mother lodge through which you initiate and advance. Check out https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.org/ for locations.

      I want to join but I might move soon. Is that okay?

      Yes. If you apply & qualify, you can be initiated here in Portland and then move. When you move, you can contact the nearest LDH lodge and “affiliate” to become a regular member of that lodge. They may be using a different ritual & thus you may have to learn some new guidelines. Every lodge has it’s own vibe & culture, but you will be instant family. We of course prefer you initiate and stay with us for a long while, but we understand life may have other plans. Since initiation is a special event and you will forever be tied to the lodge that initiates you as it will be your “mother lodge”, you may want to wait and initiate after your move to form a stronger bond with the lodge in your new location.

      We have experienced members who had to temporarily move due to work, but stayed up on their dues and taxes, joined on zoom study groups, and kept in touch. When their work allowed them to return, they resumed their degree work. In most situations, your degree work will be on hold until you return, unless you can attend an in-person lodge in another location. Check out https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.org/ for lodge locations.

      Freemasons are all about “brotherhood”. How do you reconcile this gender identification in today’s gender-fluid world?

      We have specifically discussed this matter and are seeking input to resolve it. Since it’s inception, the American Federation has used identifiers ‘Brother’ and ‘Sister’ during Lodge proceedings. Please note that members of Free Thinkers Lodge are open to all identities. While the Order of International Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain does not have language in place and the ancient and accepted rituals use ‘Brother’ and ‘Sister’, each lodge will strive respect your needs once you identify them. In Portland, we have adapted lodge language to support our nonbinary and other siblings. We welcome you to share your needs with us regarding pronouns and identifiers. Again, the Supreme Council has not approved any language other than ‘Brother’ and ‘Sister’. Discussions are in progress on the national and international levels.

      Is Freemasonry racist or otherwise problematic?

      Our International Order constitution states members are united “without distinction of social or ethnic origins, philosophical opinion or religion, and working together toward the progress and perfecting of humanity.”

      From the day Le Droit Humain was founded in 1893, lodges are open to men and women of all nationalities, races, and religions. We continue welcoming all people to this day. LDH founding members were vocal activists fighting for rights of women, working people, & decolonization (founders include Annie Besant, Louis Goaziou, Maria Deraismes, Georges Martin).

      LDH has diverse membership with lodges located in Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Morocco, Afrique Equatoriale, South Africa, Madagascar, Columbia, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Venezuela, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Romania, Israel, Serbia…the list goes on, all over the globe [Link to map https://ledroithumain.international/locations/]. Some lodges in the USA are predominately BIPOC. LDH does not have records of when the first BIPOC member was initiated or how many people of color are members but LDH principles are against racism and LDH is open to all.

      We cannot say that all Freemasonry is anti-racist. It is possible that outside of LDH you will find some lodges that refuse access to many people.  If you are looking for a deep-dive into the historical social implications of old Freemasonry, we recommend Handbook of Freemasonry (Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion #8). This is a detailed scholarly collection of works that covers an array of angles on how freemasonry at times: was used by colonizers for political gain, was influenced by (& exerted influence on) various cultures and religions, developed interpretations and meaning over time, excluded or included people at different times, and more.

      Am I required to profess a belief in a supreme being or God to become a Mason?

      No. Belief in God(s), supreme being(s), or any belief system is not asked of you. We focus on tolerance and acceptance.

      Which rituals are you using?

      Le Droit Humain in the United States works three primary rituals: Lauderdale, North American, and Georges Martin. Free Thinkers Lodge works the Georges Martin ritual, which is the equivalent of all 33 degrees of the Scottish Rite system and includes several York Rite degrees. It is a ritual that avoids god-based language, requires less memorization, expands on some of the more beautiful elements of ritual work, and still brings forward important information.

      What am I required to do once I join?

      The minimum expectations are that you attend meetings, engage in conversations at meetings, study and read on your own time and at your own pace, advance through the degrees if you choose to, contribute at least a penny per meeting to the mites (lodge contribution) and bag of benevolence (charitable contribution), pay your local and national dues, be dressed appropriately for meetings with your proper lodge attire, and consider volunteering additional time to the betterment of humanity. You are not penalized for not achieving these expectations. If you do not attend lodge and do not pay dues then eventually you will be removed from the rolls.

      How often do you meet?

      Free Thinkers Lodge meets in person on a scheduled Tuesday evening of each month. Meetings last approximately 3 hours (which includes setup and breakdown of lodge). With the option to move meeting dates to avoid holidays or other conflicts, generally there are 10 meetings per year. Additional study groups (sometimes held via video chat) are scheduled at member request. Social outings are encouraged. Master Masons are always game to chat about any details you seek more information about.

      Additional questions? We have more answers on the Join page. The American Federation also provides answers to many questions

      Otherwise, feel free to complete the application or learn more about applying.