Whiting Masonic Temple # 613 F&AM - (219) 659-3826

Our Address for purpose of the Map is 512 Temple Court. Or 1900 Temple Court as the city determines it, however you want to look at it. The building hasn't moved since 1927.

WHO ARE FREEMASONS?

Freemasonry is the World's oldest and largest fraternity. It is founded on the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Its members are encouraged to practice Temperance, Fortitude, Justice and Charity. We come from all walks of life and are actively involved in our community. Freemasonry is, indeed, "A Way of Life."

Does this Interest You? To learn more contact us. We do not recruit members: You need to make the First Step, but if you do and meet our membership requirements, we'll be happy to welcome you to the friendship and fellowship throughout the world.

HISTORY

Ancient Masonry

Masonry in Indiana is part of a tradition first publicly acknowledged in 18th century England. Using the tools and traditions of stone masons as a metaphor for building better lives, modern Masons are referred to as speculative, in contrast to the ancient practitioners, known as operative masons.

While some written records exist prior to the shift from operative to speculative masonry, the ancient origins of the craft are hidden in mystery. Some historians claim a connection to the Knights Templars, Celtic and Druidic traditions, the builders of the pyramids, the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, and other societies and individuals. Numerous books and publications are devoted to the subject, many complementary and some critical.

Whatever the origins, Masons are men who gather together in Lodges, each governed by a Master and 2 Wardens.

American Masonry

The organization of modern Masonry is based on independent Grand Lodges. As need and occasion demand, one Grand Lodge will grant a charter for another to operate. Each Grand Lodges also determines which other jurisdictions to recognize and maintain relations. Massachusetts, the first Grand Lodge in America, was constituted under the Grand Lodge of England. Subsequent American Grand Lodges where similarly established, until the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A. M.) of the State of Indiana was formed by the Grand Lodge's of Ohio and Kentucky in 1816 in the town of Madison.

Whiting, Indiana

Whiting Lodge Number 613, F. & A. M. received its charter on May 17, 1897. The lodge operated from rented quarters on 119th street until 1927, when the current temple building at 512 Temple Court opened. The City of Whiting owes its creation to John D. Rockefeller and his decision to establish a refinery here. The refinery, first part of the Standard Oil Trust, then Standard Oil of Indiana, then AMOCO, and most recently BP, has dominated life in Whiting.

Refinery workers have always formed a significant portion of the membership of the Lodge. Similarly, members of other lodges employed at the refinery and other local industries would often attend Whiting Lodge. The involvement of so many local and visiting members led to the development of a craft club - a group of Masons that would travel to other Lodges throughout the Midwest to exemplify the ceremonies of the craft. The Whiting Craft Club was so popular that there was a multi-year waiting list to join. Eventually, concern developed within Grand Lodge that the existence of craft clubs such as Whiting diminished the ability of others to adequately initiate and advance members. Craft clubs where disbanded in 1955. However, many of the customs and traditions established in the days of the craft club continue today.

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