Our Story
A Lodge Born in the
Roaring Twenties
Guilford Lodge #656 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M., in 1923 — a time when Greensboro itself was growing rapidly as a center of commerce, textiles, and civic ambition in the Piedmont. Our founding brothers brought to this lodge the same spirit that has always animated Freemasonry: a belief that good men, voluntarily bound by shared principles, can build something that outlasts any single generation.
More than one hundred years later, that belief remains the foundation of everything we do. Our lodge has weathered wars, depressions, and the upheavals of a changing world.
Our members come from all walks of life — business owners, veterans, educators, college students, tradesmen, physicians, and retirees — united by the conviction that every man can improve himself, and that he improves most surely in the company of brothers who hold him to a higher standard.
What We Stand For
Our Guiding Principles
Truth
We pursue truth in all things — in our dealings with others, in our practice of the Craft, and in our examination of ourselves.
Relief
From supporting widows and orphans to contributing to our community, we are called to relieve distress wherever we encounter it.
Brotherly Love
Every Mason is a brother. That word carries obligation — to assist, support, counsel, and stand with one another through life's trials.
Community
We are citizens of Greensboro first. The lodge's strength flows from its roots in this city, and we give back accordingly.
Life at the Lodge
Our Lodge in Pictures
Find Us
Meetings & Location
1st & 3rd Monday of every month
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. — Dinner starts at 6:15 p.m. ($10 donation request). Stated Communication begins at 7:00 p.m.
Membership
Who May Petition?
Freemasonry is open to any man who meets the following requirements. There is no legacy requirement — no Mason in your family is necessary. What matters is character.
A Man of Good Character
You must be a free man of mature age, known in your community for integrity and upright conduct.
Belief in a Supreme Being
Masonry is not a religion, but it requires a belief in God. The specific faith tradition is yours alone to hold.
At Least 18 Years of Age
Petitioners must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of North Carolina.
Guilford Lodge #656 welcomes petitioners of every background. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, religious affiliation, political association, race, or sexual orientation.
Our current membership spans generations — from brothers in their twenties to brothers in their nineties — united not by what makes them different, but by the shared values that brought them to the lodge door.
"We meet upon the level, we part upon the square — no better motto hath been found for this or any age."Albert Pike — Sovereign Grand Commander, Scottish Rite, 1859