What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasons have gathered in lodges, seeking wisdom, fellowship, and a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.
about us
The Masons of Orange, California
Serving our community since 1888.
Orange Lodge No. 293 was chartered in 1888 and has been an active part
of the Orange, California community ever since. Our history is woven into the
fabric of this city. From the orange groves of the past to the bustling community of
today, our members have been leaders, builders, and citizens dedicated to service.
This section is a perfect place to include a brief history of the lodge, mentioning
its charter date and any significant historical milestones or contributions to the
city of Orange.
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We build a brotherhood -
Embrace our legacy -
Growth Through leadership -
Support our community
organizations
Youth Leadership Organizations
We are deeply committed to mentoring the next generation. These dynamic
youth groups provide young people with a safe, fun, and empowering environment
to learn leadership skills, serve their community, and build lifelong friendships.
DeMolay International (For Young Men)
DeMolay is a premier
leadership organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. It
was founded on the timeless principles of patriotism, reverence, and
fellowship. Through hands-on experiences, members learn public
speaking, event planning, and financial management, all while building
unshakable confidence and character.
For Young Women
Rainbow Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a youth leadership and service organization for young women ages 11–20. Rainbow teaches confidence, teamwork, public speaking, and community service, all while building friendships and having fun. Open to all backgrounds, Rainbow inspires girls to dream big, serve others, and grow into strong leaders.
Job’s Daughters International (For Young Women)
Job’s
Daughters provides a welcoming environment where young women (ages
10 to 20) can grow in confidence and develop essential life skills.
Members practice leadership, teamwork, and public speaking in a
supportive setting, all while organizing and participating in fun activities
and community service projects. The lessons of faith, hope, and charity
guide their journey.
Organizations for Men and Women
The Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is the
largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women
may belong. It is open to men who are Master Masons and women with
specific Masonic affiliations (such as wives, daughters, and mothers of
Masons). Together, they are dedicated to charitable works, community
service, and fostering a social and benevolent community bound by high
moral principles.
DeMolay International (For Young Men)
DeMolay is a premier
leadership organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. It
was founded on the timeless principles of patriotism, reverence, and
fellowship. Through hands-on experiences, members learn public
speaking, event planning, and financial management, all while building
unshakable confidence and character.
For Young Women
Rainbow Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a youth leadership and service organization for young women ages 11–20. Rainbow teaches confidence, teamwork, public speaking, and community service, all while building friendships and having fun. Open to all backgrounds, Rainbow inspires girls to dream big, serve others, and grow into strong leaders.
Job’s Daughters International (For Young Women)
Job’s
Daughters provides a welcoming environment where young women (ages
10 to 20) can grow in confidence and develop essential life skills.
Members practice leadership, teamwork, and public speaking in a
supportive setting, all while organizing and participating in fun activities
and community service projects. The lessons of faith, hope, and charity
guide their journey.
Organizations for Men and Women
The Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is the
largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women
may belong. It is open to men who are Master Masons and women with
specific Masonic affiliations (such as wives, daughters, and mothers of
Masons). Together, they are dedicated to charitable works, community
service, and fostering a social and benevolent community bound by high
moral principles.
PHILANTHROPY
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To invest in our community’s future, we have contributed over $500,000 to support youth education through vital partnerships with local schools, Raising a Reader, and the Cal-EPIC program, which focuses on improving early childhood literacy and creating career pathways.
AVERAGE AGE
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Our lodge includes over 200+ members, we are especially energized by the dedicated core of brothers who actively shape our lodge by participating in meetings, degrees, and community events; the average age of engagement is a vibrant 49 years old.
CONSECUTIVE YEARS
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Demonstrating a sustained commitment to excellence, the California Freemason magazine has been nationally recognized for its high-quality content and design with prestigious EXCEL Awards from Association Media & Publishing for 14 consecutive years.
CONCORDANT BODIES
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Your Masonic journey doesn’t end as a Master Mason; it’s just the beginning. For those seeking to continue their pursuit of knowledge and brotherhood, numerous concordant bodies in and around Orange County offer unique paths for further growth.
values
The Core Values of a Freemason
While every man’s journey is unique, our fraternity is united by a set of
core principles that guide our actions, inside and outside the lodge.
Brotherly Love
We practice tolerance and respect for the opinions
of others and treat each other with kindness and understanding.
Relief
We have a duty to care for our members, their families, and
our community. We are driven to be charitable and provide relief to those
in need.
Truth
We strive for truth in all things and use knowledge and reason
to guide our path, aiming for a life of integrity and moral excellence.
leadership
Leadership of the Lodge
Each officer plays a vital role in guiding the Lodge’s activities and ensuring a welcoming environment.
Don L. Ancheta
Master
Keith B. Jones
Senior Warden
Scott C. Holland
Junior Warden
Service
More Than a Fraternity: Service To Those In Need
Masons serve. Not for recognition but because it’s needed.
The principles of self-improvement, fellowship, and community service are not limited to the men of our lodge. Freemasonry is part of a much larger family of independent organizations that share our values and extend our traditions to women, young men, and young women. These “concordant and appendant bodies” are vital partners in our mission to make the world a better place.
– Free & Accepted Masons
our core value
A Community of Shared Values
While each of these organizations are independent, we often collaborate on
community projects and enjoy fellowship together. If you or a member of your family is interested in learning more about these groups, we would be happy to help make an introduction to the local chapters here in the Orange area.
Freemasonry teaches lessons about personal integrity, charity, and the importance of leading a virtuous life. Through symbolic teachings, members are encouraged to reflect on their actions and seek self-improvement.
Can I Talk About What Happens In Lodge?
Absolutely! Masons are encouraged to discuss their experiences, values, and the lessons they learn with others. The only parts of our meetings that remain private are specific rituals and handshakes, which help maintain the significance of our traditions.
What Is Freemasonry’s Main Goal?
Freemasonry is about building better men. Through moral teachings and personal reflection, we guide members to become better versions of themselves—better fathers, husbands, friends, and citizens. Each member’s journey is unique, with the level of learning and advancement entirely up to the individual, based on their own education, enthusiasm, and interest in Freemasonry. There are no deadlines or required time commitments, allowing each person to progress at their own pace.
Do Freemasons Support Charitable Causes?
Yes. Freemasons are deeply involved in charitable work, both locally and globally. Many lodges support causes like public education, childhood literacy, scholarships, and health care initiatives, along with community-specific projects.
What’s Required To Join Freemasonry?
To join Freemasonry, you must be a man, at least 18 years old, and believe in a higher power. You’ll also need to meet and get to know members of a local lodge who will recommend your membership.
Does Freemasonry Conflict With My Religion?
No. Freemasonry encourages men of all faiths to join, as long as they believe in a higher power. Freemasonry itself is not a religion, and it does not interfere with personal religious beliefs or spiritual practice.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Rituals?
Freemasonry uses rituals as a way to impart important life lessons and values through symbolism and allegory. These rituals have been passed down for centuries and serve to bond members while teaching timeless virtues.
It’s simple—reach out to our lodge or better yet, visit us. Get to know the members, ask what we do and ask why we became a Mason. Each answer will be unique. Scroll down to call or send us a message.
