About

How To Inquire About Membership

If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, you can visit with the members at the Lodge on the 2nd Thursday during the meal 6:30pm-7:30pm. Or contact us.

Frequently asked questions and Information about Freemasonry

Freemasons teach and perpetuate a way of life that promotes the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. And is the oldest Fraternal organization in existence with written records about the Order that date back to 1390.

Any man who becomes a Mason is taught a pattern for living - reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability, and compassion. He must be prepared to honor his country, uphold its laws, and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honorable relations with others and be willing to share in Masonic activities.

The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony with their fellowman, feel the need for self-improvement and wish to participate in making this world a better place to live.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members a belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings. For more information about Freemasons and religion visit msana.com

What is the age requirement? You must be 18 years of age or older, and believe in God.

How much does it cost? Each of the over 300 Masonic Lodges in Virginia have different annual dues and initiation fees. The annual dues range from about $50-$300, and the onetime initiation fees also vary from about $50-$500. The fees for Cochran Lodge No. 271 can be found in the Payments Page.

How can a become a Freemason? Freemasonry does not solicit members, you must ask, 2-B-1-ASK-1. Contact Us

Why I am a Mason

I have found Masons to be very loving and caring. Not only for Brothers but the community and widows of passed Brothers. I also have found that Masonry is very spiritual base, more so than any other organization I have ever been involved in. I mean this in a loving respect and not judgmental. I really enjoy my experience and am excited to continue my education and experience. John B

Personal pride to share the ideals and brotherhood of the Fraternity. My Masonic experience has helped me to live with a better understanding of my life as it relates to quality and preparation. I’m better prepared to live each day to the morals and principles that I have learned to this point. Thomas F

I am always welcomed by the Brethren and am treated with dignity and respect. I have a feeling of belonging to something true and tried by history, a good something. I have but one regret and that is I did not take this step many years ago. Being a part of this Fraternity makes me look for the right path to take. It is becoming the compass to guide by, and I am glad to be a part of the oldest and greatest Fraternity ever to exist. David K

Officers of a Lodge

Officers. The Lodge officers are elected by the members of the Lodge, although a few are appointed by the Worshipful Master. They are part of a progressive line, which is also known as going through the chairs. This line of succession moves up one position at a time from one year to the next. Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master. For a complete list of positions see the officers page.

Stationed Officers. The three stationed officer are the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden. All three are elected positions voted on my the members of the Lodge.

Appointed Officers. The appointed officers are the Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Marshal, Tiler and Chaplain which are appointed positions by the Worshipful Master. These are typically not voted on my the members.

Committees. A Lodge may have various committees such as building, widow, sick and distressed, and numerous others that the Worshipful Master would ask Lodge members to serve on.

Accessibility

There is free street and gravel lot parking available. The building was built before ADA compliance, so it is not considered accessible. The dinning hall, and restrooms are on the 1st floor, and should be accessible, but the Lodge room is on the 2nd floor, with steep stairs to climb. 

What is Freemasonry Grand Lodge of Virginia video