Freemasons of Washington

 You probably know the names of many of the families that helped shape Sequim. There are the Bekkevars, the Cays, the Clarks, the Lotzgesells and so many more. But as historian John Majors discovered, many of these shakers and movers in the community have one thing in common - they also make up the Sequim Masonic Family of Lodge No. 213.

2015 marked the centennial for the Sequim Freemasons after the 20 founding members received permission to form a lodge in Nov. 9, 1915. Sequim's Masonic Lodge has featured an array of people and leaders including scientists, a stuntman, educators, politicians, businessmen, a veterinarian, a lighthouse keeper and more.

The idea of forming a Dungeness lodge was first discussed in 1906 with Port Angeles Lodge No. 69, but nothing happened until nine years later with the Sequim Lodge being chartered in 1915. At first, meetings were held in the second story of the Sequim Tire Shop/Gas Station until the club built its first lodge in 1931 on the southwest corner of Sequim Avenue and Alder Street on land donated by founder Worshipful Master Charles F. Seal . Its current lodge was built in 1987 at 700 S. Fifth Ave. on land donated by John F. Kirner (1958 Master).

The Masons also have several other groups that fall under its umbrella, including the Shriners, the Order of the Eastern Star for women, DeMolay International for boys, the Scottish Rite and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

They also are active in the community as an organization by providing annual college scholarships for Sequim seniors and have awarded nearly $900,000 to about 600 students since 1977. Masons also support numerous local nonprofits and provide free health screenings and identification for children.

While Freemasonry remains one of the oldest fraternal societies with private meetings and secret handshakes and words, to be a member, you just have to ask.