Ohio Freemasonry • A Tradition of Light
The Moonlight Journey
Travel across Ohio visiting the historic lodges that still meet
by the light of the full moon — a tradition dating back nearly 200 years.
A Vanishing Tradition
Meeting by the Light
of the Full Moon
In the days before paved roads and automobiles, travel at night was treacherous. Rural Ohio Masons who gathered after dark needed the full moon to light their way home along dirt roads that stretched for miles through brush and open fields.
These lodges — known as Moonlight Lodges — scheduled their stated meetings on or near the full moon each month. At the turn of the 20th century, over 3,000 Moon Lodges existed across America. Today, only about 129 remain nationwide.
Ohio proudly preserves 12 of them. The Masonic Moonlight Journey is your invitation to visit every one.
12
Moonlight Lodges
2,600
Miles Across Ohio
~200
Years of Tradition
13
Meetings Per Year
The Twelve Lodges
Ohio's Moonlight Lodges
Each lodge meets on a different day relative to the full moon. Plan your visits across all four regions of Ohio.
Lodge No. 29
Clermont Social
Williamsburg, Ohio
Lodge No. 78
Leesburg
Leesburg, Ohio
Lodge No. 91
Western Sun
Wheelersburg, Ohio
Lodge No. 94
Montgomery
Cincinnati, Ohio
Lodge No. 170
Thrall
Fredericktown, Ohio
Lodge No. 172
Doric
Beaverton, Ohio
The Certificate Program
How the Journey Works
Contact Your Lodge Secretary
Speak with your Lodge Secretary to begin the process. Your Secretary can request your official Masonic Moonlight Journey Certificate from the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
Plan Your Visits
Check the full moon calendar and coordinate with each lodge's unique lunar meeting schedule.
Visit Each Lodge
Attend a stated meeting. The Lodge Secretary affixes their seal and date on your certificate.
Complete the Journey
Visit all 12 Moonlight Lodges to earn your completed Masonic Moonlight Journey Certificate.
Plan Your Journey
2026 Full Moon Dates
January
Jan 13
February
Feb 12
March
Mar 14
April
Apr 12
May
May 12
June
Jun 11
July
Jul 10
August
Aug 9
September
Sep 7
October
Oct 7
November
Nov 5
December
Dec 5
Each lodge meets on a specific day of the week relative to the full moon. Check individual lodge profiles for exact schedules.
The Brethren I've had the pleasure and honor of meeting has exceeded my expectations. I've met many Past Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, and Masons who just enjoy being with other Brothers. I would encourage anyone who would have the time and resources to make the Moonlight Journey.
Brother Rick Jones Western Sun Lodge No. 91 — Completed the Journey, 2016–2017
Ready to Begin?
Start Your Moonlight Journey
Contact your Lodge Secretary to request your certificate. Your Secretary can reach the Grand Lodge of Ohio to get you started on your journey by the light of the full moon.