What would drive a group of men to endure grueling travel through the untamed frontier, assembling in modest lodges to forge a new legacy of fraternity? The story of Founders' Day in Indiana is not just a chapter in Freemasonry’s history—it’s a testament to perseverance, vision, and unity in the face of immense challenges.
As the foundations of our state were being laid, Freemasons gathered to create a Grand Lodge that would solidify their principles and provide a structure for growth. This wasn’t merely about logistics or governance; it was about building a community rooted in shared values, dedicated to fostering brotherhood and enlightenment.
This article explores the remarkable journey of those early Freemasons and the lasting significance of their efforts. Supported by meticulous research from our members, it dives deep into the origins of Freemasonry in Indiana, the establishment of the Grand Lodge, and the traditions that continue to inspire us today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Freemason, or simply curious about the roots of this enduring fraternity, this story reveals why Founders' Day matters—and how it has shaped the identity of Freemasonry in our state.
"Freemasonry was seen as a vital, civilizing force on the frontier that helped to spread democratic ideals and practices into the farthest edges of the wilderness."
Indiana Freemasonry History - Early Beginnings:

Freemasonry's roots in Indiana stretch back to the late 18th century, marking a journey of fraternity and resilience that has significantly influenced the state's history. A pivotal moment was the formation of Vincennes Lodge No. 15 on August 31, 1808, in Vincennes, then the territorial capital. Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, its inaugural work was conferring the Third Degree upon Colonel John Gibson, a Revolutionary War officer and Secretary of the Indiana Territory.
Over the following years, additional lodges were established, including:
Union Lodge No. 29 in Madison (1815)
Blazing Star Lodge No. 36 in Charlestown (1816)
Others in Salem, Lawrenceburg, Corydon, Switzerland, Rising Sun, and Brookville (Wikipedia).
These lodges fostered a spirit of mutual support and camaraderie among settlers, laying the groundwork for the Grand Lodge of Indiana.
Formation of the Grand Lodge of Indiana:
Recognizing the need for a unified governing body, representatives from these lodges convened in Corydon on December 3, 1817, to discuss the formation of a Grand Lodge. Corydon, the state capital from 1816 to 1825, served as a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. On January 13, 1818, at the Schofield House in Madison, delegates established the Grand Lodge of Indiana, adopting a constitution and selecting Thomas Smith Webb’s Illustrations of Masonry as the standard for work and governance (Schofield House).
This unification symbolized a commitment to the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. The Grand Lodge became a beacon of guidance for members and a source of moral and social development for the broader community.
Enduring Legacy:
The legacy of Indiana’s early Freemasons continues to shine through lodges still in operation today:
Vincennes Lodge No. 1
Union Lodge No. 2
Lawrenceburg Lodge No. 4
Rising Sun Lodge No. 6
These lodges remain steadfast symbols of the fraternity’s enduring values and adaptability over two centuries.
Annual Founders' Day celebrations, held each January, honor the foresight and dedication of Freemasonry’s founders. The event inspires current members to uphold the fraternity's principles and provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and camaraderie.
"The genius of Freemasonry is not our Masonic buildings and temples or the trappings of our organizations... It is the 'practice of Freemasonry' by the Freemasons. Yet we cannot practice that which we do not know or understand. Thus Masonic education is the foundation for our Fraternity."
- Carl H. Claudy
Conclusion:
The history of Freemasonry in Indiana is a story of visionaries who, through determination and unity, established a fraternity that has withstood the test of time. Their efforts laid a foundation that continues to inspire Masons today, fostering a community committed to moral integrity, charitable endeavors, and the pursuit of knowledge. As we reflect on this legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact that a dedicated group of individuals can have on the cultural and social fabric of a state.
If this is something that interests you, feel free to reach out and contact us. We'd be more than happy to help you become a better man. To be one, ask one.
“To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
- Brother George Washington.
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