District 31 Membership Poker Chip
The person who gave you the 31st District Membership Poker Chip believed you to be a good man, with potential to be a Mason.
The 31st Masonic District is composed of six Lodges that provide mutual support and fellowship as follows:
| Name | Location | County |
|---|---|---|
| Smithfield Union Lodge No. 18 | Smithfield, VA | Isle of Wight |
| Jefferson Lodge No. 65 | Surry, VA | Surry |
| Courtland Lodge No. 85 | Courtland, VA | Southampton |
| Franklin Lodge No. 151 | Franklin, VA | Franklin City |
| Purdie Lodge No. 170 | Windsor, VA | Isle of White |
| Ivor Lodge No. 291 | Ivor, VA | Southampton |
Men of high character interested in Freemasonry may start their journey by Taking the First Step
For general information please click here.
Common Myths About Freemasonry
| No | Myth | Truth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | It’s a secret society. | They are a society with secrets. They don’t hide their existence; they have signs on their buildings and many members wear Masonic rings in public. |
| 2 | They rule the world. | Masons are forbidden from discussing politics at meetings. They represent a cross-section of the community. Their goal is self-improvement, not political power. There is no “New World Order.” |
| 3 | It is a religion. | Freemasonry is a fraternity. While you must believe in a higher power to join, they don’t have a path to salvation or a specific god of their own. |
| 4 | You have to be rich to join. | Most Masons are every-day people—teachers, plumbers, and office workers. The yearly dues are very affordable. |
| 5 | Their rituals are scary. | Most rituals involve acting out moral lessons using stone-cutting tools (like the square and compass) as metaphors for building a better character. |
| 6 | Masons are reclusive. | Masons engage and improve their communities in many ways, such as scholarships, supporting first responders and schools. They often march in parades. Their buildings are clearly marked with signs. |