What is a research lodge?

If you're unfamiliar with Research Lodges, you're not alone. These specialized lodges serve a unique purpose in Freemasonry, advancing Masonic knowledge through research and education rather than degree work.

Under Section 4.17 of the Grand Lodge of Michigan Blue Book, Lodges of Research and Information are established exclusively for researching and publishing Masonic educational material. They operate under special provisions that make them ideal for focused educational missions.

Unlike regular lodges that meet monthly, confer the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and maintain a local membership focus, Research Lodges operate quite differently. They meet just quarterly instead of monthly, cannot confer any degrees, and draw members from across the entire state rather than a local area. While regular lodges require primary membership and pay per capita fees to Grand Lodge, Research Lodges operate exclusively through plural membership (meaning you must maintain membership in a regular lodge) and are completely exempt from all Grand Lodge fees and assessments. Additionally, Research Lodges have the flexibility to rotate their meeting locations throughout the state, whereas regular lodges maintain a fixed meeting location. This structure makes Research Lodges ideal for specialized educational missions that serve the entire jurisdiction without competing with local lodges for members or resources.

• Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 (London): The premier Masonic research lodge worldwide
• Michigan Lodge of Research and Information No. 1: Our state's first research lodge
• Iowa Lodge of Research No. 2: Pioneering Midwestern research
• Texas Lodge of Research: Known for historical preservation

The research lodge structure perfectly suits our mission:

• Statewide Reach: We can collect stories from veterans across Michigan
• Quarterly Meetings: More feasible for brothers who travel or have health challenges
• Educational Focus: Aligns with preserving and sharing veteran wisdom
• No Competition: Plural membership means no drain on existing lodges
• Resource Creation: Everything we produce benefits all Michigan lodges