By the end of 1869, it had a total of 24 local lodges across the United States, the largest of which had over 400 members.
The local lodges are known by their lodge number and the name of the city in which they are located.
Constructed in 1902 as a meeting hall for local Masonic lodges, the Masons sold the building in 1940.
Numerous local lodges of national Swedish American organizations also flourished and a few remain solvent as of 2008.
Members participate in activities such as folk dancing and singing, language classes, crafts, and youth festivals through local lodges.
But not all local lodges march in lock step with Mr. Fitje.
Revere and Warren, in addition to having common political views, were also both active in the same local Masonic lodges.
Blacks formed local lodges of the Odd Fellows and Elks.
The Fraternal Order of Police last week endorsed the Club and began selling it in local lodges.
The ceremony was witnessed by 1,000 people, including representatives from local Masonic lodges.