Seattle Freemasons of Evergreen Triangle

Evergreen Triangle is a collection of Le Droit Humain Freemasons residing in the Seattle, Washington, and the Portland, Oregon, areas. Join us at our public meetings. We are available to meet individuals interested in Freemasonry, answer questions, and initiate those seeking more light.

The French expression “Le Droit Humain” is difficult to translate into English. It refers to Natural Law and Justice in human life, as distinct from laws that human beings make. It denotes the rights and responsibilities that every person is born with, similar to those “unalienable Rights” cited in the American Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

The oldest Masonic organization for both men and women is the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women: Le Droit Humain, which was founded in Paris in 1893. You can read the history of Le Droit Humain via the American Federation website.

Maria Deraismes, journalist and fighter for the rights of women and children, and Dr. Georges Martin, Senator, General Councillor for the Dept. of the Seine, Municipal Councillor of Paris, undertook campaigns in favor of the civic and political rights of women, the defense of the rights of oppressed children, and for the establishment of a neutral school system that respected the ideas of everyone. They also took up campaigns against clerical intolerance.

Maria Deraismes was initiated on January 14, 1882, into the Lodge “Les Libres Penseurs” of Pecq, a small village to the west of Paris. She was one of the first female Freemasons, symbolizing initiatory equality.

Eleven years later, on April 4, 1893, Maria Deraismes and Georges Martin, a well known Mason, created in Paris the first Masonic Lodge for women and men. Out of this Masonic Lodge came the birth of the Grande Loge Symbolique Ecossaise “Le Droit Humain”, establishing the equality of men and women, out of which came the birth of the International Order Of Freemasonry For Men And Women: Le Droit Humain.

Maria Deraismes died on February 6, 1894, and the task of organizing and developing “Le Droit Humain” fell on Dr. Martin. His energetic will placed him beyond frontiers, ethnic groups, religions and cultures, and he very quickly founded Lodges outside France–in Switzerland and in England.

The Order spread throughout Europe before sowing itself in other parts of the world.

Francois Louis Goaziou came to America from France and found work in the Pennsylvania coal mines.  In 1897, he started a monthly French newspaper, which he edited and printed himself. In 1902, this paper began to appear weekly and attracted the attention of a Professor of French at Columbia University in New York City, Antoine Muzzarelli.  Mr. Muzzarelli was a member of the Lodge L’Atlantide of the Grand Orient of France in New York City, but was also interested in the newly organized Le Droit Humain Order (LDH).

On October 18, 1903, Francois Louis Goaziou and fourteen other men were initiated, passed and raised. The next day, Mrs. Goaziou and Mrs. Etienne Barthelot were also initiated, passed and raised. On October 25, 1903, the first Co-Masonic Lodge in America–Alpha No. 301 of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, was consecrated.

“Le Droit Humain was built out of a marvelous dream to unite humanity despite all the barriers, ethnic groups, geopolitics, religions and cultures.”

Learn about becoming a Freemason. All genders are encouraged to apply.

Download application to join: APPLICATION-FORM

This application will be forwarded to the Worshipful Master of the lodge located closest to you unless you indicate otherwise.

You can email a PDF to  seattlefreemasons @ gmail.com. Fees/Dues can be paid after confirmation of the receipt of application materials.

Common Membership Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to join?

You must be 18 years or older.

What accommodations can you make for my physical or mental needs? Do you accept people with disabilities or handicaps?

It depends upon the circumstances. Certain disabilities might prevent full participation. 

How much time and energy do I need to contribute?

Especially in your first year as a Freemason, please be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time learning, studying and some time spent in memorizing. The more time and effort you are willing to contribute, the more growth and progress you will see. When you put forth your best effort, you will benefit greatly.

Do I need anything special to be a member?

You must be free, of full age (18 years) and of good report (a good reputation, with people who are willing to vouch for your character). In addition, we prefer that you regularly check your email, as that is our primary method for regular communications.

Am I required to buy any special uniform or type of clothing for meetings?

You do not need to purchase a specific uniform, but we do wear certain colors. When you become a Master Mason (3rd degree), there will be necessary ritual regalia–the apron (around $60).

Do I have to be financially wealthy or politically well-connected to join?

No. You only need to be able to comfortably afford Masonic Fees and Dues.

If I’m already a Mason, can I attend your meetings?

All Masonic obediences, including Freemasons from male-craft lodges, are welcome to attend our meetings, pending verification. Once we verify that you are in good standing with your lodge, we can proceed. Please Contact Us.

If I’m already a Mason, how do I join?

Contact us with information regarding your lodge so we can verify you are in good standing. We then will arrange a meeting (virtual or in person) to discuss your options.

What kind of people join?

There is a frequent saying in Freemasonry: “We take good men (or women) and make them better.” Many of the people that apply to join are already on the path of self-improvement. Freemasonry helps by giving people tools to become even better. Want to learn more? Check out the American Federation’s website for in-depth information.

How soon can I join?

We accept applications for new members at any time. Initiations will be scheduled based on need and the other duties of the Triangle. Your patience in this matter is appreciated.

I’m scared, but I also really want to join.

No worries! We are happy to meet with you, talk over the phone, or chat via email. We can answer most of your questions, although some answers may be vague because of the secrecy of the ritual. Information about initiation, degree work, and more can be found on the internet, but nothing will prepare you for the real-life experiences of being a Freemason. At some point, you will have to trust your instinct. We look forward to all the light you bring.

The application says I need two people to recommend me. Who should I put?

You can leave those lines blank. After your application is submitted, or if you inquire without submitting an application, you will be in contact with one or more LDH members. By the time you are scheduled for initiation, at least two LDH members will be happy to sign your application recommending you.

Please email us at SeattleFreemasons@gmail.com

We look forward to speaking with you.