MASONIC MEMBERSHIP PATTERNS IN OKLAHOMA Spatial and Socioeconomic Patterns of Freemason Member- ship in Oklahoma

Freemasonry is one of the oldest lodge-style fraternal systems in the world. After the founding of the first American lodge in 1731, Masonry spread across the United States. The original Oklahoma Territory lodge formed in 1874, and after the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma was organized in 1909, Masonry flourished in Oklahoma until the 1960s. However, the last four decades have witnessed steady declines of membership, both in Oklahoma and nationwide. This paper analyzes Masonic membership in Oklahoma to identify the demographic and socio-economic characteristics that most closely correspond to higher or lower levels of membership in Oklahoma’s counties. While Masonry is in steep decline statewide, the factors that influence this decline are different in different parts of the state. Identifying significant relationships and valid predictor variables of membership levels will lead to a better understanding of which population groups are more or less likely to join or remain members of a Masonic Lodge. We also discuss regional patterns of the socioeconomic influences on membership rates. This information will be of use to the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma in remedying this decline, but it also provides insight into an important cultural phenomenon that may be vanishing from our society. © 2002 Oklahoma Academy of Scienc