For sixty years, the Georgia Lodge of Research has provided Georgia Freemasonry with a place to ask questions, examine its history and traditions, challenge assumptions, and preserve Masonic scholarship for those who will come after us. Chartered in 1966 under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, the Lodge continues an even earlier tradition of organized Masonic research in this state and today serves as a statewide forum for serious inquiry into the history, symbolism, philosophy, practices, and enduring lessons of the Craft.

The Georgia Lodge of Research is not principally a degree-conferring lodge; its work is the pursuit and sharing of Masonic knowledge. Through original papers, quarterly presentations, distinguished guest lecturers, special programs, and thoughtful discussion, the Lodge brings together Masons who believe that the Craft is worthy of careful study. That scholarship does not end when a meeting closes. Through its annual Transactions and other publications, the Lodge preserves important research in permanent form—building a record of Georgia Masonic thought that now spans generations.

​Our purpose is simple: to seek more light, to encourage sound Masonic scholarship, and to share what we learn with the Craft.

2026 Programs

Friday, January 30, 2026 - “The Templar Delusion? An Examination of the Origins and Prevalence of the Masonic Templar Origin Theory”

Speaker: Worshipful Brother Anthony Williams, Grand Lodge of Georgia F&AM
Serving as Master of the Georgia Lodge of Research for 2026, Brother Williams presented a thoughtful examination of the origins and persistence of the Masonic Templar origin theory and its place in Masonic thought.

Friday, May 29, 2026 - “Charity: An Etymological Study”

Speaker: Worshipful Brother Jimmy Densmore, Grand Lodge of Georgia F&AM
Recipient of the 2025 Georgia Grand Master's Journalism Award for his book Through Fire and Fellowship, Brother Densmore explored the meaning, development, and Masonic significance of charity.

SPECIAL EVENT - Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - “From England to America: The Constitutions to the Declaration”

Speaker: Dr. Ric Berman, United Grand Lodge of England
Renowned Masonic author Dr. Ric Berman, Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076—the world's premier research lodge—and only the second Mason in history to serve twice as UGLE's prestigious Prestonian Lecturer, explored the history of Freemasonry from the medieval operative guilds through the Grand Lodge era, its arrival in America, and the influence of the 1723 Constitutions on the Declaration of Independence.

Friday, July 31, 2026 - “The Quality of Research & Masons in Modern Society”

Speaker: Right Worshipful Brother Daniel W. Robinson, Grand Lodge of Alabama F&AM
Brother Robinson, Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, examined the importance of sound research, careful thought, and the role of scholarship in contemporary Masonry.

UPCOMING PROGRAM - October 30, 2026 - “Lux Ex Tenebris”

Speaker: Brother Jason B. Rudder, Grand Lodge of Kentucky F&AM
Masonic author and speaker Brother Jason B. Rudder will present Lux Ex Tenebris, a special program for Master Masons exploring themes of light, darkness, and deeper Masonic reflection. The presentation will close the Georgia Lodge of Research’s 2026 program year.​

What we do

The Georgia Lodge of Research exists to encourage, develop, present, and preserve meaningful Masonic scholarship.

Research & Presentations
Our regular fifth-Friday communications feature original papers and presentations examining Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, leadership, ritual, and the broader intellectual traditions of the Craft.

Distinguished Guest Lecturers
In addition to our regular programs, the Lodge brings recognized Masonic scholars and speakers from Georgia, across the United States, and abroad to share their research and perspectives with our members and guests.

Transactions & Publications
Each year, the Lodge preserves important research in its hardbound Transactions, creating a permanent record of Masonic scholarship for present and future generations. The Lodge has also published special works devoted to Georgia Freemasonry, its history, and its notable members.

Encouraging Masonic Scholarship
The Lodge promotes excellence in research and writing through opportunities for members to present original work, contribute to Lodge publications, and receive recognition for outstanding Masonic scholarship.

​A Tradition of Masonic Research in Georgia

The roots of the Georgia Lodge of Research reach farther back than its modern 1966 charter. Organized Masonic research in Georgia flourished during the early years of the Grand Lodge’s Educational and Historical Commission, and Research Lodge No. 6 was chartered in 1933. Like many of Georgia’s early research lodges, it eventually became inactive, going dark by 1940. 

The modern Lodge grew from a renewed desire for serious Masonic study. In 1965, during a meeting of the Atlanta Masonic Club, a visiting Brother from overseas remarked on the absence of a research lodge where Georgia Masons could explore the history, meaning, and deeper lessons of the Craft. His observation caught the attention of Worshipful Brother Walter M. Callaway Jr., a devoted advocate for Masonic education. Callaway joined with other prominent Georgia Masons, including Most Worshipful Brothers Dewey H. Wollstein and Otis Dixon and Right Worshipful Brother D. Warner Wells, to turn that idea into reality. 

In 1966, Lodge of Research No. 104 was chartered under the authority of the Educational and Historical Commission of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Its first meeting was held in the Scottish Rite classroom of the Atlanta Masonic Temple and was attended by an impressive gathering that included four Past Grand Masters. From the beginning, the Lodge was intended to be different: a place where Masons could prepare and present original research, exchange ideas, question assumptions, and preserve worthwhile scholarship for the Craft. 

The Lodge’s identity continued to evolve. In 1977, Lodge of Research No. 104 became Research Lodge No. 6, reconnecting the modern Lodge with Georgia’s earlier research-lodge tradition. Ten years later, Brother F. Lamar Pearson Jr. proposed that the name be changed to the Georgia Lodge of Research. The change was approved by the Educational and Historical Commission on January 29, 1988, giving the Lodge the name by which it is known today and better expressing its statewide mission. 

​Across the decades, that mission has been expressed through original papers, distinguished speakers, statewide programs, and publication. The Walter M. Callaway Jr. Memorial Lecture honors one of the principal architects of the modern Lodge and is reserved for outstanding presentations by well-researched Masonic scholars. The Lodge’s annual Transactions preserve its scholarship in permanent form—the bylaws themselves describe publication of the Transactions as the very “lifeblood” of the Lodge of Research. 

Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Georgia Lodge of Research continues the work begun by those brethren who believed that Freemasonry deserves more than passing curiosity. Their vision remains ours: to study carefully, question thoughtfully, preserve faithfully, and share the light we discover with generations of Masons yet to come.

​SIX DECADES OF MASONIC SCHOLARSHIP

1933 — The First Research Lodge No. 6
Research Lodge No. 6 is chartered as part of Georgia's early movement to promote organized Masonic research and education. It becomes inactive by 1940. 

1965 — The Idea Is Renewed
A visiting Brother's observation at the Atlanta Masonic Club inspires Walter M. Callaway Jr. and other Georgia Masonic leaders to establish a new research lodge. 

​1966 — A New Lodge Is Chartered
Lodge of Research No. 104 begins the modern history of today's Georgia Lodge of Research. 
1977 — Research Lodge No. 6
The Lodge assumes the number of the earlier Research Lodge No. 6, strengthening its connection to Georgia's earlier research tradition. 
1988 — The Georgia Lodge of Research
Following a proposal by F. Lamar Pearson Jr., the Educational and Historical Commission approves the name Georgia Lodge of Research on January 29, 1988. 
2026 — Sixty Years of More Light
The Georgia Lodge of Research celebrates sixty years of its modern history while continuing its mission of research, education, publication, and Masonic fellowship.

Become a Member

For Masons Who Seek More Light
Membership in the Georgia Lodge of Research is open to Master Masons in good standing in a jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of Georgia. You do not have to be an author, historian, or academic to belong. Curiosity, a desire to learn, and an interest in preserving and sharing Masonic knowledge are more than enough reasons to join.

As a member, you become part of a community of Masons who believe the Craft is worthy of continued study and thoughtful discussion. Members are invited to hear original research presented at our fifth-Friday communications, engage directly with speakers and authors, explore decades of Georgia Masonic scholarship, and contribute their own work when inspiration strikes.

Membership also includes the Lodge’s annual hardbound Transactions, preserving original papers and presentations in permanent form. By joining, you not only receive the scholarship produced today—you help ensure that it remains available to the Masons who will follow us.

Learn
Hear original papers and presentations on Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, leadership, ritual, and related subjects.

Discuss
Ask questions, exchange ideas, and engage directly with presenters and brethren who share an interest in Masonic education.

Preserve
Receive the annual Transactions and help support the preservation of Georgia Masonic research for future generations.
Contribute

Membership does not require you to write or present—but if you have a question worth pursuing or research worth sharing, the Lodge provides a place to do it.

VISIT THE GEORGIA LODGE OF RESEARCH

Come for the Fellowship. Stay for the Conversation.
The Georgia Lodge of Research welcomes brethren and guests who share an interest in Freemasonry, its history, ideas, traditions, and continuing relevance. Our regular communications are held on the fifth Friday of each quarter and feature an original paper or presentation followed by an opportunity for questions, discussion, and fellowship.

Unless a particular program is announced otherwise, our meetings are open, and brethren are encouraged to bring their ladies and guests. Members of the public who are interested in attending are also welcome to contact us in advance so that we may properly receive them. 

Whether you are a longtime student of the Craft, a newly raised Master Mason looking for more light, or simply curious about the work of a Lodge of Research, we invite you to join us. You do not have to be a scholar to enjoy the Georgia Lodge of Research—you only need to be interested in learning.

WHERE WE MEET
Marietta Masonic Temple
Home of Kennesaw Lodge No. 33
547 Roswell Street NE
Marietta, Georgia 30060

WHEN WE MEET
Regular communications are held on the fifth Friday of the quarter. Normally lodge opens at 7:00 P.M., but specific meeting times and details for each program are announced in advance on this website and through the Georgia Lodge of Research Facebook page.

Special lectures and called communications may also be scheduled throughout the year.

FIRST TIME VISITING?
We would be delighted to have you with us. If you are visiting for the first time, have a question about an upcoming program, or would like to arrange for a guest to attend, please contact the Lodge in advance. We want your first visit to be an enjoyable one.

Lodge Dues

Fundraisers

Donations
​WEBMASTER
PERRY J. GIBBS