Seaboard 56 is a Masonic Lodge in the 33rd Masonic District of the Grand Lodge of VA. Seaboard Lodge No. 56, A.F. & A.M. On the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 1868, thirteen Master Masons, mostly from Portsmouth Naval Lodge No. 100, met for the purpose of forming a new Master Masons Lodge. Brother D. Walton was elected chairman and Brother Charles T. Myers was elected secretary serving with Brother
s D. Fiske, C.R. McAlpine, D. Carr, W. Firman, C. W. Murdaugh, and James Williamson to draw up papers and recommend suitable officers for the new Lodge. In addition to the above, Brothers Joseph Virnelson, J. C. Kaufman, W. Rew, D. R. Kay and John White were present. A request for dispensation was presented for action to form the new Lodge on May 22, 1868. It recommend Past Master Charles R. McAlpine, as Worshipful Master; Past Master C. Murdaugh, Senior Warden; and Past Master John J. Carr, Junior Warden; with Brother Augus Buff, secretary. Permission was requested of Portsmouth Naval Lodge No. 100 and Mt. Horab Royal Chapter No. 11 to meet in their hall until permanent arrangements could be made for a place to hold meetings. A meeting was held on the afternoon of June 15, 1868, and it was announced that a dispensation had been received empowering the Lodge to work. On June 29, it was announced that application had been made to Portsmouth Naval Lodge No. 100 and Mt. Horab Royal Arch Chapter No. 11 for use of their meeting hall, and that Past Master James Williamson in behalf of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 166 offered the loan of their jewels and aprons until Seaboard Lodge could procure these articles. On Wednesday, July 1, 1868, this Lodge received its first two petitions, those of Samuel Cutherell and James K. Langhorne. These Brethren were raised to the degree of Master Mason on August 26, 1868. Fees for the degrees were $10.00 with the petition and $10.00 before each degree. On January 6, 1869, it was announced that a charter had been granted under the designation of Seaboard Lodge No. 56. Membership
There are some basic requirements for membership into our Fraternity. To become a member of this ancient and honorable Fraternity, a man must apply of his own free will and accord and with an open heart. While we invite you to learn more about becoming a member of our Fraternity, invitations to join are not issued to a prospective member, nor is membership solicited. Freemasonry encourages men to voluntarily seek out participation in its mysteries. If a person is interested in becoming a Mason, he should ask a Masonic friend for more information or contact the Grand Lodge of Virginia. click here. Membership is open to all men, 18 years of age or older, who meet our qualifications and standards of good moral character and reputation. Freemasonry is not a religion but does require that a man believe in a God that promotes peace and harmony towards all mankind. The doors of Freemasonry are open to all men who seek harmony with their fellow man, desire the search for self-improvement, and wish to participate in making this world a better place to live by his actions and deeds. When a man becomes a Mason, he is taught a pattern for living, through reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability, and compassion. He must be prepared to honor his country, uphold its laws, and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honorable relations with others and be willing to share in Masonic activities. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason or have questions about the Fraternity, contact us or the Grand Lodge of Virginia for more information. MEMBERSHIP (form can be found here) - A completed petition should be returned to the Secretary of the Lodge in which you desire membership. Please contact him to obtain the address to which the petition and the required petition fees should be mailed.
