The Benjamin Franklin Society recognizes Freemasons who are active in service to non-profit, charitable, religious, or civic organizations.  The objects of the Society are:

• To promote good fellowship among Masons who donate their time to institutions that benefit humanity.

• To recognize Masons who are active in volunteer service.

• To introduce our friends who are active volunteers to the Masonic Fraternity.

• To promote volunteerism among Masons.

The Society is named for one of America’s Founding Fathers, and a Brother Mason, who was an active volunteer and created many groups to benefit mankind. The Society meets once a year, holding its Annual Festival on or near Franklin’s birthday (January 17). 

The requirements for membership are:

• Be a member in good standing of a lodge recognized as a regular lodge by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts

• Contribute at least 40 hours annually in service to charitable, religious, non-profit, or governmental organizations

• Pay dues which include admission to the Annual Festival

• Attend the Annual Festival

For more information, please email our President

A Recognized Affinity Club

The Benjamin Franklin Society is recognized as an affinity club by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. See our listing at massmasons.org.  Affinity clubs are recognized groups of Masons who gather for a social, recreational, local fellowship, charitable, educational, or similar purpose.  These clubs enhance our Brethren's experience of Freemasonry as a living community and philosophy. 

 View Our Video

Past President Chris Gugger, with the assistance of two other Fellows, shot a series of videos to introduce The Benjamin Franklin Society to our Brethren in Freemasonry. This is the short version. 

The tentative date for our next Annual Festival is January 18, 2024

The tradition of an Annual Festival is a custom borrowed from English Freemasonry. The United Grand Lodge of England holds its Grand Festival annually to mark the occasion of the installation of the Grand Master and other grand officers. Similarly, the Emulation Lodge of Improvement holds its annual festival on the last Friday in February, when a distinguished Brother acts as the Festival President, is received in the lodge with due ceremonial, and presides at the banquet.   

The Annual Festival of the Benjamin Franklin Society is our annual observance of Benjamin Franklin's birthday. It is our method of celebrating our volunteer activities and a happy occasion on which to receive new Fellows into the Society and recognize their achievements. 

Governance

The Benjamin Franklin Society is governed by its Council, which consists of the five officers specified in our constitution and three Councilors. While the only stated meeting of the Society (and the only one at which attendance is required) is the Annual Festival, the Council meets periodically to transact the necessary business of the Society and for fellowship. Notice of Council meetings is given to all Fellows and Associates who are welcome to attend all its meetings.

Officers 2023-2024

President Frank Gouveia

First Vice President George Harold Kopps

Second Vice President Richard Wayne Whitney, Jr.

Treasurer Robert Harry Decelle, Jr.

Secretary Frederick Nichols Nowell, III

COUNCILORS

Donald Ross Walker Term Expiring 2024

Vinod Kumar Bhandari Term Expiring 2025

Jason Joseph Gervais Term Expiring 2026

 2023 Annual Festival 

Museum of Printing, Haverhill, Massachusetts