In Freemasonry, we make good men better.
You don't need to know one first.
We do not recruit. We all took the initiative to ask a Mason how to become a member.
Freemasonry is an ancient fraternity based on a series of moral lessons that help a good man become a better man. We use what we call "working tools" that teach us and remind us to control our actions. Think of it as a "mind hack". Self control and self discipline define us as Freemasons. We keep our minds busy, which may be one of the reasons we live longer than other men. But we also learn how to plan and manage beyond the here and now.
We don't have membership drives or pressure tactics so you must seek us out. You can reach us by clicking here. We are where leaders are made. You took the initiative to find us, now it's up to you to ask the question. Do you want something more in your life? Are you content to stumble around in the darkness until the end of your days? We open our doors to like minded men who wish to embrace the clarity of mind and thought. If you knock, we can open the door but you have to choose to walk through it.
we're proud to be freemasons
We're fortunate to have had the pleasure of being with like-minded men
We're proud of our brothers
You've heard of the saying, "I've got your back" or maybe somewhere you "got a square deal". Maybe you've seen an old film where someone in court places their hand on the bible and promises to tell the "whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God". Or maybe you've heard someone say, "level with me". All of those sayings are based on Freemasonry.
Those are just a few of the principles of freemasonry and they make us better men, better husbands, better fathers and better members of our community.
Photos from two of our Hays signature events; the Cajun Crawfish and Andoulie sausage boil in February and the Shed Lodge (smoked brisket) warehouse event.
Gallery
Meet some of the Brothers
Bob
Bob has served as Worshipful Master from 2020-2022. As a Retired Captain in the Milwaukee Fire Department, Bob embraces our charitable work in our focus toward the health and safety of our first responders. He is currently leading an effort to get a Fire Suppression tool to the Brown Deer police department with the hopes that additional lives can be saved and precious community resources preserved.
John
I knew my Grandfather was a Mason and I was always curious about it. I met a guy who had a square and compasses on his car I asked about it and he said "you just gotta tell a Mason that you're interested". I gave him my number, got a call, met some of the guys and I liked the chemistry. I went into it without any expectations but I found it was a great group of good people who are friendly and whose values I share. The social aspect of being in a brotherhood has kept me loving our fraternity.
Max
Many of the people I respected, I began to find out they were Masons. As a martial artist in Kung Fu, precision, self discipline and self control are key to who I am and Masonry reflects those values. One of our working tools in Masonry, the compasses, reminds us to keep our actions within due bounds. It reinforces the values that I find important as a man.
Frequently Asked Questions about James M Hays Lodge & Freemasonry
Why Lineage is Important to Freemasons
Lineage establishes important legitimacy for Freemason lodges and there are plenty of fake masons out there. We call them clandestine masons and many of them do not even know they…
How to Research Masonic Genealogy
Researching your family history for a masonic connection can be fun and inspiring for anyone interested in genealogy. Although it is not required for a petitioner to have any familial…
Freemasons help Toys for Tots
Another Charitable ripple turned tidal wave as the Hays Boys answer ed the call by Toys for Tots. James M Hays Lodge collectively pulled together over $2000 to make sure…
Biography of James M Hays
James Muckle Hays was born in Milwaukee on October 15,1872, the son of Robert and Jane (Coulter) Hays. His father was a civil war veteran and one of only three…
Charitible Giving of Time and Resources
We are known for our charitable giving both through time and financial resources. Our focus has been on places where we can make a big difference and the Hays Boys…
Why we Live Longer and are More Fulfilled
Our craft teaches us different techniques — think of them as mindhacks, to remind us of the importance of self discipline, self control, focus and planning. It gives us the…
How Much Time is Required?
How much time you commit to freemasonry is entirely up to you. Freemasonry isn’t about punching a time clock. It is a journey into oneself, amongst brethren. We encourage you…
Charity – Making an Impact
While we’re not a charity, we do charitable work. We focus our giving where we know we will be making an impact. In 2019, James M Hays Lodge donated…
How do I become a Mason?
If you want to become a Mason, you need to find a lodge. Call them up or knock on the door and it shall be opened unto you. Once some…