Welcome to Jerusalem Lodge #49 online.

As Connecticut Freemasons, we embrace the tenets of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love. We do this by using the teachings of Freemasonry to better ourselves, our community, and each other. At our lodge, we make Masons, enjoy fellowship, and explore the rich history and meaning within Freemasonry. Tour our site to learn about our history, activities, and schedule of future events.

The Masonic Fraternity does not invite anyone to become a member, instead we wait patiently for the special man to knock on our door and seek admittance. Perhaps your visit here is that "knock" on our outer door.

Feel free to browse our site; investigate us and Freemasonry! See for yourself what we are doing in Ridgefield, at the same location (396 Main St.) for over 200 hundred years.

We hope this site interests you into becoming a better man and joining the greatest and largest Fraternity in the world. You may reach out via email on this site, or if you prefer to leave a message at the lodge, call: 203-894-1704. See current degree fees.

Connecticut Freemasons: making a difference, here and around the world.

On an uncharacteristically snowy, October day, the brothers of Jerusalem Lodge participated in the wildly popular annual Halloween Walk. Despite the weather, Main St. was filled with families going from door to door trick-or-treating.

Based on the number of pencils, candies, and toys we gave out, around 900-1,000 children stopped by the front porch of the lodge, giving us a chance to put a friendly face on Masonry in Ridgefield.

We look forward to participating again next year!

For those looking to learn more about Freemasonry, there are hundreds of books available that detail the history, philosophy, and symbolism. The trick is finding the right book for your interest and level of knowledge. Freemasonry is a deep, multi-layered system that encourages life-long study; the key is not to be overwhelmed by jumping too far ahead.

We have compiled a list of our favorite books, favoring those that are readily available (most can be found at Amazon.com) and are readable to the modern Mason.

In particular, we encourage prospective candidates to read a basic primer—a book that can further explain the fraternity, without divulging the degrees and deeper meanings. Consistently, we find candidates who have a base level of understanding are most likely to have their expectations met when they join. And conversely, those eager men who do an extended home study program before stepping into lodge take away from their own degree experiences. It is like they are like reading a movie review that gives away the ending before going to the theater.

Former Ridgefield resident Chris Hodapp has a great primer with his “Freemasonry for Dummies.” His other books on the list are also good, early reads. Likewise, Brent Morris’ “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry” is an excellent starting place. For those looking for the short, cheap introduction, Bro. Greg Stewart has a concise e-book “What is Freemasonry?” that can start what will hopefully be a lifetime journey.