Wisdom
Wisdom is the foundation of our Craft, guiding us toward moral improvement and the pursuit of truth in all our endeavors.
Strength is derived from our brotherhood and the support we provide to one another, ensuring we stand firm in our commitment to service.
Strength
Beauty
Beauty is found in the perfection of character and the harmony of our work, reflecting the universal values of the fraternity.
Guided by Virtue, United in Brotherhood
We are a Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons dedicated to the pursuit of moral improvement and the service of humanity. Through our fellowship and shared commitment to light, we strive to build character and strengthen our community, honoring the timeless traditions of our Craft.
The Square & Compasses
Symbolizing the foundation of all things and the pursuit of moral perfection through wisdom and justice.
The Gavel
Representing the authority of the Worshipful Master and the power of the voice in the governance of the Lodge.
The Working Tools
The Light
Symbolizing the illumination of the mind and the pursuit of truth in the journey toward enlightenment.
The Badge
Representing the identity of the Mason and the bond of brotherhood that unites all members of the Craft.
Legacy of Waynesville Lodge #163
Waynesville Masonic Lodge No. 163, Free and Accepted Masons, stands as one of the oldest and most enduring fraternal institutions in Warren County. Chartered in 1848, the lodge has served the Waynesville community for more than a century and a half, upholding the ancient principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
In its earliest years, the lodge met in rented upper‑floor rooms along Main Street, a common practice among Ohio lodges of the mid‑19th century. These early meeting places placed the fraternity at the heart of village life, where merchants, craftsmen, and civic leaders gathered to conduct their labors and strengthen the bonds of fellowship. As the lodge grew, it occupied several halls throughout the village, each reflecting the evolving needs of its membership and its expanding role in the community.
Today, Waynesville Lodge No. 163 meets at its modern home at 1351 Lytle Road, a facility that supports the full work of the Craft, including degree conferrals, educational programs, and community events. The lodge shares a close and longstanding partnership with Miami Chapter No. 107, Order of the Eastern Star, with whom it collaborates on charitable efforts and community outreach.
Throughout its history, the lodge has remained deeply engaged in the life of Waynesville. Its members have contributed to the welfare of the community through acts of charity, support for local families, scholarship programs, and participation in civic events. Among its most visible contributions is its involvement in the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival, where the lodge and Eastern Star jointly operate the well‑known sauerkraut pizza booth. Proceeds from this effort support scholarships, local charities, and other benevolent causes.
As Waynesville Lodge No. 163 enters another year of service, it continues to honor the traditions of the Craft while embracing the opportunities of the future. The installation of officers marks not only a renewal of leadership, but also a reaffirmation of the lodge’s enduring commitment to integrity, fellowship, and the betterment of all within its reach.
1848
Origins of Light
Following its charter, the Lodge met in rented Main Street rooms, establishing a fraternal heart for local craftsmen and leaders.
1894
Growth and Tenure
The Lodge occupied various halls throughout the village, evolving its space to meet the expanding needs of a growing brotherhood.
1970
A Modern Temple
The Lodge moved to its current home on Lytle Road, a facility equipped for degree work, education, and community outreach.
Today
Civic Integrity
We maintain vital partnerships with the Eastern Star, supporting local scholarships and charity through the Sauerkraut Festival.