About Our Lodge

A Tradition of Brotherhood Since 1854

For more than 170 years, Claremont Lodge No. 64 has been part of the history and community of Sumter, South Carolina.

Organized in 1854 and chartered in 1855, our Lodge has witnessed generations of change while remaining steadfast in its commitment to the principles and teachings of Freemasonry.

Throughout its history, Claremont Lodge has endured the challenges of war, economic uncertainty, declining membership, fire, and severe weather. From the American Civil War through the World Wars and the conflicts that followed, generations of our Brothers have faced the challenges of their times while working to preserve the fraternity entrusted to their care.

Our history is not merely a collection of dates, names, and events. It is the story of men who believed that the principles of Freemasonry were worthy of preservation and who accepted the responsibility of passing those principles to future generations.

Today, we continue that tradition with pride, recognizing that the Lodge we enjoy is the result of the dedication and perseverance of those who came before us.

More Than a Lodge — A Brotherhood

At Claremont Lodge, we believe that the true strength of Freemasonry is found in the relationships formed among its members.

Our Lodge is a place where men from different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life come together as equals, united by shared principles and a commitment to personal improvement.

We value genuine friendship, mutual respect, and the willingness to support one another through life's successes and challenges. Our fellowship extends beyond formal meetings and ceremonies, creating lasting bonds among Brothers and their families.

We strive to maintain an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful, and filled with the good-natured humor that makes fellowship enjoyable.

When someone walks through our doors, there is not a stranger, but simply a Brother or friend we have not yet met.

Service Beyond Our Walls

Freemasonry teaches that our responsibilities do not end when a Lodge meeting concludes.

Throughout its history, Claremont Lodge has demonstrated its commitment to the Sumter community through charitable contributions, civic involvement, and support for those in need. Previous generations of our Brotherhood supported numerous organizations and causes, including United Ministries, the Sumter County Crippled Kids Foundation, the Sumter Tuberculosis Hospital, and the Sumter Boys Baseball League. Their contributions helped establish a legacy of service that continues to inspire our Lodge today.

Building upon that foundation, today's Brotherhood remains actively involved in the community through charitable initiatives, patriotic observances, and support for military service members and veterans. Our Lodge has participated in the Patriots Wounded Warrior 5K, Memorial Day ceremonies and veterans' grave flag placements, local parades, and community fundraising activities. In 2026, Claremont Lodge also began participating in Toys for Tots, continuing its commitment to serving families and children in our community.

Our commitment to service extends beyond activities formally organized by the Lodge. Individual Brothers also volunteer their time and talents through organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and Sons of the American Revolution. Whether supporting veterans, preserving our nation's history, assisting charitable causes, or participating in community events, these Brothers carry the principles of Freemasonry into their everyday lives.

We believe that a Mason's character is demonstrated not merely by what he says within the Lodge, but by how he conducts himself in the world beyond it.

Through these efforts, we seek to put the teachings of Freemasonry into practice and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Honoring Our Traditions

Every Lodge develops a character of its own, shaped by the men who have passed through its doors.

At Claremont Lodge, our traditions have been entrusted to us by generations of Masons who understood the importance of preserving the dignity, teachings, and customs of the fraternity.

We take particular pride in the quality and proficiency of our Masonic work. Our Brothers recognize that the ceremonies and teachings of Freemasonry deserve careful preparation, sincere dedication, and the highest respect.

Our commitment to proficiency is not simply a matter of memorizing words or performing ceremonies. It reflects our belief that the lessons of Freemasonry should be communicated with the dignity and meaning they deserve.

While we honor the customs and practices handed down by previous generations, we also recognize that tradition and progress need not be opposing forces. We believe that preserving what makes our Lodge distinctive and embracing thoughtful improvements are both essential to its continued strength.

Through this balance, we strive to remain faithful to the principles upon which Claremont Lodge was established while preparing our Brotherhood for the generations yet to come.

The Character of Claremont

What distinguishes Claremont Lodge No. 64 is not any single tradition, accomplishment, or practice, but the character of the Brotherhood itself. Our Lodge is composed of dedicated Masons who take pride in their fraternity, strive for excellence in their Masonic work, and seek to make a positive difference in the community, both individually and collectively.

We value the fellowship that brings us together, the traditions entrusted to our care, and the knowledge passed from one generation of Masons to the next. While we take our responsibilities and ritual proficiency seriously, we also recognize that genuine brotherhood is strengthened through friendship, laughter, and shared experiences.

These qualities are not exclusive to Claremont Lodge, nor do we claim them to be. Rather, it is the way they come together within our membership that gives Claremont its distinctive character.

Preserving Our Heritage, Building Our Future

As we look toward the future, we recognize that the continued strength of Claremont Lodge depends upon the dedication of its members and the preparation of those who will follow.

Our responsibility is not simply to maintain what previous generations have built, but to ensure that future generations inherit a Lodge worthy of their commitment.

We envision a future in which our membership continues to grow, participation among our Brothers becomes increasingly strong, and our Lodge discovers new opportunities to serve the community beyond its walls. Through fellowship, mentorship, education, and meaningful involvement, we seek to strengthen the bonds of Brotherhood while encouraging every member to contribute to the continued success of our Lodge.

Equally important is our commitment to preserving the history and heritage entrusted to our care. Through the continued study, documentation, and preservation of our Lodge's historical records, we seek to honor those who came before us and ensure that their contributions are remembered by generations yet to come.

The Brothers who preceded us established a foundation upon which we continue to build. One day, it will be our responsibility to place that same trust in the hands of those who follow.

Our goal is not merely to preserve Claremont Lodge as we know it today, but to leave it stronger, more active, and better prepared for tomorrow.

Discover Freemasonry

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and most enduring fraternal organizations, founded upon principles that encourage personal improvement, moral responsibility, fellowship, and service to others.

Through its teachings and traditions, Freemasonry encourages its members to become better men—not only within the Lodge, but also as husbands, fathers, friends, neighbors, and citizens.

The fraternity's principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth remind us of our responsibilities to one another and to the communities in which we live.

Learning More About Freemasonry

Membership in Freemasonry represents a personal commitment that must arise from an individual's own sincere interest and free will.

Claremont Lodge No. 64 does not solicit membership. However, we welcome questions from those who wish to learn more about Freemasonry, its teachings, and the responsibilities associated with becoming a Mason.

For those who have independently developed an interest in membership, additional information about the qualifications and petition process is available on our Becoming a Mason reference page.

Our Doors Are Open

Whether you are a visiting Brother, a member returning after time away, or someone seeking to learn more about Freemasonry, we welcome the opportunity to meet you.

Claremont Lodge No. 64 meets on the third Thursday of each month at 215 Alice Drive in Sumter, South Carolina. Supper begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by our stated communication at 8:00 p.m.

Fellowship has long been an important part of life at Claremont Lodge. Before our stated communications, our Brothers gather to share a meal, enjoy conversation, and strengthen the friendships that unite our Brotherhood.

We also welcome opportunities to share this fellowship with family members, friends, and individuals who have a sincere interest in learning more about Freemasonry. These informal gatherings provide a comfortable setting for visitors to become acquainted with our Brothers, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the fraternity.

Those interested in visiting are encouraged to contact the Lodge in advance so that we may properly welcome them and make appropriate arrangements.

Participation in our fellowship carries no expectation or obligation to pursue membership. While our stated communications are reserved for Masons, we value the opportunity to extend our hospitality to those who wish to become better acquainted with Claremont Lodge.

For more than 170 years, generations of Brothers have gathered at Claremont Lodge in fellowship, supported one another, served their community, and preserved the principles of Freemasonry.

Our history is our foundation. Our Brotherhood is our strength. Our future is our responsibility.