The heartbeat of our Lodge
Worshipful Brother Melvin Mims
A proud Marine whose service to country and to the Craft has shaped Dante Lodge #174 for generations — Semper Fi.
150th Anniversary
Commemorating 150 Years of Brotherhood
In 2015, Dante Lodge No. 174 marked a century and a half of fellowship, service, and Masonic light in New Orleans. This commemorative coin honors that milestone — one side bearing our Lodge's founding mark from 1865, the other capturing the spirit of “Peace and Harmony, Hand in Hand” that has carried us from one generation of brothers to the next.
150th Anniversary — 1865–2015
Mission, Vision & Values
The foundation of who we are and what we stand for.
Our Mission
To foster brotherhood among men of integrity, promote personal and moral development, and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our community through Masonic principles and service.
Our Vision
A community of enlightened men dedicated to self-improvement, genuine friendship, and making a positive impact on the world around us.
Our Values
Integrity, fellowship, continuous growth, community service, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our lives—personal, professional, and spiritual.
Dante Lodge #174
Our Pillars
The East, West, and South — the brothers who open the Lodge and set the year's work.
Dante Lodge #174
Why become a Mason
The Craft has asked the same thing of men for centuries: be useful, be honest, and leave the world better than you found it.
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest fraternity in the world. Its members have included kings, presidents, statesmen, generals, and men from every walk of life — and brothers of Dante Lodge #174 who meet in Arabi each month to labor on themselves and serve New Orleans.
“Masonry teaches man to see in his brother not the color of his skin, nor the place of his birth, but the strength of his character and the truth of his heart.”
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
“We represent a fraternity which believes in justice and truth and honorable action in your community… men who are endeavoring to be better citizens.”
“Freemasonry is an institution calculated to benefit mankind.”
“The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
My Brothers' quotes
In their own words — how the Craft has shaped the lives of men in our Lodge.
“These brothers show up for the community — not just in words, but in work.”
Andrew Mims
Brother, Dante Lodge #174
“Our Masonic Obligation binds us to our Masonic Brothers and Our Lodges, which provide the framework for an honorable living.”
Carl Mixon
Brother, Dante Lodge #174
“If you practice out of Lodge the things you learn within,Be just and upright to yourself and to your fellow men.Console a Brother when he's sick and assist him when in need,Without a thought of personal reward for any act or deed.Walk and act in such a way the world without can seeThat only the best can meet the test laid down by Masonry.Be always faithful to your trust and do the best you can,Then you can proudly tell the world you are a Mason and a Man.”
“The heartbeat of our Lodge — a proud Marine who expects the best from every brother and helps you get there.”
“After serving in the Marine Corps and finishing college, I believed I was losing focus on what was important in my life. After being raised and advancing in masonry, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a group of brothers that provided a fresh and grounded perspective that allowed me to redirect my energies towards a more spiritual and fulfilling pathway, which helped me to begin walking in a better direction, for a better life, and I am incredibly thankful for that opportunity.”
Dante Lodge #174
Event Calendar
Stated meetings, degrees, and social events — the same month grid and list the Lodge uses to publish its trestle board.
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Dante Lodge #174
Brotherhood in labor
Fellowship, milestones, and the men who carry Dante Lodge #174 forward — in the lodge room and in the community.
A gift among brothers
Brother Vince Vance presenting a gift to Worshipful Master Mark A. Hopkins — fellowship and appreciation in the lodge room.
Fifty years of service
Worshipful Brother Stephen Dummer presenting a 50-year certificate to Worshipful Brother Noles “Papa” Esponge — a half-century honored at the altar.
Milestones at the altar
Worshipful Brother Stephen Dummer presenting 50-year certificates to Worshipful Brothers Noles “Papa” Esponge and Melvin Mims, with Worshipful Brother Mark Grouchy and Brother Brian McGibbon.
Degrees in 2015
The Mississippi Mountain Men Degree Team conferred a Master Mason degree while Dante Lodge #174 conferred their famous Entered Apprentice degree — brethren in buckskin and yellow aprons at the altar.
Dante Lodge #174
Trestle Board
Monthly trestle board updates by year and month — photos, announcements, and notes from the East.
Dante Lodge Scholarship Program
Empowering New Orleans’ next generation through education, integrity, and service.
The Lodge helps local high-school seniors and full-time undergraduates continue their studies. Grants are modest on purpose: they are meant to be a hand on the shoulder, not a substitute for a family’s work.
Community Service
Giving Back
Community service is at the heart of Freemasonry. True fulfillment comes not from what we receive, but from what we give. Through service, we strengthen the bonds that unite New Orleans, uplift those in need, and cultivate compassion, humility, and gratitude.
Widows, Orphans and families
The Lodge keeps faith with those who have sat among us — checking on widows, supporting families, and showing up when it matters.
Dyslexia Training Program
Evidence-based, multi-sensory training equips educators and parents to identify, support, and empower learners with dyslexia.
Neighborhood relief
Food collections, holiday dinners, and volunteer days put Brotherly Love and Relief to work in the city that is our home.
New Orleans students
School-supply drives and scholarship support help young people stay in class and move toward college or a trade.
Dante Lodge #174
Community We Support
Service to our city is part of who we are — the same spirit you will find on lodge pages across the jurisdiction.
New Orleans public schools
Through school-supply drives and scholarship support, Dante Lodge #174 helps students across Greater New Orleans start the year ready to learn.
Greater New Orleans youth programs
Brothers volunteer with neighborhood partners, food banks, and youth mentorship programs that strengthen the communities we serve.
Dante Lodge #174
How to become a Mason
Becoming a Mason is a meaningful decision, and we are honored you are considering it. The process is simple, and it starts with reaching out.
01
Express Your Interest
Reach out to the lodge by phone, email, or by attending one of our open events. A brother will be happy to answer your questions and tell you more about what Freemasonry means to him personally. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 1105 LeBeau Street, Arabi, LA 70032.
02
Do you Believe
Do you believe in God? Do you believe in honor and that a man has a responsibility to act with honor? Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it? Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place? Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values? You must be at least 18 years of age.
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Submit a Petition
Complete a petition for membership, which will be reviewed by the lodge. You will need to be vouched for by a Master Mason who knows you, or be introduced to the lodge through our inquiry process.