On Saturday, May 11, 2026 the Masonic Grand Lodge of Rhode Island chartered Semiquincentennial Lodge No. 250, a ceremonial lodge in observance of the 250^th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

Some 200 Freemasons, families and friends attended this special event held at Freemasons’ Hall in East Providence, RI.  Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island Rick Baccus accepted the petition requesting permission to form the lodge and signed the lodge’s charter, officially recognizing Semiquincentennial Lodge No. 250.

The event served as the kickoff for a series of other commemorative events scheduled throughout the year to salute the country’s 250^th birthday and recognize the contributions Freemasons made in founding the country.

Semiquincentennial Lodge No. 250 is founded on the principles of reflecting on the past to honor the Founders and early Freemasons who laid the foundation for American freedom; celebrating the present to reaffirm the Masonic commitment to Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and hope for the future that generations who follow are inspired to uphold the founding principles of America and Freemasonry.