Love . Harmony . Wisdom . Truth
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North America
The Renaissance
Historical records indicate that the Order was active in the northeastern United States as early as the 1800s, having received charters from prominent European bodies such as the Order of St. Andrew and the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The Grand Lodge of America was formally established on July 10, 1876, under the name Ancient Order of Free Gardeners. One of its earliest constituent bodies was America’s First Thistle Lodge.
In the new era of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners, Mount of Olives Lodge No. 1 became the inaugural lodge in Canada, while Red Oak Lodge No. 4 was the first to be chartered in the United States.
Our History
Brother Stan Miller, an avid fraternalist from Edmonton, Canada, discovered the Free Gardeners during his fraternal research. He contacted their European counterparts and ultimately connected with the Grand Lodge of Free Gardeners in Germany. There, Christian Rohrig—a German native living in Edmonton—was appointed to introduce the degree work to North America. Brother Rohrig received the three foundational degrees plus the Past Master degree, which paved the way for chartering Mount of Olives Lodge No. 30/3.
In 2024, efforts began to form a Grand Lodge in North America under the banner of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners, honoring the historic Grand Lodge that once operated on the continent. In spring 2025, the North America Grand Lodge was formally instituted during a ceremony in Edmonton’s Strathcona district.
Grow With Us
Embark on a journey with the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners and join a vibrant network of passionate individuals across North America. Our dedicated members will guide you through every step of the membership process, from initial inquiry to the completion of three foundational degrees and the prestigious Past Master degree. Along the way, the United Council offer tailored mentorship, resources and support to ensure that your journey enriches your personal growth and connects you to centuries-old fraternal traditions.
Once you earn the Master Gardener degree, you become eligible to charter a lodge in your area, with guidance from mentors to plan for your lodge's growth. By creating your own lodge, you extend the Order’s legacy of mutual aid, leadership and service. Take the first step towards this meaningful journey by contacting us to become a Free Gardener and cultivate a richer life.
"...God took the man and put him in the garden..."
Return to North America
The North America Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners is a continental grand body, currently composed of lodges located in Canada and the United States of America. The purpose of the grand lodge is to promote unity and progress among the free gardeners in North America and elsewhere about the world. The North America Grand Lodge traces it's lineage back Scotland through the German Grand Lodge who received the work from Scotland and Wales.
