Love . Harmony . Wisdom . Truth
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United Council
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 House of Kings Lodge No. 3 was the first A.O.F.G. lodge 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. Shortly after the United Council was formed by Grand Lodge members residing in Canada and the United States.
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.
North America
Below is the current directory of Ancient Order of Free Gardeners lodges across North America. If you don’t see a lodge in your area,
feel free to contact us for additional information and guidance.
Mount of Olives No. 1 - Edmonton, Alberta (CA)
Mt. Sinai No. 2 - Lloydminster, Alberta (CA)
*North America Grand Lodge (Canada)
House of Kings No. 3 - Port Arthur, Texas (USA)
Red Oak No. 4 - Burlington County, New Jersey (USA)
Red Earth No. 6 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)
Havilah's Gold No. 5 - Port-au-Prince, Ouest (Haiti)
Dragon's Breath No. 7 - Cumberland County, New Jersey (USA)
"...God took the man and put him in the garden..."
Cultivating for the Future
The United Council of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners, Inc. serves as a unifying body that helps preserve the integrity, legitimacy, and shared traditions of the Order. It provides coordination and support across Grand Lodges, local lodges, and members while recognizing and respecting the full autonomy of each A.O.F.G. jurisdiction. Guided by a Board of Directors, the Council works to promote growth, harmony, and a consistent standard of true Free Gardenery throughout the fraternity.
