The Low Twelve Riders is a Masonic Biker Association comprised of Freemasons.
Our purpose is to provide a social and fraternal outlet for Freemasons who ride and desire to socialize and travel the open roads with their brethren. We also like to introduce Freemasonry to bikers and bikers to the world of Freemasonry. While we wear identifying patches and black vests or ‘cuts’, the Low Twelve Riders are not a gang, MC, or 1%er Club. We are required to represent the fraternity in a positive light at all times. The Low Twelve Riders serve as a Masonic Booster Club by helping to raise Masonic Awareness while we attend public motorcycling events, and by supporting our Blue Lodges in whatever capacity we are able. Low Twelve Riders chapters have helped to increase Masonic membership through our presence and visibility during public motorcycle events and rallies.
History
IN THE BEGINNING
Low Twelve Riders was originally chartered in September of 2001 by one of the original Widows Sons founding members as Low Twelve Chapter #3 of the Florida Widows Sons Masonic Rider Association. The Group had chosen the name ‘Low Twelve Riders Chapter’ but he changed it to ‘Low Twelve’ Chapter to save space on the patches. Bro. Adrian Lowndes was the force behind the original formation and was elected its first President.
For the next 8 or so years the chapter was active in the Panhandle area and members did their best to make state events although the closest chapter was over 300 miles south. In its peak they had 20+ members on the rolls but in 2008 the winds of change began to blow and after much discussion with membership and state leaders, a division in direction for the chapter came to be. In late 2009 some of the membership elected to start a group at the Hadji Shrine and remaining membership elected to seek Florida Grand Lodge official recognition under a new name and patch. This new group was necessary due to Florida Widows Sons wanting to remain independent from the Grand Lodge of Florida. The Original Vice President of the Low Twelve Riders Chapter, Bro Dave Danielson was elected President of this new Association and was the driving force behind much of what the group did in the years to come.
LOW TWELVE RIDERS MASONIC BIKER ASSOCIATION IS BORN
The basic premise that we all agreed upon was that there should be a group where Masons, who were also motorcycle enthusiasts, could have an outlet to have fellowship OUTSIDE the lodge with a strong emphasis on family and friends. With that in mind, a new revised set of “Working guidelines” was developed in the form of bylaws for the newly formed group. In 2008 the remaining membership which included 4 of the original founding members of Low Twelve Chapter, had a new patch designed with the square and compass as the main theme. Our beginnings were also integrated into the design with the lines from lodge ritual closing, “Meet on the Level and part upon the square”. This was changed in 2016 to “So Mote It Be”. Also in 2010 The Low Twelve Riders “Belles” patch was designed for the ladies. The new designs were agreed upon and in 2010 Low Twelve Riders Masonic Biker Association was registered with the State of Florida as a Not For Profit Corporation. We were on the way. In addition, the Florida Digest of Masonic Law states that any group drawing its membership exclusively from the body of masonry is subject to the Grand Lodge of Florida jurisdiction. Wheels were set in motion at that time to seek official recognition from the Grand Lodge. This proved to be a little more difficult than anticipated. Over the next few years Low Twelve Riders grew . . although slowly. A true bond was formed as the members traveled together, worked together and enjoyed the fellowship. Then, in 2012, the paperwork was finally sent to Grand Lodge for review of the respective committees governing new masonic bodies. Input was gathered from all members and compiled by the President, Bro Dave Danielson and assisted by the original President of Low Twelve, Bro Adrian Lowndes. Several requests from the Grand Lodge for modifications came to us, and the changes re-submitted. And we waited. In May of 2013, at the Florida Annual Grand Lodge Communication, the Craft overwhelmingly voted to accept the bylaws of The Low Twelve Riders and they were sent back to committee and the Grand Master for approval. That approval came on the 17th of July, 2013 when Most Worshipful Danny R. Griffith signed the warrant that made Low Twelve Riders Masonic Biker Association of Florida officially recognized by the Grand Lodge of Florida.
THE EXPANSION
Soon after the announcement, the flood gates opened and inquiries started coming in. During a trip to Maggie Valley NC, Bro. Adam Jackson saw our patches and inquired about starting a new chapter (ILLUMINATIS MORTALIS) in Indiana. Since that time, chapters have been chartered throughout the Eastern US, Germany, and France with more inquiries regularly. If you are interested, by all means, contact us. So Mote It Be.