In 2025, the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida was established and officially recognized by the Grand Lodge of Florida. This new organization was formed to restore the Masonic mission and identity that had been lost when the original group changed direction.
The original Widows Sons of Florida Masonic Riders Association, founded over 25 years ago, ceased to exist as a Masonic organization in 2024. That year, its leadership chose to legally change the name and structure of the group to the Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association, removing all Masonic requirements, ties, and references in the process. (See: Corp Info )
By definition, once Masonic membership was no longer a requirement, the organization could no longer be considered Masonic. It is now a motorcycle riding club with no recognized affiliation to Freemasonry.
Recognizing the need to preserve the original Masonic mission, several members of the original organization came together in 2025 to form a new entity under a similar name. They followed proper Masonic procedure and received formal recognition from the Grand Lodge of Florida. This newly chartered Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida exists to serve the Craft with integrity, brotherhood, and a charitable spirit, upholding the traditions that the original organization once represented.
Why Some People Claim the Name Was “Stolen”
Some individuals associated with the non-Masonic Motorcycle Riders Association have claimed that the new Masonic organization “stole” the name. Here’s the reasoning behind that perception:
- The new group uses a similar name to that of the original group.
- Those who were part of the pre-2024 Masonic group may feel an emotional or historical connection to the name, even if their current organization no longer holds Masonic status.
- From the outside, it may not be obvious that the original group changed its legal entity and abandoned its Masonic foundation.
But here are the facts:
- The original Masonic organization voluntarily ended in 2024 when it changed its name, legal identity, and membership criteria.
- The new 2025 organization is a separate legal entity, created by Florida Master Masons and recognized by the Grand Lodge of Florida.
- There is no overlap in leadership or structure between the two groups.
- Only one of the two is Masonic—and it is the 2025 Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida.
Setting the Record Straight
There are now two unrelated organizations in Florida:
- Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida (2025–present)
– Officially recognized by the Grand Lodge of Florida
– For Master Masons only
– Committed to Masonic values, charitable work, and brotherhood - Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association (2024–present)
– Not recognized by any Masonic authority
– Open to non-Masons
– Operates as a general motorcycle riding club
The 2025 Masonic Riders Association was not formed to copy or compete—it was formed to preserve what was lost when the original group gave up its Masonic charter. It is, in every meaningful and official sense, the true continuation of the Widows Sons tradition within Freemasonry in Florida.