Here’s a brief look at the history of the Widows Sons of Florida Masonic Riders Association.
1. The Original Widows Sons of Florida Masonic Riders Association Inc. (Before 2024)
- Established in 1998 and chartered in 1999 as a Masonic motorcycle association for Master Masons.
- The group used the “Elvira” patch—a Masonic widow with an ashen face, mourning her lost husband.
- The organization, as being Masonic, died in 2024. It legally changed its name, charter, and updated its membership rules.
- It was never a member of the WSMRA, although the WSMRA recognized it as a legitimate Widows Sons organization.
2. The 2024 Name and Legal Change to the Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association
- On October 29, 2024, the group changed its name and structure. It became the Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association Inc..
- It removed all Masonic membership requirements and chose to become non-Masonic.
- Despite the change, the group kept the original “Elvira” patch. This has caused public and out-of-state Widows Sons confusion about its connections.
- It is now a motorcycle association that is not affiliated with Freemasonry. It welcomes all riders and is no longer connected to Masonic values as an organization.
- It is not a member of the WSMRA.
3. Establishment of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida
- After the 2024 changes, many original members were upset by the dissolution and separation from Masonic ideals.
- On May 8, 2025, they formed a new, separate legal entity.
- The new group used the name that the original association was often referred to as: Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida.
- It is open only to Florida Master Masons, focused on preserving Masonic values among riders.
- The 2025 group states its mission clearly. It distances itself from the 2024 non-Masonic association, but still shows respect, as many of the non-Masonic RA members are still Masons.
- It supports charity, helps widows and orphans, and promotes Freemasonry through brotherhood on bikes.
- It is not a member of the WSMRA.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Widows Sons of Florida Masonic Riders Association Inc. (Original) | 2024 Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association Inc. (renamed and restructured) | 2025 Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida Inc. (new legal entity) | |
| Name | Widows Sons of Florida Masonic Riders Association | Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association | Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Florida |
| Legal Status | Legally renamed and restructured | Same legal entity, renamed and restructured as a non‑Masonic riding club (renamed in 2024) Corp Filings | New entity formed in 2025 Corp. Filings |
| Masonic Membership | Required: Master Masons only | Not required; non-Masonic by design. Open to all | Required: Florida Master Masons only |
| Patch | Elvira | Retained original “Elvira” patch | Modified Winged Pyramid |
| Purpose | Master Masons riding together to promote Masonic values to the motorcycle community through riding, charity, and brotherhood | Non-fraternal riding Association open to the public | Master Masons riding together to promote Masonic values to the motorcycle community through riding, charity, and brotherhood |
| Masonic Affiliation | Yes (dropped in 2024) | No (open to non-Masons) | Yes (Grand Lodge‑recognized) |
| WSMRA Membership | Never joined the WSMRA but was recognized by other jurisdictions | Not a member of the WSMRA but many WSMRA brothers believe them to be | Not a member |
The Elvira Patch
The Elvira patch is a trademark of the Widows Sons of Florida Motorcycle Riders Association Inc. It was created in 1999 for the original association.
The continued use of the Elvira by the 2024 non-Masonic association has confused many. Former members of the original group still claim the association is still Masonic, but they are wrong. The original leadership ended the organization’s Masonic identity in 2024 by changing its name, structure, and membership requirements.
Elvira now represents a non-Masonic rider, even though the rider may be a Mason. Heartbreaking!