We owe our origin as a Lodge to a few young and progressive men who, becoming weary of the prosaic ways of rendering the work in their respective Lodges, and despairing of making a change by isolated efforts, discouraged as they were by many of the older brethren, thought by combining a unity of action with their unity of purpose, to make more manifest the benefits of our Institution by more earnest if not better work. This was no easy task, and much credit is due to the energy and perseverance of our Charter members.

—Brother Willis D. Engle, on the occasion of the celebration of the fourth anniversary of Mystic Tie Lodge, May 28, 1873

Mystic Tie Lodge #398

Chartered: May 28, 1869

An Open Letter to Our Community: Honor the Past, Shape the Future

Greetings from Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge!

As I serve my second term leading this historic lodge, I find myself looking back with immense pride at our deep roots in the Indianapolis community, while looking forward with great hope for what lies ahead.

Our history is uniquely intertwined with the history of our city and our nation. As we just recently passed the historic milestone of our country’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded of another great milestone in our lodge's legacy.

On September 19, 1876, during the United States Centennial, John Caven — who served both as a Worshipful Master of Mystic Tie Lodge and as the Mayor of Indianapolis — delivered a profound public address celebrating the first 100 years of American liberty. He spoke of the enduring principles of freedom, brotherhood, and community service — values that Freemasonry has championed since before our nation’s founding.

Just as Mayor Caven stood at the crossroads of history in 1876, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads today.

Mystic Tie has always been a cornerstone of local leadership and philanthropy. Our legacy is rich, shaped by generations of men who sought to better themselves and the world around them. But a legacy is not a static museum piece; it is a living, breathing tradition.

To keep this vital history going, we are looking for good men in our community to join us. We want to build on our distinguished past while taking the lodge in a vibrant, new direction — one that fits the modern lives, needs, and aspirations of today’s men and their families. Whether that means fostering deep friendships, engaging in community service, or finding a genuine sense of belonging and mutual support, we want to build a space where the modern man can thrive.

We invite you to be a part of the next chapter of Mystic Tie, laboring out of the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral. If you are a man seeking purpose, brotherhood, and a way to positively impact your community, we would love to welcome you into our Mystic circle. Let us work together to make good men better, support our families, and ensure our lodge continues to shine as a beacon in Indianapolis for generations to come.

To learn more about our history, our upcoming public events, or how to become a part of our fraternity, please reach out to me directly. My door is always open.

WM Brandon Armacost, PM

That sacred and inviolable bond which unites men of the most discordant opinions into one band of brothers, which gives but one language to men of all nations and one altar to men of all religions, is properly, from the mysterious influence it exerts, denominated the mystic tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under its influence, or enjoy its benefits, are called "Brethren of the Mystic Tie.”

—Albert G. Mackey, The Mystic Tie, 1867