In the 18th and to a great extent in the 19th century when the population was more rural, there were no electric lights to illuminate roads, not even in most cities. Therefore, many households regulated activities according to the natural light of a full moon. Numerous lodges would meet on the date of the full moon or, in some cases just before or just after a full moon, so that members of the Craft might have the light of the moon to make the journey to and from lodge meetings across the rough roads safer and easier. Such lodges were termed "Moon Lodges." Today, there are lodges - ten in Pennsylvania - that still meet on or a few days before or after the full moon.
(Source: Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, 1995; Masonic Questions & Answers, compiled by the Office of Masonic Education, Grand Lodge of PA, 1999)

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