Making good men better since 1881
Making good men better since 1881
Making good men better since 1881
Making good men better since 1881
Sydney Since 1881Our story
Scottish origins, changing homes, wartime service, unity, and renewal.
Explore the timelineA Legacy Since 1881
The lodge has changed homes and governing bodies while remaining part of Sydney since 1881.
Our Story
Read the full story below, or use the themes above to focus on one chapter.
Origins
The first recorded Masonic meeting in Sydney is held with formal authorisation from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. This moment marks the beginning of Freemasonry in Australia. Early settlers and military officers helped the Craft take root as a path for men seeking character, community, and purpose.
Origins
Dedicated on 8 July 1881, chartered on 3 November, and first meeting under charter held on 30 December. The lodge was dedicated under dispensation by the District Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, with Worshipful Brother J. W. Evans as first Master, the lodge’s first leader. Its original number was No. 664 under the Scottish Constitution.
Places
The lodge moves to Alexandria Town Hall as membership and engagement grow. Over time, the lodge met at Alexandria Town Hall, Freemasons' Hall in York Street, and the Masonic Hall on Castlereagh Street.
Unity
The lodge joined wider moves towards Masonic unity in New South Wales. Three official charters record its history.
Service
Fourteen lodge members served during the First World War.
Service
Fifty-three lodge members served during the Second World War.
Places
The lodge relocated to Mascot during reconstruction of the Castlereagh Street Temple.
Places
The lodge moved to the newly completed Sydney Masonic Centre, which remains our home.
Unity
Lodge Toxteth consolidates with the lodge. Consolidations brought new energy, history, and fellowship into the lodge. Lodge N. J. McDonald followed in 1987, and Lodge Burns St. David became part of the story in 1994.
Unity
Lodge Toxteth was re-established as a Daughter Lodge in Petersham.
The Larger Story
Across changing constitutions, meeting places, and generations, the lodge has remained committed to brotherhood and the Craft.
Three official charters record our lineage: Grand Lodge of Scotland No. 664, Grand Lodge of New South Wales No. 30, and United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory No. 91.
Other lodges joined us over time, bringing new members, stories, and traditions.
For 122 years, just seven men served as Secretary, preserving customs and guiding the lodge through change. We also honour members who served in both World Wars.
The Story Continues
See how the lodge lives today, or ask about becoming part of its next chapter.