Wakefield Lodge No. 495

Lodge History

In February 1844, twelve Freemasons who were associated with the thriving market In the town, submitted a petition to form a Masonic Lodge in Wakefield. The first meeting of the Lodge took place on the 10th of April 1844 on Thornhill Street. On 14^th September 1853 the Lodge moved to the ‘Old Rectory House’ on what became Zetland Street, named in honour of the 2^nd Earl of Zetland, who was at the time the Grand Master of the United Grand lodge of England.

This became the City’s Masonic Hall and is still enjoyed by the Freemasons of Wakefield. Notably, several roads near the premises are named after prominent citizens involved in the Wakefield Market and who were members of the Lodge. Continuous and uninterrupted meetings have taken place there ever since.

Today

Today we have members from various walks of life, legal professionals, academics, scientists, engineers, retired emergency services, and naval officers to name but a few.

We welcome enquiries for membership from members of our community who would be able to participate regularly and share our values of:

Integrity

Friendship

Respect

Charity

Although we would consider any man over the age of 18 for membership, Wakefield 495 would suit a more mature person due to the demographic of our lodge (40 to 60 year old), ideally from a professional or public service background.

Our Meetings

Our “Regular Meetings”, where we admit and advance members and change our Officers for the year, are held on the Second Tuesday of the months of September, through to May inclusively starting at 6.30 pm. We then dine at 8.00 pm, with the evening finishing at about 10.00 pm. The dress code is dark suit (or morning suit), white collar, tie (plain black, or Masonic tie) and black shoes. On other Tuesdays throughout this period there is an informal get-together to practice certain parts of the meeting and have a discussion over a drink. We try to get together socially at other times during the year involving our partners.