History Our past, near and far
A proud tradition of brotherhood and service spanning more than 135 years in New Zealand, built on centuries of global Masonic heritage.
Freemasonry is a diverse and complex organisation. It is very old its origins being lost in time. The first written evidence of its existence is dated from England in the 14th century. The Grand Lodge of England was formed by four Lodges in London in 1717. Grand Lodges were formed in Scotland and Ireland in the years following. Freemasonry subsequently spread around the world with the growth of the British Empire.
1717, London The Beginning
On 24 June 1717, the members of four London lodges met at the Goose & Gridiron Tavern in London, and having, in their own words 'put into the Chair the oldest Master Mason [now the Master of a Lodge]' they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge. In this context, Grand is used to define that of the highest authority. From this meeting, all recognised Freemasonry throughout the world descends.
1730s Global Expansion
Within decades, Freemasonry spread across Europe and to the colonies. The first lodges were established in France (1732), the American colonies (1733), and other parts of the world. This period saw the craft evolve from its operative masonic roots into a philosophical and charitable brotherhood.
1842, New Zealand NZ Freemasonry
The first masonic meeting in New Zealand was held in Kororāreka (now Russell) in the Bay of Islands. Lodge of Ara No. 348 IC was the first lodge to be established in 1842. As settlement grew, Freemasonry played an important role in building communities across New Zealand, bringing together men of good character for mutual improvement and charitable works.
The first lodge to operate in this country was the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, opened at Port Nicholson (Wellington) in November 1842, under a provisional warrant issued by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Australasia.
Brethren in Auckland were equally active at the same time in seeking authority to found a lodge early in 1843 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
1890, New Zealand GLNZ
In 1890 the majority of lodges operating under the authority of English, Irish or Scottish Constitutions combined to form the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand, more commonly known today as Freemasons New Zealand
1970's, New Zealand 70's to today
The early 1970s saw the peak of New Zealand membership, attributed to an influx of ex-servicemen after World War Two. There are currently 165 lodges in New Zealand, with a combined membership of approximately 4553 in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand
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