Freemasons' Hall
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The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations  |
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE ISLAND AND THE FOUNDING OF THE GRAND LODGE
Early History
Thomas Oxnard - Provincial Grand Master of New England and Grand Master of Massachusetts - granted the petition for the constitution of St. John’s Lodge of Newport, December 27, 1749, the first in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Brother Caleb Phillips was appointed first Master of the Lodge. According to tradition, the meetings were held during the early period of its history, in the “Council Chamber” of the “Old State House” (and now used as a Court House) which on this account hold special claim to the regard of the Fraternity in Rhode Island.
The institution of the Lodge in Newport very naturally created an ambition for one in Providence and this hope firmly and steadily grew to its fulfillment on February 17, 1757, when St. Johns Lodge of Providence was organized, the Charter for such organization bears the date of January 18, 1757 and was issued by Jeremy Gridley, the Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
The formation of the Lodge in Providence added enlivened strength to the feeble progress of the Newport body and the two mutually labored for the upbuilding of the Craft until 1765 when the Newport Lodge lost its Charter, which was not revived until 1790, while the Providence body became dormant from 1769 to 1778.
Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribuation Center
Medical Equipment Needed
If you are in need of medical equipment or have equipment you would like to donate contact: Br. Robert J. Allen, PGM on the Medical Equipment Center cell phone at 401.451.0184 or 401.246.0865. You can also email us at
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Child Identification Program
"CH.I.P" as it is known throughout the Rhode Island Masonic community stands for the Child Identification Program adopted by the Freemasons of Rhode Island which provides a significant community service to the many communities in Rhode Island.
Spotlight on Freemasonry
Spotlight on Freemasonry is produced by many Rhode Island Master Masons who volunteer their time to write and produce these programs and to make up the studio production crew. Our plan is to release two new shows per month. The programs are produced in the studios of PEG-TV in Cranston, Rhode Island.
These modern television facilities are provided at no cost to us. Our programs are seen on Verizon Cable, channel 32; and channel 13 on the Cox and Full Channel cable systems, every Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM.
