Who We Are
Our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
The Saint Oswald Lodge 910. was consecrated in 1862 and was the first Lodge in Pontefract.
We meet on the Third Wednesday of each month, excluding July and August.
Our Lodge meets at the historic Pontefract Masonic Hall.
Please check Our Calendar to see our upcoming events.
What We Do
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations, with its origins rooted in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet together. A Freemason Lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the Lodge they wish to be part of.
Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony.
Our ceremonies are based around three principles that are still taught in our ceremonies today: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.
Our History
In 1823 the Provincial Grand Master the Earl of Mexborough tried unsuccessfully to form a Lodge in Pontefract and district, where from some cause his efforts met no encouragement and his personal influence failed to impress the men of Pontefract with the civilising advantages which a lodge infers. In 1861, three Pontefract citizens, Messrs Ryder, Rogers and Routledge approached Bro J Rhodes saying they wished to join the craft. Bro Rhodes knew of two others in Pontefract, Bro’s Tew and Hall, they joined four others from the Wakefield Lodge No 727 in petitioning for a warrant to establish Saint Oswald’s Lodge, Warrant No 1212. This was changed during the renumbering of lodges in 1863 to 910.
The name of the Lodge was no doubt chosen by Bro Tew as suitable for a lodge in the heard of Oswaldcross or Osgoldcross. Oswald, a soldier king, became Bishop of Durham and it was through him the first Christian Church was built in these parts. Oswald was slain at Oswestry or Oswaldtree, near Chester, in 642 and was later canonised. The good bishop, as St. Oswald, became the patron saint of this district and a Cross to his memory was erected between Pontefract and Ferrybridge. The motto of the Lodge, “Sit Lux et Lux frit,” is the latin version of the Hebrew Scripture (Genesis I, 3). “God said, ‘Let there be light, and there was light.” And God saw the light that it was good.” The Warrant of the lodge, signed by the Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland, is dated the 14 February 1862. Two daughter lodges, Legolium No 1542 and De Lacy No 4643 have been formed.
Legolium Lodge, founded in 1875, was formed for the benefit of those brethren of St Oswald Lodge who resided in Castleford.
De Lacy Lodge was founded and consecrated on 4 November 1924. A new lodge was deemed necessary as the number of candidates who sought admission St Oswald Lodge during the five years preceding the formation of De Lacy Lodge entailed 46 initiation ceremonies being performed. In the 1950’s, the desire to partake in the mysteries of Freemasonry was such that the waiting period was four or five years for admission to the Pontefract lodges.
It was then felt that a third lodge would be beneficial to the town and as a result Tateshall Lodge No 7645 was founded and consecrated on 2 October 1959.
FAQs
-
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations, with its origins rooted in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.
Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
-
We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in learning more about Freemasonry or joining our Lodge!
Head over to our Join Us page to get more information and to contact our membership team.
-
Freemasonry is like a buffet, there’s lots of different options to explore and you can pick and choose based on your preferences.
As a Lodge we meet formally once per month (excluding July and August) where we transact lodge business and partake in ceremonies for our candidates.
We also meet throughout the month to practice for these meetings and share Masonic education. Freemasonry is stepped in tradition and history so there’s always more to learn and explore.
Our Lodge supports local charities and community groups, and partakes in events such as the Featherstone Gala with a focus on community engagement.
Through all of these activities, and more, there’s an undercurrent of social activity and fellowship.
So whatever your interest in Freemasonry is you can be assured that The Saint Oswald Lodge has something to offer.