The Lodge of Tranquillity No. 42: 150 Years of Masonic Legacy
10 March 25
The Lodge of Tranquillity No. 42 recently celebrated its sesquicentenary, marking 150 years since its consecration in February 1875.
This milestone reflects the lodge’s deep historical roots, its evolution over the years, and the enduring legacy it has maintained within Freemasonry in New South Wales.
The lodge’s origins trace back to 3 June 1874, when His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, then Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), signed the charter for Lodge No. 1552 under the English Constitution. This was the first charter signed by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, authorizing a lodge to meet in Australia. The foundation meeting took place on 11 February 1875 at The Masonic Temple in York Street, Sydney, with Worshipful Brother David Mitchell installed as the first Master.
At its inception, the lodge was exclusively composed of Jewish brethren, but it quickly grew into a more diverse and inclusive brotherhood, welcoming Christian members as well. In a significant moment about 70 years ago, a Brother was welcomed into the lodge of Muslim faith, reflecting the lodge’s commitment to unity across all faiths.
In 1888, the unification of Grand Lodges in New South Wales led to the lodge surrendering its English charter and being renumbered as The Lodge of Tranquillity No. 42 under the newly formed United Grand Lodge of New South Wales. The spelling of “Tranquility” was also adjusted to “Tranquillity” to align with Australian conventions. The lodge saw several relocations over the decades, moving from York Street to Castlereagh Street in 1882, where it remained for 90 years. In 1972, it temporarily moved to West Ryde due to the redevelopment of the Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC), finally settling at the new SMC in 1979. By 1995, with the majority of its members residing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the lodge moved to the Masonic Temple on Bondi Road before ultimately voting in 2024 to return to the Sydney Masonic Centre.
Above: The original Volume of the Sacred Law presented to the Lodge a month after it was consecrated in March 1875. Originally, the lodge name Tranquility was spelled with a single L but later changed to be spelled with a double L in its name.
The sesquicentenary event in February 2025 was a grand occasion befitting the lodge’s remarkable history. Brethren and visitors gathered at the Sydney Masonic Centre for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and celebration. The festivities began with a pre-meeting reception in the foyer of Lodge Room 2, where attendees enjoyed a selection of hors d’oeuvres, canapés, and drinks in an atmosphere of camaraderie and anticipation.
The formal proceedings commenced with the admission of visiting brethren, followed by fraternal delegations from three lodges. The reception of the Most Worshipful Grand Master MW Bro Khris Albano accompanied by Grand Officers added an air of distinction to the evening. The Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Tranquillity, W Bro Hymie Eisman, welcomed the guests and presented a meticulously researched and engaging history of the lodge, highlighting its foundation, key milestones, and the brethren who played instrumental roles in its legacy.
Above: The Most Worshipful Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers at the 150th Anniversary celebratory meeting of The Lodge of Tranquillity
A particularly significant part of the evening featured three historical presentations. MW Bro Greg Levenston, Past Grand Master and Past Master of Lodge Harold Herman Unity No. 428, spoke about his lodge’s origins. Founded in honour of Bro Harold Herman, a member of The Lodge of Tranquillity who lost his life in World War I, the lodge carried forward his memory and grew through subsequent mergers.
RW Brother Joshua Newman, the current Senior Grand Warden and Worshipful Master of Lodge Mark Owen, delivered the second presentation. He traced the history of his lodge, which was established to honour W Bro Mark Owen, a distinguished member of The Lodge of Tranquillity. As Mark Owen’s great-grandson, RW Bro Newman provided rare personal insights into his ancestor’s life and the formation of the lodge by Owen’s seven sons, who were all foundation members.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master then addressed the lodge, emphasising the profound significance of reaching 150 years and commending the lodge’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. To mark the occasion, he presented representatives from the three lodges with commemorative gavels, each handcrafted for the event. These beautifully made gavels symbolised the interconnected history of the lodges and their shared commitment to Masonic values.
Above left to right: RW Bro Joshua Newman, Senior Grand Warden and Worshipful Master of Lodge Mark Owen; Most Worshipful Brother Khris Albano, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT; Most Worshipful Brother Greg Levenston, Past Grand Master and Past Master of Lodge Harold Herman Unity No. 428 and W Bro Hymie Eisman, Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Tranquillity No. 42, with the commemorative gavels.
Following the formal proceedings, brethren, ladies and guests gathered for a grand festive board, embracing the traditions of Masonic hospitality. The room was adorned with decorations celebrating the lodge’s legacy, with banners and memorabilia showcasing its long and storied history. The festive board was a feast of fine food, laughter, and heartfelt toasts, where speakers reflected on the lodge’s contributions and shared stories of its remarkable journey. Special toasts were raised to commemorate the occasion, honoring past brethren who had shaped the lodge and looking forward to the future.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a magnificent cake, elaborately decorated with themed icing featuring the emblem of The Lodge of Tranquillity. The moment symbolised the culmination of 150 years of brotherhood, tradition, and perseverance. The cake-cutting was met with applause, a fitting tribute to a lodge that has stood the test of time.
As The Lodge of Tranquillity No. 42 steps into its next chapter, it carries forward a rich legacy of brotherhood and tradition. With its recent return to the Sydney Masonic Centre and a strong, dedicated membership, the lodge is well-positioned to continue fostering Masonic values for generations to come. The sesquicentenary celebration was not just a reflection on the past but a reaffirmation of the lodge’s commitment to the future—a future built on unity, resilience, and the timeless principles of Freemasonry.
Above: The Brethren and Visitors at the close of the historic meeting.
📸: Bro Renan Legaspi