About Pilgrim Lodge
Welcome to Pilgrim Lodge No. 7728, a growing Lodge of Freemasons in Leeds.
Founded in 1960, Pilgrim Lodge No. 7728 was established to accommodate the growing number of Freemasons in Leeds. The lodge is just one of around 200 Lodges within the Province of ‘Yorkshire, West Riding’, which is constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Originally located at Leeds Masonic Hall on Great George Street in Leeds City Centre, Pilgrim Lodge relocated, alongside several other lodges, to ‘The Allerton’ in Alwoodley (Leeds 17) where a new Masonic Hall was created, ‘North Leeds Masonic Centre‘ (NLMC). This has been the home to Pilgrim Lodge No. 7728 ever since, alongside 3 other Masonic Lodges:
- Philanthropic Lodge No. 304
- The Lodge of Excelsior and Prudence No. 1042
- Liberty Lodge No 5871
We are proud to be Leeds Freemasons. Whether you are already a Freemason, or otherwise, you will always receive a warm welcome at Pilgrim Lodge.
Our Meetings & Practice Nights
We hold our regular meetings at North Leeds Masonic Centre (The Allerton) at 6.30pm on the 4th Monday of the month (8 times a year) in January, February, March, April, May, September, October and November. Our meetings are followed by a Festive Board (meal), where all the Brethren (members) sit together and enjoy each other’s company.
November is our installation meeting (when a member becomes Master for the year) this meeting usually starts at 4.00pm, and the dress code is Black Tie (bowtie and dinner jacket) for this meeting only.
Practice Meetings (rehearsals, which are often followed by social time) are held every month the Lodge meets, on the 1st Wednesday of the Month and the 3rd Monday of the month. Practice meetings start at 7.00pm and the dress code is informal.
Members are issued with a Summons (Agenda) ahead of each meeting, and will also be issued with details for booking the Festive Board (meal after the meeting). Brethren are expected to commit to attend all Lodge meetings, and as many practice meetings as they can.
Members should commit to attending regularly, but where conflicts arise they should first prioritise their Family, then their work commitments, and only then Freemasonry. On the occasions members are unable to attend, it is expected that they will send their apologies to the Lodge Secretary in advance of the meeting.
Our Members & Famous Freemasons
Our members come from all walks of life, are expected to have a belief in a supreme being (in line with their own faith), and be of high moral standing. We are a brotherhood of good men, who strive to become even better.
You can read about some of our members and why they are Freemasons by visiting the links below or our Meet the Lodge page:
- Meeting Pilgrim Lodge’s Senior Warden
- Getting to know Pilgrim Lodge’s Director of Ceremonies
- An interview with Pilgrim Lodge’s Secretary
- Talking with our Assistant Almoner
Famous freemasons, have included Kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Scientists, Artists, and Musicians. However, within a Masonic Lodge we are all equals, we are Brothers.
Charity & Giving
Freemasons are well known for charitable donations, in fact as a group we are one of the largest charitable donors in the UK. Money is raised directly from our membership and we do not fundraise externally.
The national Masonic charity is known as the ‘Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)’, and there are also Provincial and local charities such as the ‘West Riding Masonic Charities (WRMC)’. These charities support external organisations and also Freemasons (or their families) when needed.
Over the years Pilgrim Lodge has also been involved with supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, purchasing waterproof radios for the Otley Sailing Club, grants for a community kitchen, and funding a playground for a local school etc. The list goes on..
Social Freemasonry & Masonic Visiting
The social side of Freemasonry is made up of a mix of Lodge Social Events (Barbecues, garden parties, ‘Ladies Nights’, hobby events, and lunches etc…). Members and their families are welcome to attend as many, or as few, of the social events as they choose.
Having the opportunity to visit other Lodges, across the world and even locally in Leeds, is also a fantastic part of Freemasonry. Each Lodge has its own traditions, so it’s always interesting to go ‘visiting’. Fellow Freemasons will always be welcomed as a Brother!
If you are already a Freemason looking to visit Pilgrim Lodge, or are looking to re-join a Masonic Lodge would like to visit Pilgrim Lodge, please contact us.