Our History
The Philanthropic Lodge, then No. 856, was erected and consecrated in Trinidad in 1835 some one hundred and eighteen years after the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) was formed. It was the first of twelve regular Lodges to be erected, consecrated and remain working since that day. Of these twelve, eight continue working today and submit themselves to the supervision of the present District Grand Lodge.
The Philanthropic Lodge was in dormancy for the period 1842 to 1850 and came out of that experience in time to be renumbered in 1863 from 856 to 405 and had the term Royal added to its name in 1859.
The Royal Philanthropic Lodge 405 EC is the oldest English Lodge in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed is one of the oldest Lodges in the English Constitution.
Freemasonry is not about how good of a man you are; it's about how good of a man you want to be
W.Bro. Curtis Gosein
2023 Master
It is customary, that a brother is elected from our ranks to fill the position of Worshipful Master for the year.
He is supported by his Wardens and other Lodge Officers who are appointed or otherwise elected.
The United Grand
Lodge of England
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and some Districts overseas including the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago. Their headquarters is Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London.
Claiming descent from the Masonic Grand Lodge formed on 24th June 1717 at the Goose & Gridiron Tavern in London, it is considered to be the oldest Masonic Grand Lodge in the world.