GML History

  The Grand Master’s Lodge, known usually by its initials GML, is one of the oldest lodges in the Irish Constitution and celebrated its 250 th anniversary in 1999.

GML is both an ordinary and an extraordinary Lodge. As with most other lodges under the Irish constitution, GML initiates candidates and carries out all the routine business of a Lodge. But due to its unique history, GML has a number or traditions, rights and privileges which stem from its origins in the 18 th Century.

In the early years of the Grand Lodge or Ireland (GLI), it became clear that there was a need for a forum in which the Grand Lodge of Ireland officers could meet. Accordingly, the then Grand Master, Lord Kingsborough constituted a discrete Lodge, without a number (as all other Lodges have a number), and without a Warrant, for the document of Constitution was to be sufficient authority for its existence.

As time passed a committee structure formed, making the original reason for the formation of the Lodge no longer relevant. The years had also seen changes in emphasis and gradually the Grand Lodge Officers no longer found it convenient to meet as a regular Lodge. The character of the Lodge changed in time also and it Began to function more as a regular Lodge, accepting candidates for initiation and affiliation.

The Lodge then stabilised in its present form, with the Grand Master as the permanent (or actual) master and his Officers likewise. However, the Lodge was empowered to elect ‘Acting’ Officers. To mark the status that they held, the Office titles were changed to Acting Master, with a similar preface for the other Officers.

The Lodge has retained, to this day, many of its old traditions and privileges, relinquishing only those that were no longer appropriate to modern Freemasonry

In the field of charity GML has always taken its duties seriously, maintaining close contact with those in need of the Lodges help and making regular, and often sizable, contributions to a number of mainstream and also Masonic specific charities.

GML has a special character and it is fostered by the nature of its membership, both initiate and affiliate, with an eclectic profile and age range.

GML meets monthly from October to May, usually 6:30pm on the second Friday and once in June at 12 noon on the same day as the June communication of Grand Lodge, when it is customary for the Grand Master to attend GML and take his office along with his Officers.

Click here if you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry in Ireland. If you are interested in joining the Masonic Order visit our frequently asked questions page or contact the Lodge Secretary.