The Lodge of Seafarers No. 9589

Meeting at The Masonic Lodge Downend

On the fourth Saturday in; April, September, October, November and February.

Welcome to The Lodge of Seafarers No. 9589

The Masonic Hall Downend is the home of the Lodge of Seafarers. And as the name suggests, the Lodge of Seafarers is a Masonic Lodge with a Nautical theme.

It is traditional to use Latin for inscription of mottoes and the Lodge of Seafarers follows that tradition. Our motto  “VECTURA-ET-COMITARI” Which translated means “TO TRANSPORT AND PROTECT” appropriately reflects the nautical background which inspired the founding of the Lodge in April 1995.

A Masonic Lodge Who Meets On Saturdays

We are meeting at midday on the fourth Saturday of February, April, September, October, and November at the Masonic Hall Downend Bristol.

The Lodge Profile

The Lodge of Seafarers provides a warm welcome to all from seafaring backgrounds. And those who are not.

An idea of a Seafaring Lodge began when several Freemasons who also were members of HMS Flying Fox voiced a desire to form a Lodge with a distinctly nautical flavour. And with a military bearing to the performance of the work and Ritual.

Therefore, a petition for a Warrant for the fledging Lodge was applied for by the twenty-five founding members. As a result, The Grand Master, HRH, The Duke of Kent, granted this Warrant on 9th  March 1995. These founding members are now affectionally known as “The Commissioning Crew.”

Plans for the lodge formation continued in earnest, and the Consecration was held on April 22, 1995.

The Lodge of Seafarers No. 9589 was born. W/Bro Alan Yates had the honour of being its first Worshipful Master.

Since then, over the last two decades and more, we have grown our membership to over 70.

Many Brethren have a naval background, but equally, we draw shipmates, new or joining, from various walks of life and welcome any membership application.

The Lodge of Seafarers prides itself on excellent ritual, followed by very enjoyable after proceedings at the festive board.

We have a solid camaraderie, and Brethren will enjoy great fellowship and make many new friends at our meetings which are always very well attended.

Members with a military background are encouraged to wear uniforms with miniatures worn during the festive board. Alternatively, a dark lounge suit or morning dress is worn.

Social Events

In addition to regular meetings, the Lodge of Seafarers holds many social events. These socials are an excellent opportunity to include friends and partners, whether they be Freemasons or not, in our activities. Annually we hold at least:

  • One Partners Festival, a chance to dress up and meet in a more social yet relaxed environment; the format is usually a weekend away to the seaside and a gala dinner on Saturday.
  • A Trafalgar Night dinner is held in October, celebrating Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
  • And have a Christmas lunch, generally held in Nailsea Masonic Hall on the 2nd Sunday in December.

Charity Giving

The Lodge often contributes charitable sums to the RNLI and many other naval and seafaring charities and enterprises like the Sea Cadets, which our membership consists of many active Officers. Learn more about our charity giving.

Please find out more about joining us.

A candidate for joining would ideally have a nautical background; however, we welcome any keen applicants who might find a daytime Saturday Lodge preferable and look forward to hearing from you.

Use the following links to express your interest in becoming a Freemason or, if you are already a Mason and want to express interest in joining the Lodge of Seafarers here at the Masonic Lodge Downend.

Lodge of Seafarers Logo - Masonic Lodge Downend

And, it is closed accordingly. Until our next regular meeting.

Our next regular meeting

Downend Masonic Hall
Lodge Meeting - Initiation
Downend Masonic Hall
25, October 2025

When Does the Lodge of Seafarers Meet?

The Lodge of Seafarers’ regular Lodge meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of April, September, October, November and February. This meeting starts at midday.

Where Does the Lodge of Seafarers Meet?

The Lodge of Seafarers’ regular Lodge meetings are held in the Masonic Lodge Downend, Bristol BS16 5TB.

Upcoming Social Events

WMs Christmas Lunch 2021
Lodge of Seafarers Christmas Lunch 2025
Nailsea Masonic Hall
14, December 2025
SS Great Britain
LOS Ladies Night 2026
SS Great Britain
21, March 2026

Discovering Freemasonry

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Becoming a Freemason

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organizations, open to those of all backgrounds. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.

The organisation aims to empower members to be their best for themselves and society.

To become a Freemason and join the Lodge of Seafarers, please answer a few personal questions, and our Membership Officer, Jonathan, will contact you to answer your questions.

Becoming a Freemason Enquiry Form

Declaration *
First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Telephone #
Message

Already a Freemason? Consider Becoming a Joining Member of the Lodge of Seafarers

Why the Lodge of Seafarers

The Lodge of Seafarers is a friendly collection of Freemasons. Many with a shared interest in everything nautical.

The key points:

  • Meet 5 times a year
  • Saturday afternoon meetings
  • Many wear a naval uniform where appropriate.
  • And we still have a tot!

To become a Joining Member of the Lodge of Seafarers, please answer a few personal questions, and our Membership Officer Jonathan will contact you and answer your questions.

Joining Member Enquiry Form

Declaration *
First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Telephone #
Message