William Russell Lodge has often been referred to as the Pilot’s Lodge. This association comes from it’s very beginning. When the Lodge was first formed, John Alfred Gillett was a founder member and a Trinity House Pilot. He presented the bible, square and compasses still used today. Subsequently a number of Trinity House Pilots became members or were initiated into the Lodge. At the time of the Lodge’s centenary in 2004, historically 36 Pilots/Mariners have been identified as becoming Lodge members.

The Lodge still has 2 members who have a seafaring background.

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The Lodge took its name from one of the founder members William Russell who was born in Gravesend in 1842, a Produce Broker and a member of the London Stock Exchange. A member of at least 10 Craft Lodges including Erasmus Wilson (sister Lodge) He rose to the position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Kent. A full history about our Founder is available in booklet form from the Secretary.

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We usually have a busy social calendar and In addition to our traditional Ladies night we have also hosted events including Murder Mystery Dinners and Race Nights.

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We support many local and national charities includingThe Royal British Legion, Prostate Cancer, Gravesend Masonic Children’s Party and the Ellenor Hospice to name but a few.