The construction of our historic building in 1799 was a remarkable achievement for its time, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of Warren’s talented artisans. Built using sturdy oak timbers salvaged from the British “stone fleet” — a group of ships intentionally sunk in Newport Harbor in 1778 to block American and French forces — the building’s story is intertwined with Revolutionary War history.

Brother Sylvester Child, a dedicated member of the building committee, acquired the old ships and ingeniously floated the timbers up Narragansett Bay and into the Warren River. From there, the wood was brought to his shipyard at the foot of Baker and Miller Streets, where local shipwrights transformed it into the lodge we know today.

The building’s exterior features exquisite Federal-style details, including prominent corner quoins and a distinctive band of flaring medallions beneath the roof cornice. These medallions echo the intricate craftsmanship seen in the richly carved pediments over the doors. The Ionic capitals atop the fluted pilasters framing the entrances are particularly striking. Inside, the arched ceiling of the second-floor meeting room showcases oak planks repurposed from the beams of a ship, adding to the building’s maritime legacy.

Restoration efforts remain ongoing to preserve this architectural treasure. While 18 storm windows have been installed, the next phase involves restoring and repairing sashes in nine additional windows.

A unique feature of our lodge is the Great Hall’s Egyptian-themed fresco murals, painted in 1915 and inspired by the “Book of the Dead” and the “Papyrus of Ani.” These invaluable artworks have been undergoing meticulous restoration by Alexandra Allardt of ArtCare Resources since 2016. Her careful work has brought new life to most of the murals, with the north and south walls still to be completed. Additional restoration projects have included reupholstering half of the 100-year-old benches and upgrading the lighting to enhance the hall’s ambiance.

Our lodge stands as a testament to history, craftsmanship, and community, continuing to honor the legacy of those who built and preserved it while welcoming future generations.

Washington Lodge #3, Free and Accepted Masons received dispensation on June 24, 1796 and chartered on March 15, 1798. It was the first Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.  There were 58 original members, 21 of those were sea captains.  The population of Warren at the time was 1473.  The original members immediately  formed  a  building  committee, and  the  current Lodge Building was completed in 1799.  The first floor was for public use. The second floor was for Masonic meetings and has been continuously used by the  lodge since that time, making it the oldest lodge building in Rhode Island, and the second oldest lodge building in continuous use in the United States. 

Washington Lodge #3 and Washington Association Inc. is the owner and responsible for the restoration, operation, and maintenance of the Historic Washington Lodge Masonic Temple located at 39 Baker Street.

To schedule a tour or reserve the space, please email washingtonlodge3@gmail.com.

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