Freemasons International society for mutual help and fellowship. The Freemasons have been in Singapore since the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, who is said to have been a Freemason. Several lodges were established in Singapore in the 19th century, including Lodge Zetland No. 748, established in 1845, and Masonic Hall Esplanade, established in 1856. On 14 April 1879, the foundation stone of the Masonic hall on Coleman Street was laid. The building was consecrated as Freemasons’ Hall on 27 December 1879. The Masonic Club, Singapore, was inaugurated on 2 July 1888.

Among the many other Freemasons in Singapore during the 19th century were officials and public figures such as William Napier, W.H. Read, Colonel Samuel Dunlop and Sir Henry Keppel. Read and Dunlop were district grand masters.

Freemasonry in Singapore survived the two world wars, with Lodge Zetland in the East (formerly Lodge Zetland No. 748) celebrating its centenary in December 1945. Meetings are still held at Freemason’s Hall.

Photo credit: Sin Kam Cheong