It would be fitting to start this section, that if we bear in mind that quotation from our Masonic Ritual, which states: “It is customary at the erection of all stately or superb edifices to lay the first orfoundation stone at the northwest corner”

Early in March 1857 a Mr. George Winder , advertised that he had taken over the McDonalds Family & Commercial Hotel, which he later changed to the “Masonic Hotel and on 29 th October 1857 nine brethren held a meeting with a view to open a Masonic Lodge in Durban. Bro Winder offered his new dining room for the purpose, which is know the site of the present Royal Hotel.

The brethren applied to the Grand Lodge in London for a warrant to meet and instruct persons of good report in the principals of the Craft, the a charter for “Port Natal Lodge” No 1040 was signed and issued and Bro Mellor was appointed as the first W/ Master, the charter was dated 3rd March 1858. The first meeting was held on the 12 th August 1858.

This the foundation stone was laid in KwaZulu –Natal and freemasonry has grown from there.

The following lodges were opened in the Area:

  -1863 Prince Alfred Lodge held its Inaugural meeting in Pietermaritzburg
  -1868 Inanda Lodge No 1142 was Inaugurated meeting in Verulam
  -1877 Natalia Lodge No 1665 held its Inaugural meeting in Pietermaritzburg
  -1877 Carnarvon Lodge No 1684 held its Inaugural meeting in Richmond
  -1878 Skelmerdale Lodge No 1729 held its Inaugural meeting in Pietermaritzburg
  -1878 Southern Cross Lodge No 1778 held its Inaugural meeting in Harrismith
  -1880 Umvoti Lodge No 1867 held its Inaugural meeting in Greytown
  -1881 Addington Lodge No 1937 held its Inaugural meeting in Durban
  -1882 Umlazi lodge No 1976 held its Inaugural meeting in Umlazi

In 1882 member of the craft entered in to communication with the Grand Lodge in England with the view of erecting of the colony into a Masonic District. In March of 1882, the Lodges in Natal numbered eight, they were advised by Grand Lodge that they had decided to establish a District Grand Lodge of Natal. In 1883, the arrival for the Patent of Office arrived from England and The District Grand Master of Natal was W Bro Robert Isaac Finnemore form Natalia Lodge. There were nine Lodge in Natal, five up country and four coastal

The Inaugural Communication of the District Grand Lodge of Natal was held on Wednesday. The 28 th March 1883, in the Masonic Complex, Smith Street, Durban

In 1885 the following two lodges had there Inaugural Meetings, Biggerberg Lodge No 2084 and Newcastle Lodge No 2097. In 1886 St Johns Lodge in Kokstad came under the jurisdiction of the Natal District.

  -1889 Mt Currie Lodge No 2299 held in Inaugural Meeting
  -1891 Klip River Country Lodge No 2401
  -1893 Dukuza Lodge No 2461 held in Inaugural Meeting in Stanger

On the 24 May 1894 the newly completed Masonic Hall in Smith Street, Durban was completed and in the same year Ixopo Lodge No 2515 held its first meeting with two more Lodge in 1897, namely the Star of Bethlehem No 2522 and Etekweni Lodge No 2623.

Since the establishment of the District Grand Lodge of Natal in 1883 to today there has been many District Grand Masters and a number of new Lodges opening in the Natal / KwaZulu Natal area, unfortunately a number of Lodge had to close and hand their charter back to London.

The District grand Lodge of Natal has continued to grow and survive internal conflict (Boer Wars) – with a number of funny and interesting Masonic Stories from both sides, world wars, internal politics and changes in Government.

Our History is what made this District, let each individual Mason feel the responsibility which rests upon him. Let him know that that it may be his post to bring honour to the craft, and let us all be found in the straight path of integrity, honour and virtue.

Finally, let us look ahead rather than back, for we have already paid tribute to these Brethren who have labored in the past, and send greetings to those Brethren who are still to come. May they carry the touch of brotherly love ever forward through the years ahead and write their own history