Norfolk Lodge A.F. & A.M.
On April 6, 1874, a group of Masons formed a committee to establish a Masonic Lodge in Needham. Officers were elected on April 28, 1874. On May 18, 1874 the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts granted a dispensation to hold meetings in Needham. The first regular meeting, under the dispensation, was held on May 20, 1874. Meetings were held on "full of the moon" in Odd Fellows Hall, at the corner of Great Plain Avenue and Chapel St. On July 1, 1875, Norfolk Lodge A.F. & A.M. was duly constituted. There were 28 brethren present when the charter was presented by the Grand Lodge officers.
Besides being actively engaged supporting Masonic charitable programs sponsored by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, Norfolk Lodge is very engaged with supporting local civic and government organization in the town. Such as: sponsoring a Little League team; assisting the Needham Rotary Club by giving them access to our kitchen and banquet facility for their Thanksgiving dinner program which provides a meal to those less fortunate residents and families in the town. We financially support the following local organizations: Needham YMCA; Needham Community Council; Carter Church Children's Center; Walker School; River School; Needham Park & Recreation Department; Needham Exchange Club. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the lodge sells Christmas trees to the residents of Needham and surrounding communities, and donates 30 trees to the Needham Community Council for distribution to less fortunate families in the town. We are ever ready to assist our brother members in addressing personal maintenance needs for their homes.
Norfolk Lodge has enjoyed a magnificent history and looks forward to the future with optimism and the commitment to continue the high Masonic values which have brought us through our first 130 years. If you are a gentleman who is inclined to want to be a part of "making good men better," as well as grooming your own character, you may want to contact the lodge and look into becoming a member.