Welcome brethren, friends, and guests of Naval Lodge No. 4,

Thank you for visiting our website and your interest in Naval Lodge.

Naval Lodge is the oldest continuously operating lodge in the District of Columbia. Originally chartered as Washington Naval Lodge No. 41 by the Grand Lodge of Maryland in 1805, our 218-year history and proximity to the U.S. Capitol Building intertwines Naval Lodge with our nation and historic events, from the War of 1812 to Gerald Ford's Masonic funeral.

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that is shrouded in mystery and yet all our buildings are marked and our website is searchable. We also often schedule open programs during our meetings, which any gentleman is welcome to attend. Perhaps Freemasonry is not itself a secret, but assists you in finding secrets within yourself.

In the words of a prominent Freemason, William Howard Taft: The secret of Masonry, like the secret of life, can be known only by those who seek it, serve it, live it. It cannot be uttered; it can only be felt and acted. It is, in fact, an open secret, and each man knows it according to his quest and capacity. Like all things worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no man can know it alone.

With that, I encourage you to browse our site and, if interested, please reach out to our secretary to join us for dinner or an upcoming open program.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Rosario A. Torres, Worshipful Master 2023