Lafayette Lodge No. 47: A Beacon of Brotherhood in Cumberland, Rhode Island

Nestled in the heart of northern Rhode Island, Lafayette Lodge No. 47 F. & A.M. stands as a proud testament to the enduring values of Freemasonry—brotherhood, charity, and community service. Since its founding in 1961, the lodge has cultivated a rich legacy rooted in tradition and civic engagement.

Honoring a Revolutionary Spirit

The lodge takes its name from Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, the celebrated French general who played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette’s ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity mirror the very principles upon which Freemasonry is built. By adopting his name, the lodge pays homage to a figure whose life embodied the pursuit of justice and unity.

A Community Cornerstone

Located at 680 Nate Whipple Highway, Lafayette Lodge No. 47 has long served as a gathering place for Freemasons and a welcoming space for the broader community. More than just a fraternal organization, the lodge is deeply woven into the fabric of Cumberland’s civic life.

Its monthly community breakfasts have become a beloved tradition, offering not only delicious fare—like Irish Crème French Toast and homemade corned beef hash—but also a chance to support local causes. Proceeds from these events benefit school music programs, literacy initiatives, food pantries, and other charitable efforts throughout the region.

Tradition Meets Outreach

Lafayette Lodge is known for blending Masonic ritual with modern outreach. Members uphold centuries-old customs while actively engaging with neighbors and newcomers alike. This balance of reverence and relevance has helped the lodge remain vibrant and welcoming across generations.

Whether hosting festive meals, supporting youth programs, or simply offering a space for fellowship, Lafayette Lodge No. 47 continues to embody the Masonic commitment to “making good men better”—and making communities stronger in the process.

The date was January 2, 1878 and Brothers: Lindsey Anderson, Meyer Noot, Henry Green, Leopold Hartman, Abraham Gompers, Joseph Schwartz, Maurice L. Happ, Lorenzo Traver, Adolph Greenwood, Charles Jacobs, and William Richardson petitioned to the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations for the privilege of forming "Redwood Lodge". This effort was proudly reccommended to the Grand Master by the Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1 in Providence.

On February 22nd, 1878, in the 101st year of American Independence, the Grand Master,  Most Worshipful Charles R Cutler,  approved the petition and granted dispensation for the formation of Redwood Lodge in the "Town of Providence" for the purpose of initiating Freemasons. After 4 months, and 11 successful meetings, the Grand Master formally constituted Redwood Lodge No. 35 A.F.& A.M. on June 10th 1878.

Redwood's first Worshipful Master was Meyer Noot, a prominent Rabbi in Providence. They chose the name "Redwood", not in reflection of the redwood tree, as many have wrongly presumed, but in honor of Abraham Redwood (1709-1788), a well known ship owner, merchant, plantation owner, state assemblyman, botanist, and philanthropist in the mid 18th Century. Redwood is today remembered for founding Newport's Redwood Library in 1743.

Through the 20th century, and into the 21st, Redwood Lodge would contribute 4 Grand Masters to the Grand Lodge, and countless other brothers who were active and proud citizens in the State.

Over 130 years later, and Redwood Lodge is still here, serving the Masonic Community of Rhode Island.