William D'Aeth Lodge No 8710 – Masonic Lodge in Dartford: William D'Aeth Lodge No 8710

The Grand Temple - United Grand Lodge of England

INTEGRITY

Building good people

Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity. Membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

FRIENDSHIP

Building together

Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

RESPECT

Building unity

Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.

CHARITY

Building compassion

Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained in our principles and give members the opportunity to make positive contributions to their communities and various causes.

About us

In 1976, in celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Dartford Grammar School, a number of Old Dartfordians and a few other likeminded men who shared the same principles promulgated by both the School and, for that matter, Freemasonry, founded a Masonic Lodge. So proud were they of the connection of this new Lodge with the Grammar School that they named it William D’Aeth Lodge in honour of one of the Founders of the School.

That Lodge still meets four times each year. Because of the limitations of recruiting members solely from the School, the Lodge has opened its doors to a wider audience, but we still have among our members several Old Dartfordians, as well as members and supporters of the Dartfordians Rugby Club.

We meet at Dartford Masonic Centre, West Hill Dartford DA1 2HJ on the 3rd Wednesday in March, June, September and December, and following our meeting in the lodge room we dine together at the Masonic Centre. At our December meeting we invite our wives, partners and friends to dine with us and in this friendly and convivial atmosphere we sing Christmas carols. No-one can sing, but it doesn’t matter, we still enjoy ourselves.

The highlight of our social calendar is what we call our Summer Soiree. Once a year, usually in July, we again invite family and friends to join us. Some years we dine at the Masonic Centre but often we visit other locations for a fun and friendly evening out.

What is Freemasonry

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true as they have at any point in the organisation’s history. Our governing body is the United Grand Lodge of England which is situated in Great Queen Street, near Covent Garden in Central London. We also come under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of West Kent, the headquarters of which is at Bromley.

Why join

You want to make new friendships

Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are only some of the ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.

You want to develop yourself

Freemasonry is all about building character and supporting members as individuals. It’s these foundations that allow members to develop themselves, from increased self-confidence to transferable skills such as public speaking.

You want to make a positive contribution to society

Whether taking part in social events or fundraising, charity is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions to deserving causes and it’s because of this we’re recognised as one of the largest charitable givers in the country.

Charity

For Freemasons, for families, for everyone

Charity has always been a core principle of Freemasonry. Individuals can make an important contribution at local, national and global level by giving both their time and money.
Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £42m to deserving causes in 2019 alone. Freemasons do not only donate money – more than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work was undertaken by Freemasons in 2018.

Charity in the Province of West Kent

Our aim is to “Make a Difference” in all of our activities – whether this is through individual Lodges, our interaction with each other as members, or our relationship with the community as a whole. – Mark Estaugh, Provincial Grand Master of West Kent.

Our Biggest Target – to raise £2.5 million by 2026

We are proud to announce out biggest target for the coming years – which is to raise £2.5 million by 2026.
The West Kent Freemasons care passionately about supporting the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities.
In order to do this, and in addition to all our other charitable activities – the West Kent Freemasons have committed to raise £2,502,026 (the 2026 at the end of this amount is the year we will deliver this target!) for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

2026 FUNDRAISING INFORMATION

Charity in William D’Aeth Lodge

As well as supporting West Kent Provincial Charity Appeals the lodge has also made donations to:

Gallery

Contact Us

If you want to join Freemasonry or are already a Freemason who is interested in joining or learning more about the William D’Aeth Lodge No 8710, then please contacts us using the form below. All enquiries will be answered.

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Masonic Link

West Kent Freemasons https://westkentmasons.org.uk/

United Grand Lodge of England https://www.ugle.org.uk/

Masonic Charitable Foundation https://mcf.org.uk/