This month’s RI Gem is a very unique one—Washington Lodge No. 3 in the town of Warren. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Worshipful Brother Steve Curria, the lodge's historian and a four-time Past Master, who shared the incredible history, vibrant culture and unveiled the mysteries of this lodge.
The Ship Within the Building
The very soul of Washington Lodge is tied to the sea, as many of the founding members were sea captains. Because of their maritime trades, even when the lodge was active since June 22, 1796, they couldn't officially receive their charter until 1798 when enough members were back on dry land. Originally designated as number one, a friendly reorganization among the first lodges (for more details visit our St. Johns 1P RI Gems entry) led them to embrace number three, reflecting their seniority on the charter.
The link to the sea continues with their Masonic building, which was constructed with timbers salvaged from the “HMS Juno”, a British warship that was scuttled in Newport Harbor to keep the French from landing. You can literally touch history as you enter the lodge room and find yourself walking on the frigate's original deck planking. Gaze upon the vaulted ceiling in the main lodge room, and you are looking at the curved rib cuts of the ship itself.
Among the profound historical artifacts and symbols, the lodge holds a more curious treasure that speaks to its maritime soul: Hiram, the sea turtle! Hiram is a real sea turtle that has been carefully hollowed out and preserved in shellac and has since been lovingly adopted as the lodge's official mascot. Proudly kept on display for all visitors to see, Hiram serves as a unique and beloved testament to the lodge's deep connection to the sea.
A Riddle From the Book of the Dead
Ascend to the lodge room and a more ancient mystery reveals itself. In 1915, a gifted member and student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Max Muller, was tasked with adorning the walls. He turned not to contemporary styles, but to the sacred texts of the Nile Valley, obtaining a copy of the Egyptian Book of the Dead—a scroll designed to guide a soul through the perils of the afterlife. From its pages, Muller meticulously selected images he felt resonated with Masonic symbolism and painted them in a stunning panoramic display. These murals are not just art; they are a subject of deep esoteric study for those who seek to understand their hidden meanings. Today, this priceless artwork is in the midst of a restoration process, a project lovingly started by Muller's nephew, Ken Bosworth (also a member of the lodge), and now carried on by Ken's daughter, Susan. This is a fantastic example of how ancient mysteries are preserved from generation to generation.
The General's Secret
The lodge's name, chosen in 1796, hints at another curious connection. While George Washington was a figure of immense popularity at the time, the link here is far more personal. The lodge’s first secretary, Nathaniel Phillips, served as Washington's own quartermaster sergeant during the Revolution and knew the general personally. This intimate history is solidified by an artifact safeguarded within the lodge’s collection: a simple water pitcher that was the personal property of George Washington, used in his campaign tent and passed down through Brother Phillips’s family until it found its permanent home at the lodge.
The Keepers of the Mystery
Who are the modern-day guardians of such a place? You may ask—and the answer is part of the lodge's fascinating culture. Brother Curria describes the membership as a unique brotherhood of "middle-aged punk rockers," including tattoo artists and former musicians. They are men who approach their ancient Masonic rituals with a profound seriousness, ensuring that every candidate’s experience is the best it can possibly be, as Steve emphasizes: "We take our Masonic aspect as serious as a heart attack." Yet, outside the formality of the lodge room, they are a relaxed and easygoing group. This dedicated fraternity of "working class" family men are the current keepers of the lodge's secrets and the stewards of its remarkable future.
An invitation is always open for those who wish to experience the full depth of Washington Lodge’s history. The lodge actively participates in local events like the Warren Holiday Festival, opening its doors for tours and entertainment, and supports the town's summer concert series and local toy drives.
Additionally, a personal tour can also be arranged by reaching out to Brother Steve Curria (email address:
For more information visit https://www.washingtonlodge3.com/
