Constituted in 1875, George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. has the largest brethren in District 12. Named in honor of the 11th U.S. Vice President George M. Dallas, the Lodge has amassed over 825 members.
Each month, Lodge 531 features presentations to educate and entertain regarding Freemasonry, with some open to the public. It also welcomes new members and works to help others take further steps in Freemasonry.
Lodge 531 continues to serve the public through charitable donations and fund-raising events each year. Several organizations such as the Back Mountain Food Pantry and American Legion Post 672 have benefited from the generosity of our Lodge.
We invite you to explore the pages of our website so that you may become more familiar with Freemasonry and Lodge 531. If you have any questions or are interested in joining our Lodge, please Contact us.
Current Lodge Membership – 639
150th Anniversary Celebration
George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 Free and Accepted Masons recently celebrated their 150th anniversary since is was constituted on March 1, 1875. A banquet was held at the Apple Tree Terrace at Newberry Estates and was attended by representatives from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, members of George M. Dallas Lodge and guests. Highlights of the evening included remarks by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master 12th District, Worshipful Master George. M. Dallas lodge and a reading of the history of the lodge. For information on joining George M. Dallas lodge, please visit our website at http://www.lodge531.com.
Pictured L to R, first row: Daniel W. Lewis, District Deputy Grand Master 12th District, Robert D. Brink, R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Larry A. Derr R.W. Grand Master, Lynn B. Baker Jr., R.W. Junior Grand Warden and Paul M. Rutkowski, Worshipful Master. Second row: Barry T. Wagner P.M. Secretary, John Owens, Junior Warden, Robert J. Shaffer, Treasurer, Kenneth Hinz, Junior Deacon, Leo V. Carr P.M., Senior Warden, Robert Birkland, Senior Master of Ceremonies and Michael Loftus, Senior Deacon.
Fellowship Nights
Brethern, please join us on Wednesday evenings for fellowship at 6:30 p.m. These are informal, come-as-you-are evenings. We will engage in Masonic instruction, sometimes we solve world problems, and most of the time we just have fun. Come join us!
2025 Lodge Essays
Do you enjoy writing? If so, the lodge can use your help. Grand Lodge has requested that our lodge write 3 profile essays (1,000 – 1,500 words each) on the following:
Member #1: Influential in the Community
Member #2: Influential in the Lodge
Member #3: Influential in Freemasonry in General
Please note that the selected member may be living or deceased. If you are interested in helping with the essays, please contact theSecretary, Barry T. Wagner, PM.
What’s Missing
Do you know what’s missing in Freemasonry?
YOU! Please make a New Year’s resolution to attend our Stated and Extra Meetings. Hear an interesting program, refresh your memory of your entered apprentice, fellow craft, or master mason’s degree. Enjoy some fellowship with the Brethren. Remember, you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it.
Haven’t been to the lodge lately? Never be concerned about an entrance examination as a member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. If requested, your current membership card is all that is needed to attend a Stated or Extra Meeting. No other questions will be asked. Come out for a great meal and terrific fellowship. Hope to see you soon at Lodge.
My Brother’s Keeper
Brethren, the ladies of the Trucksville United Methodist Church make bed rolls for the homeless in Wilkes-Barre for the winter months as part of the My Brother’s Keeper: Maker’s of Ugly Quilts program. These bed rolls are tied together with USED neckties to maintain the roll. If you have any USED neckties you no longer want, please drop them off at the lodge and we will make sure they are donated to this program.
Pay Your Dues On-Line
As part of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge’s 21st Century Masonic Renaissance, Members can now pay dues online. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure safe financial transactions and that payments are properly recorded and disbursed. And as always, you can pay dues in person or by mail making checks payable to George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 F. & A. M.. Dues paid online will incur a $3.25 processing fee.
You can also add a voluntary donation to our charity fund in the same transaction if you like.
Masonic Ritual
The 12th Masonic District School of Instruction meets each month on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday at:
Masonic Temple
25 North Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Instruction in all phases of Masonic Ritual are available. Instruction begins at 7:30 p.m.
March 11th – Business Meeting, Qualifying
March 17th – TBD
Request
The Worshipful Master requests that first and second-line signers of petitions be present for the stated meetings when the petition is presented and balloted and at extra meetings when the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason degrees are conferred.
Thank You