Welcome to St Cecilia Lodge, No 494

Notable Members

St. Cecilia Lodge No. 494 has been home to many distinguished members whose contributions helped shape Irish public life. From politicians and judges to military leaders and peers, they left lasting legacies in Irish politics, law, and society.

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852)

was a celebrated military and political leader, known for his victory at Waterloo and service as British Prime Minister. He was initiated into Lodge 494 on December 7, 1790, while stationed in Trim, the original founding place of Lodge 494. Present at his initiation were several notable Irish figures: George Hamilton, an Irish politician, barrister, and judge who served as Member of Parliament for Belfast and held office as Third Serjeant-at-law before becoming a Baron of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland. Further, Colonel Robert Uniacke-FitzGerald, an influential Irish politician and military officer. For more notable members who attended his initiation, see his father, also a member of Lodge 494.

Garrett Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington (1735–1781)

was an Irish politician, musician, and patron of the arts. A member of Lodge 494, he was also the father of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, linking his family to both Irish history and Freemasonry. Further Brethren present at his son's initiation were: George Lowther, a Member of Parliament from County Meath, who brought both political influence and a strong family legacy to the Lodge; he was the son of Gorges Lowther and related to the esteemed St. George family. Further, Francis North, 4th Earl of Guilford (1761–1817), a British peer, army officer, and playwright. Styled “The Honourable” until 1802, North served as a deputy lieutenant of Kent.

Richard Wellesley, 2nd Earl of Mornington (1760–1842)

the brother of the Duke of Wellington, was a prominent Irish statesman and peer. His membership in Lodge 494 further proofs their family’s deep connection to Irish politics and Masonic traditions.

Sir James Somerville, 1st Baronet (1698–1748)

was an Irish politician and former Lord Mayor of Dublin. As a member of Lodge 494, his public service and leadership brought prestige to the lodge’s early years.

Thomas Nugent, 6th Earl of Westmeath (1714–1792)

a prominent Irish peer and Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Ireland from 1763 to 1767, was a notable member. His leadership within Irish Freemasonry added distinction to Lodge 494.

Robert Perceval (1756–1839)

served as the first Professor of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin and was a founding member of the Royal Irish Academy. Known as the “father of the medical profession in Dublin,” his contributions to medical science and education were highly significant. Perceval’s membership in Lodge 494 connects the lodge’s history with Irish academic and scientific advancement.

History

St. Cecilia Lodge 494 was founded on May 7, 1772, under a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ireland, originally meeting in Trim, County Meath. The lodge was established by prominent Freemasons Alexander Woods, Henry Reynolds, and John Chapman. For over a century, Lodge 494 played an active role in Irish Masonic life, with notable members including Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, who was initiated in 1790 during his military service in Trim.

The lodge remained in Trim until it relocated to Dublin in the mid-19th century. There, it continued to be a hub for prominent members of city life who shaped Irish public life. Among the members was Sir Benjamin Chapman, 1st Baronet, who contributed to Irish society and built the notable Killua Castle. Additionally, George Lowther, an MP, played a key role in developing Balbriggan Harbour, while Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Shannon, served as a distinguished MP for County Cork, enhancing the lodge’s legacy through public service and leadership.

A significant change came in 1976, when Lodge 494 amalgamated with Lodge No. 250, Dublin, forming a single, united lodge. With this union, the lodge adopted its present name, “St. Cecilia Lodge 494”, honoring St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, symbolizing harmony and unity—values deeply rooted in Masonic tradition.

For 253 years, Lodge No. 494 has upheld the values of brotherhood, tradition, and service, thriving through generations. With pride in its past and faith in its future, the Lodge will continue to carry its light forward for years to come.

Image sources

Garrett Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, by unknown 18th century Irish portrait painter © Trinity College Dublin
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1815-16. © Wellington Collection, Apsley House, London
Richard Colley Wellesley, Marquess Wellesley, by Ozias Humphry © National Portrait Gallery, London
Portrait of James Somerville, 14th Lord Somerville, by unknown © Artnet
Dr Robert Perceval, by William Gillard, Oil On Canvas © RCPI Heritage Centre
House of Nugent, gathered by European Heraldry