About Wayfarers #50

Dinners and Stated Meetings

If you’re interested in Freemasonry, join us at the Lodge.

Stated Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM before the meeting — guests are welcome.

Masonic Movie Night

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, we host Masonic Movie Night at the Square and Compass Theatre. Each screening features a film with themes related to Freemasonry and begins at 7:00 PM.

Everyone is welcome—those curious about Freemasonry, and well-established Brothers alike who wish to explore our rich history through film.

Bring your family, friends, and anyone interested in an evening of fun and popcorn! This has become a great venue for learning about our Fraternity while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Each showing is followed by a group discussion where we explore the film’s connection to the ancient mysteries and Masonic tradition.

History of Wayfarers Lodge #50

Ten Masons gathered in a private home on February 17, 1948, in the then-unincorporated area of Sunnyslope in north Phoenix, Arizona. They formed a Masonic club and adopted the name Wayfarers Club. For most of the next two years, meetings were held twice a month in members’ homes, eventually transitioning to the workshop of W.B. Bill Mays, a Past Master of Silver Trowel Lodge #29 of Phoenix, who lived across the street from the Lodge’s current location.

During this time, dues were collected, and membership grew to approximately 30. The members came from diverse walks of life and nationalities, referring to themselves informally as “The League of Nations.”

Rather than rent a facility, the club decided to build one. Brothers William Mays, Howard Christy, and Charles Cash—experienced in construction—served on the building committee. Fundraising efforts commenced, and the Mays family donated the parcel of land on which the Lodge still stands today.

In the early 1950s, the original building—now the dining room—was constructed and used as a clubhouse. Construction on the main meeting hall began shortly after.

Becoming a Lodge

On September 11, 1954, during a Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Arizona, Grand Master Lewis S. Neeb issued a dispensation to the members of the Wayfarers Club to form a Lodge. Wayfarers Lodge U.D. (Under Dispensation) was then permitted to begin performing degree work.

At that time, various Masonic organizations gifted regalia and other essential items to the Lodge. The first Stated Meeting was held two days later, during which William Mays was elected Worshipful Master. A decision was made that the Lodge would hold clear title to the building before receiving its official charter. Shortly thereafter, the Lodge purchased the building and land from those who had originally donated it.

Membership stood at approximately 18 until April 25, 1955, when the Lodge received its Charter at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Arizona. During this time, members continued working on completing the meeting room. Regular meetings, social events, and fundraising activities carried on at a lively pace.

On Sunday, May 1, 1955, at a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge, Grand Master Carey B. Wilson presided over the installation of Lodge officers, dedication of the new building, and the laying of the cornerstone. This is believed to be the only time in Arizona Masonic history that a Lodge was chartered and its building dedicated on the same day. By the end of that decade, membership had grown to around 90 Brothers.

Unique Features

In 1968, with remaining funds from the Wayfarers Club, the distinctive black-and-white tiled floor was installed—symbolizing the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple. It remains the only floor of its kind in Arizona and marked the conclusion of the Wayfarers Club.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Wayfarers Lodge #50 had approximately 120 members. Over the decades, more than 600 Masons have either joined or become Masons through the Lodge.

Today, Wayfarers Lodge #50 continues to be recognized for its outstanding Ritual work.

- Based on the history of Wayfarers #50
Written by Forrest H. Page, PM