KOBE MASONIC BODIES

About Us

神戸メソニックボディーズについて

Kobe Masonic Bodies was established on January 1, 2025, to support the activities of two historic Masonic Lodges in Kobe: Lodge Hiogo & Osaka No.498 S.C. (under the Grand Lodge of Scotland) and Rising Sun Lodge No.1401 E.C. (under the United Grand Lodge of England).

Founded in 1870 and 1872 respectively, these two Lodges are among the oldest Masonic Lodges in Japan, having operated continuously for over 150 years, except during the war years.

History of Freemasonry in Kobe

神戸のフリーメイソンリーの歴史

The history of Freemasonry in Kobe began with the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868. Just over two years after the port opened to foreign trade, the first Masonic Lodge was established in the foreign settlement.

Lodge Hiogo & Osaka No.498 S.C. — The petition was submitted on November 8, 1869, and a formal Charter was issued by the Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, on February 7, 1870. The Lodge was inaugurated and consecrated on May 14, 1870, at the International Club, Kyo-machi, making it the oldest surviving Masonic Lodge in Japan.

Rising Sun Lodge No.1401 E.C. — Established in 1872, with Major P.M. Kinder, who was in charge of the Imperial Mint at Osaka, serving as its first Master. On February 16, 1871, Major Kinder laid the foundation stone of a new Masonic building at No. 81 Kyo-machi.

Over the decades, the Lodges have met at various locations: the original premises at Kyo-machi, Corinthian Hall at Nakayamate-dori from 1903, and Kirby Hall at the Kobe Club from 1956. Throughout these years, the Lodges have walked alongside the international community of Kobe.

Our Purpose

私たちの目的

Kobe Masonic Bodies exists to serve the following purposes:

• Support of Masonic Lodge Activities in Kobe
  Providing facilities, equipment, and operational support to ensure both Lodges can carry out their activities smoothly.
• Proper Management of Masonic-Related Assets
  Appropriately managing the assets inherited from our predecessors and passing them on to future generations.
• Financial Support for Charitable Activities
  Supporting the charitable activities of each Lodge in accordance with the principles of Freemasonry.

The Kirby Legacy

カービーの遺産

The story of Freemasonry in Kobe cannot be told without mentioning the Kirby family.

Edward Kirby (1836–1883) owned the Kobe Iron Works and built the first iron-clad warship for the Government of Japan. His nephew, Alfred Kirby (1852–1940), was a devoted Freemason who served as Master of Rising Sun Lodge in 1895 and assisted in planning Corinthian Hall.

Alfred’s legacy was passed on to his daughters and eventually became the benevolent fund of both Lodges. With these funds, Kirby Hall was constructed in 1972 on the grounds of the Kobe Club. Described as “splendid and dignified,” the white Grecian tetrastyle temple, set among Japanese pine trees, served as the meeting place for Kobe’s Freemasons for over fifty years.

The legacy of the Kirby family, and of Brother William Lackie who served as trustee, continues to inspire the Masonic community in Kobe to this day.

A New Era

新たな時代へ

In 2025, Kobe Masonic Bodies established its new headquarters at The Entente on Rokko Island, Kobe. While honoring the traditions of over 150 years, we continue to support the activities of Freemasonry in this new era.

Member Lodges

所属ロッジ