Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49, F. & A. M.

Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49, Free and Accepted Masons, was founded to meet a unique need in the City of Los Angeles. In 1943, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Lillian D. Dandridge recognized that many Brothers worked night vocations and were unable to attend traditional evening lodges. To serve these Brethren, he envisioned the creation of a daytime lodge.

Brother Paul L. Howard of Holland Lodge No. 20, later affectionately known as the “Master Builder”, was appointed to organize what would become the first Daylight Lodge in the nation.

The foundation was laid in December 1943 with the formation of the Musicians and Actors Club, later renamed the Thomas “Fats” Waller Club in honor of the legendary musician who had recently passed. On January 31, 1944, Most Worshipful Grand Master George R. Vaughan granted a dispensation to 88 Brothers, allowing them to meet as Thomas Waller Lodge U.D. at 1050 E. 50th Street in Los Angeles. Meetings were held at noon on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, solidifying the Daylight Lodge concept within Prince Hall Masonry.

Following months of dedicated labor and proven commitment to Masonic principles, the Brethren were formally granted a charter on July 18, 1944, during the 89th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge in San Francisco. With this charter, the lodge became Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49, empowered to confer the degrees of Masonry according to the ancient customs and traditions of the Craft.

Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49 has continued to thrive into the 21st century, installing its 82nd Worshipful Master on January 3, 2026. The Lodge stands as a living witness to significant moments in American history and remains committed to brotherhood, service, and the enduring values of Prince Hall Freemasonry.