In March 1903, the Deputy Grand Master of New South Wales, Right Worshipful Brother John Burt Trivett, read an address titled, A Short History of Lodge Fidelity, regarding the history of one of the oldest Lodges in New South Wales - Lodge Fidelity - at their Diamond Jubilee Anniversary marking sixty years. It is a valuable historical document that provides a perspective of nineteenth century Freemasonry in Sydney, New South Wales, prior to the unification of Constitutions in 1888. Through his examination and interpretation of the early minutes, Trivett provides an insight into the various happenings, customs, and events of Lodge Fidelity as an Irish Lodge, and of the Irish Constitution in colonial era Sydney.

This publication is the complete transcription of the address with additional footnote information drawn from an accumulation of a greater body of research regarding the Lodge’s history. The research process has explored beyond Masonic history and delved into the realm of social and genealogical history to gain a greater understanding of our Masonic forefathers and colonial Freemasonry in New South Wales.