Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year.
This is the diary for the coming month.
This is the diary for the coming month.
We will be showcasing some of our special interest lodges to prospective new masonic members, giving a chance for an open Q&A session in a relaxed environment and an opportunity to meet freemasons of Buckinghamshire.
Shooting, Camping, Real Ale, Fine Wine, Aviation, to name but a few.
We will be showcasing some of our special interest lodges to prospective new masonic members, giving a chance for an open Q&A session in a relaxed environment and an opportunity to meet freemasons of Buckinghamshire.
Shooting, Camping, Real Ale, Fine Wine, Aviation, to name but a few.
You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.
The Red Cross of Constantine
The full title of this Order is The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist.
Meetings are held in conclaves.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.
The regalia consists of a purple sash and a red cross breast jewel.
The Order is based on the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity after seeing a sign from heaven in the form of a special cross. He directed that this cross should be worn on the armour of Christians in his army. A conclave of the knights of the order was formed whose members were the bodyguard of the sovereign. The candidate is admitted and obligated then made a Knight Companion where the history of the Order is detailed. There are two appendant ceremonies where the aims of Freemasonry are revealed.
You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/red-cross-of-constantine
If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.
Next time we will introduce you to Royal and Select Masters.
You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.
The Red Cross of Constantine
The full title of this Order is The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist.
Meetings are held in conclaves.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.
The regalia consists of a purple sash and a red cross breast jewel.
The Order is based on the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity after seeing a sign from heaven in the form of a special cross. He directed that this cross should be worn on the armour of Christians in his army. A conclave of the knights of the order was formed whose members were the bodyguard of the sovereign. The candidate is admitted and obligated then made a Knight Companion where the history of the Order is detailed. There are two appendant ceremonies where the aims of Freemasonry are revealed.
You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/red-cross-of-constantine
If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.
Next time we will introduce you to Royal and Select Masters.
OSCAR WILDE
Brother Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 18, 1854. A literary prodigy at a young age, Wilde won the highest honour awarded by receiving the Royal School Scholarship at Trinity College. Soon after enrolling in Trinity College, he was admitted to the Magdalen College in Oxford and moved his life and career to England.
At Oxford, Wilde was a popular student admired by his peers. It was one of his most privileged friends at the time, Prince Leopold, the sixth son of Queen Victoria, that would incite his interest in Freemasonry. Brother Leopold was already an active Freemason at the time and encouraged Wilde to join the university’s prestigious lodge, Apollo University Lodge No. 357. The Apollo Lodge holds the same esteem to this day.
Brother Wilde’s interest in Freemasonry was also likely a result of his father, Sir Wiliam Robert Wills Wilde, who had been an active Mason in Ireland.
Wilde was proposed to the Apollo University Lodge on February 16, 1875 and was initiated soon after on February 23. Being under age Oscar was initiated by special dispensation, this is because the Oxford and Cambridge University Lodges, Apollo University and Isaac Newton respectively, enjoy blanket dispensation to initiate candidates under the age of 21.
In 1876, Wilde joined a second lodge, the Churchill Lodge No. 478 and became a Junior Deacon in 1877. Unfortunately, his Masonic journey ended following his four years in school where he separated himself from Roman Catholicism and active participation in Freemasonry. He was dropped from Apollo University Lodge in 1878 for “non-payment of dues” (NPD) and was similarly removed from the Churchill Lodge in 1883.
While his participation in Freemasonry may have been short lived, much of his life’s work and philosophies share similarities with the values and interests of Freemasons.
Today we held the annual general meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London.
Over 500 Freemasons of Buckinghamshire, along with Friends and family attended for this great annual event.
The following link will take you to the Provincial Grand Masters address.
https://buckspgl.org/blog/provincial-grand-masters-annual-address-2024
Once again, I welcome you all to our meeting in these magnificent surroundings at Freemasons Hall. I congratulate those who have received appointments and promotions today for all you have done for your lodges and our Province. Through your hard work and that of our Comms and Membership teams, more and more people want to join us.
The theatrical nature of our ceremonies, new sound, and lighting systems creating a theatrical experience now attracts initiates from lodges themselves rather than just via the Province.
In 2014 when I was an APGM, our publicity work started to take off under my watch led by Phil Witney on Marketing and Webster Springer on the shows team. It was Webby’s “Go BIG or go home” attitude which challenged the Province to buy the new show team tents and livery and the Kop Hill event stand was launched.
This was the start of the production of many exceptional film and marketing assets being produced. In the following years Webster was everywhere. He created and led a team that always got up at 6am to bang in the tent pegs including Phil, myself, and Matt Eaton and who were still there 3 days later putting it all away.
Over 500 Brethren, Family & Friends will shortly be arriving at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Buckinghamshire Annual Provincial Meeting. A great day of celebration amongst friends and Brothers.
In today's fast-paced world, many of us are looking for a deeper sense of purpose and a way to make a meaningful impact. Freemasonry offers a unique path to achieving both.
As a Freemason, you'll join a centuries-old tradition of community service and personal growth. Our organisation provides opportunities to contribute to local causes, support those in need, and positively transform lives. Whether it's organising charity events, mentoring youth, or supporting local initiatives, Freemasons work together to create lasting change.
As a Freemason, you'll join a centuries-old tradition of community service and personal growth. Our organisation provides opportunities to contribute to local causes, support those in need, and positively transform lives. Whether it's organising charity events, mentoring youth, or supporting local initiatives, Freemasons work together to create lasting change.
But Freemasonry is more than just charitable work. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Through our stories, teachings, and fellowship, you'll gain new perspectives on life, develop leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships. This combination of personal growth and community service often leads our members to discover a profound sense of purpose.
By joining Buckinghamshire Freemasons, you're embarking on a life-changing journey. You'll have the chance to make a real difference in your community while simultaneously growing as an individual.
Ready to find your purpose and have a lasting impact?
Join us today and start your Masonic journey.
For people based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor the rest of the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/find-your-nearest-masonic-centre/lookup-area
Together, we can build a better world, one good deed at a time.
bucksmasons unitedgrandlodgeofengland freemasons findyourpurpose
You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.
Rose Croix
The full title of this Order is The Supreme Council 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘Rose Croix’.
Meetings are held in Rose Croix chapters.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must have been a Master Mason for a year and believe in the Trinitarian Faith with membership usually being by invitation. The joining ceremony is called ‘Perfection’.
The regalia consists of a pink collar with higher degrees having different coloured collars along with a sash and the highest degree also includes a cap.
There are 33 degrees within the Rite with the Chapter taking candidates up to the 18° Perfection.
Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year.
This is the diary for the coming month.
If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to be part of freemasonry and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.
The countdown has begun for our annual meeting at Freemasons Hall, London. Approximately 500 brethren, family and friends will be in attendance to watch and support fellow Brothers receive appointments and promotions within the grand setting of this magnificent art deco building, Home of the United grand Lodge of England.
GEORGE VI
(Albert Frederick Arthur George, Duke of York) was born on 14 December 1895 in Sandringham, Norfolk, and was King of the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952.
George VI was initiated in Navy Lodge No. 2612 on 2 December 1919 and was installed as its Master in 1921. An enthusiastic Freemason, he joined several Lodges and different masonic orders. He was the Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1923 and Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex from 1924 until 1937.
He was elected Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1936 and was appointed a Past Grand Master of England in 1937. Although he formally withdrew from Freemasonry after he was crowned King of England in 1937, he personally installed his brother, George, Duke of Kent, as Grand Master in 1939, the Earl of Harewood in 1943 and the Duke of Devonshire in 1948.
The several items of regalia that belonged to King George VI including aprons, jewels and sashes. An oil painting of George VI is also housed in Freemasons' Hall by S
If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.
Ray Lewis former singer of the Drifters, was initiated into Freemasonry at Great Queen Street as part of the big 100 back in 2021,
The evening was not just a raising for Ray but it was also the launch of Project Transform at Thame Masonic Hall, which is also an Oxfordshire Centre, the last of the Buckinghamshire centres to have this fantastic system installed and rolled out, which both Leaders of Masonry John Clark and Stephen Tucker united in the completion of.
The lights and music that accompany the ceremony make it even more special adding a more dramatic effect to the evening, greatly enhancing the experience for Ray, who was overjoyed by his ceremony.
The evening was incredibly well attended, with executive representation from Oxfordshire wanting to see Project transform in action and delivered as a 3rd degree ceremony.
Ray Lewis was initiated into Freemasonry at Great Queen Street as part of the big 100 back in 2021, what made this evening and ceremony more special was it was conducted at the Thame temple which is in Oxfordshire but used as a temple for several Buckinghamshire lodges.
One of his fellow band members also volunteered to come along and perform for him. The Drifter was able to sit back and enjoy a brilliant performance from his friend and fellow band member at the festive board. A fantastic end to a wonderful evening.
On Saturday 19th October, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will be hosting the next in a series of successful Bring a Friend events, however with a unique twist, to show off the Province's incredible range of Special Interest Lodges to those existing masons, as well as any initiates.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday 19th October
Time: 12:30 - 3:00PM
(arrive from 12:00 for registration, presentations begin at 1.00PM)
Location: Slough Masonic Centre, 76 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX
Prospective initiates and interested joiners can experience:
-The good reasons to join Freemasonry, including personal growth, leadership development, and community impact.
-Talk with members of special interest Lodges and hear why they are so brilliant.
-Meet special interest Lodges that cater to a wide range of hobbies and passions.
-Discover the exciting special interest themed events that take place regularly in the province.
Also come along for:
-A display of classic cars and motorcycles in the car park.
-Showcase exhibition of our special interests within Freemasonry.
-Open Bar and Refreshments as well as a light buffet are provided for all attendees.
-This event is your gateway to discovering the incredible variety that exists within Buckinghamshire Freemasonry.
A bittersweet moment occurred at the most recent Marcellians Lodge meeting when Grae Laws, the Provincial Grand Communications Officer for Buckinghamshire, handed over his apron to Lee Buckingham, his replacement. While Grae showed some reluctance to part with the role he had held for several years, there was also pride in seeing the communications team move forward under new leadership.
The formal transition will take place on Saturday, October 5th at Freemasons' Hall in London. Lee expressed excitement about taking the reins and guiding the team into the future, especially with many new initiates on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Grae isn't stepping away from provincial duties entirely. He'll be moving into the role of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, taking over from Lloyd Harrison, the incumbent Prov SGW. Grae, along with his fellow Warden Mark Harry, will play a key part in the upcoming "12 Days of Christmas" campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to initiate over 60 new members across various lodges between November 20th and December 19th.
As Grae reflected on his time as Communications Officer, it was clear that his efforts had yielded their own rewards in the form of a thriving, engaged Masonic community in Buckinghamshire. The torch may be passing, but the light of fellowship burns as brightly as ever.
You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.
Knights Templar and Knights of Malta
The full title of this Order is The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, in England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘KT’.
Knights Templar meetings are held in Preceptories and under the authority of its warrant, Knights of Malta meetings in Priories are also held.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.
The regalia is based on that of a Templar Knight and consists of a cap, tunic, mantle, sash, belt and sword. The Malta regalia is similar, but the tunic is red and mantle and cap are black.
The Order is based on the actions of a band of Knights who were granted a place of habitation within the sacred precincts of King Solomon’s Temple. The candidate is admitted as a pilgrim and undergoes a period of pilgrimage and warfare then penance and meditation before being made a Knight of the Temple.
You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/knights-templar
If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.
On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment. It was a fantastic day for many Buckinghamshire Freemasons but even more so for the members of Fairway Lodge No. 8614 as they welcomed a very special initiate.
The lodge had one of the first slots available on the day and got to Temple 14 GQS shortly after 0900 to perform the ceremony of initiation of Oliver, in the presence of his Dad Mike who was the current head of the lodge. Oliver's grandfather, John, who is also a member of the lodge and was present for the ceremony.
Bro Oliver joins a succession of new members to Fairway lodge who have welcomed seven initiates in the last few years, and will no doubt follow in both his fathers and grandfathers’ footsteps in Freemasonry.
The lodge had one of the first slots available on the day and got to Temple 14 GQS shortly after 0900 to perform the ceremony of initiation of Oliver, in the presence of his Dad Mike who was the current head of the lodge. Oliver's grandfather, John, who is also a member of the lodge and was present for the ceremony.
Bro Oliver joins a succession of new members to Fairway lodge who have welcomed seven initiates in the last few years, and will no doubt follow in both his fathers and grandfathers’ footsteps in Freemasonry.
If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.
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