News - Blog - Page 10

BIG 1-2-3 memories - I have millions of new brothers!

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once-in-a lifetime moment. BIG 1-2-3 took four months to plan and 14 hours to deliver with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.
For Nii, who took his third regular step in Freemasonry, it has opened up a massive friendship network.
"Words fail me in describing my raising at BIG 1-2-3. It was an incredible experience. Just as I exited the Covent Garden station, I saw loads of the brethren. There were men dressed in black, all masons, and all headed to the Big 1-2-3. The raising ceremony that made me a Master Mason was humbling, and steeped in the old traditions of operative masons. It took place in the main temple, with its high ceilings, beautiful architecture, and golden thrones across the altar. The scale, the music, and the lights completely blew me away! I have no idea how they managed to choreograph this, but I am truly thankful and humbled to be in the company of so many other masons on such a memorable day; I am proud to call you my brothers."

If you would like to join the Freemasons, follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling out the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

DAY 1 COMPLETE

A "Wee Stroll" Through the Province of Buckinghamshire in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Brain Cancer Trust

David Clark, Steve Pratt and Andrew Murray have undertaken this challenging task and have committed to walking the full length of 68 miles and they need your help.

They are looking for enthusiastic ramblers to join them, just for part, or even the whole length, this will be a gruelling 22 miles each day totalling 68 miles, which is two and a half marathons! There will be many stops along the way for refreshments and break stops detailed in a schedule below.

Day 1 - Bletchley to Aylesbury Masonic Centre - (22.8 Miles)
Stops include- The Three Locks pub, Toot Toot canal parking, Gables Masonic Hall, Cook's Wharf car park, The Red Lion, finishing at Aylesbury Centre.

The all-Important Link is as below.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/.../a-wee-stroll-through-the...

Record-breaking year for the Buckinghamshire Freemasons!

We're thrilled to announce that in the past 12 months, we've welcomed an incredible 267 new members to our ancient and esteemed institution—our highest annual figure ever!
Joining the Freemasons isn't just about becoming part of a historic organisation; it's about embarking on a journey of personal growth and community impact. Here's what you can expect:
• Expand your social circle and influence
• Create lifelong friendships and lasting memories
• Meet fascinating individuals from all walks of life
• Boost your confidence and self-discovery
• Give back to your community in meaningful ways
• Experience unique ceremonies and pageantry
• Be part of something truly special
From broadening horizons to becoming the best version of yourself, Freemasonry offers a path to personal enrichment and societal contribution.
Curious about joining? Reach out to learn more about how you can be part of our thriving community!
https://buckspgl.org/join

One Step Beyond The Craft

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.

Craft
Every Freemason begins by being Initiated into the 'Craft' which is the starting point in their Masonic journey. The Craft consists of Three Degrees including the 'Royal Arch'.

The three degrees are what most people will have seen pictures of with members wearing the familiar light and dark blue collars and aprons.

On being Initiated a Freemason enters the First Degree and is called an Entered Apprentice. On passing their Second Degree they then become a Fellowcraft. Finally, they are raised to the Third Degree and are known as a Master Mason. The members are called Brothers

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

Next time we will introduce you to the Royal Arch.

BIG 1-2-3 memories - triple initiation of a father and two sons

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.
A number of remarkable events took place, one of which was Brentham Lodge conducting an initiation ceremony for a father and his two sons concurrently. Marcel and his sons, Tavi, and Gabriel were overjoyed to participate in the initiation, all having attended a Discover Freemasonry recruitment event just a few months earlier.

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.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart

Newton Longville Primary School - Charity No 310535 is based near Milton Keynes and their motto is as above.

The children thrive, blossom and leave this school ready for their next stage in life. This is supported by values of Compassion, Respect, Aspiration, Friendship and Thankfulness. The varied and active curriculum is based on sticky knowledge, so that the children know more and remember more, ready to help them be successful and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

The school is set on large grounds in the heart of the village with a fantastic playing field, playgrounds, gardens and outdoor learning areas for reception and year one children. We are currently raising money for an outdoor classroom in order to enable even more outdoor learning.

BMCF have Donated £4,000 to help the school achieve this and the following letter of thanks was received from Ben Dimmock:

“On behalf of the students, and staff at Newton Longville Primary School, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the BMCF for their generous financial donation to build the new ‘Forest Shelter’ outdoor classroom.
The BMCF support has made a significant impact On, providing the school with a unique space that will enhance their educational programs and bring learning to life in a natural setting. The new outdoor classroom will serve as an inspiring environment for hands-on learning, environmental education, and creative exploration”.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

BUZZ ALDRIN

The historic Apollo 11 tour went down in world history, and will always be known as one of the most important space missions of all time. The moonwalk was spectacularly important for NASA, science, and society as a whole. In addition, the first trip to the moon was also important for Freemasonry. Why? Because the Apollo 11 mission to the moon was piloted by none other than Buzz Aldrin, an active Freemason.

Brother Aldrin was initiated into Freemasonry at Oak Park Lodge No. 864 in Alabama and raised at Lawrence N. Greenleaf Lodge, No. 169 in Colorado. He is also a member of York Rite and Arabia Shrine Temple of Houston.
On the crest of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, The Grand Master of Texas approved Brother Aldrin’s request to open a Representation of the Grand Lodge of Texas on the Moon and, thereby, establish Masonic Territorial Jurisdiction there. He also asked Buzz to carry a special deputation on his journey. Aldrin signed this deputation and confirmed that it was, indeed, carried to the moon.

Aldrin also carried a handmade silk Masonic flag with him on his space journey, embroidered with the words, “Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, USA.” After his mission in 1969, Brother Aldrin visited the House of the Temple in Washington, DC, and presented the flag to Grand Commander Luther Smith. The flag is now located in the archives of the House of the Temple.
If you would like to be part of a global community that has 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.

buzzaldrin

A "Wee Stroll" Through the Province of Buckinghams...

A "Wee Stroll" Through the Province of Buckinghamshire in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Brain Cancer Trust

The next big Buckinghamshire Craft and Royal Arch joint charitable event is here.

On Friday 26th July, through to Sunday 28th July, a group of intrepid walkers will be joining the Worshipful Master of Stephens Lodge, on a journey through the province, starting at Bletchley Masonic Centre and finishing at Slough over three days.

David Clark, Steve Pratt and Andrew Murray have undertaken this challenging task and have committed to walking the full length of 68 miles and they need your help.

They are looking for enthusiastic ramblers to join them, just for part, or even the whole length, this will be a gruelling 22 miles each day totalling 68 miles, which is two and a half marathons! There will be many stops along the way for refreshments and break stops detailed in a schedule below. We would appreciate any support on the day, whether you are rambling or could assist our support team along the way.

A member of the lodge suffered a heart attack in April, inspiring the team to take positive action by supporting the British Heart Foundation, as well as supporting the Brain Cancer Trust. We are hoping to raise £5000 in aid of these great causes.

Day 1 - Bletchley to Aylesbury Masonic Centre - (22.8 Miles)
Stops include- The Three Locks pub, Toot Toot canal parking, Gables Masonic Hall, Cook's Wharf car park, The Red Lion, finishing at Aylesbury Centre.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons BIG 123 Event: A Historic Day at Freemasons' Hall

Buckinghamshire Freemasons have once more made Masonic history. Saturday, June 29th, 2024, saw a once-in-a-lifetime occasion where Buckinghamshire Freemasonry took over the entire Freemasons' Hall on Great Queen Street for a day filled with ceremony, tradition, and progression.

A Day of Degrees and Special Moments

The essence of the BIG 123 event lay in its unique approach to our cherished rituals. We conducted First, Second, and Third Degree ceremonies simultaneously across every temple within Freemasons' Hall. This ambitious undertaking was a testament to our commitment to the craft and an unprecedented opportunity to welcome new brothers and elevate our brethren along their Masonic journeys.

A truly special moment occurred during the event when the newly appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders initiated his father into Freemasonry in the Grand Temple. This poignant ceremony added a deeply personal touch to an already historic day, highlighting the intergenerational bonds that Freemasonry fosters. It was a powerful reminder of how our fraternity spans not just years, but lifetimes and generations, binding families in shared values and traditions.

Honouring Tradition and Embracing the Future

Freemasonry is built on a foundation of history and tradition, and the grandeur of Freemasons' Hall, with its rich architectural heritage, served as the perfect backdrop for such an event. This historic building has witnessed countless ceremonies and has been a cornerstone of Masonic activity for over three centuries. Our gathering there on Saturday was a nod to the enduring values and principles that have guided Freemasons through the ages.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

GEORGE WASHINGTON

George Washington was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

Washington joined Freemasonry in the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia at 20 years old, November 4, 1752.

The lodge’s surviving minute book records Washington attending only 4 meetings after he joined: 3rd March 1753, 4th August 1753, 1st September 1753, and 4th January 1755.

Washington’s “Mother Lodge” was renamed and numbered as Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 after the creation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1778. It continues to meet today.
In 1794, Alexandria Lodge No. 39, of which Washington was an honorary member, commissioned William Williams to paint Washington dressed in Masonic regalia. After Washington’s death the lodge changed its name to Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.
Interesting fact:

Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the White House, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first resident, President John Adams moved in.

AND THAT’S A WRAP !

Yesterday Buckinghamshire Freemasons made Masonic history … AGAIN.

All 3 ceremonies carried out at Freemasons Hall, London using every temple by 47 Lodges.

A truly BIG event !

We look forward to sharing images from the day in the coming week.

AND THAT’S A WRAP !

Yesterday Buckinghamshire Freemasons made Masonic history … AGAIN.

All 3 ceremonies carried out at Freemasons Hall, London using every temple by 47 Lodges.

A truly BIG event !

We look forward to sharing images from the day in the coming week.

TOMORROW'S THE BIG 1-2-3 DAY

Buckinghamshire Freemasons making masonic history yet again !

The whole of Freemason Hall , Freemasonry's national home in Central London, occupied by Buckinghamshire Freemason Lodges carrying out private ceremonies in all the temples throughout the day.

This event marks a historic milestone for Buckinghamshire Freemasonry and promises a memorable day for all.

584 attending
47 Different Lodges

https://youtu.be/PjRL8kjNKeA

FREEMASONRY IN THE COMMUNITY

Saturday night through to the early hours of Sunday morning saw Buckinghamshire Freemasons step forward to marshal the local Florence Nightingale Charity Hospice Midnight Walk.

Over 400 walkers took to the streets of Aylesbury to either complete a 5 or 10 mile route while raising money for the charity. To guide the routes through the night, over 40 Freemasons from 20 different lodges of Buckinghamshire stood at points to cheer the walkers on and ensure their safety.

The Midnight walk was first established with the Hospice in 2010, with the exception of the CoViD lock down years, and has raised over £1million pounds from its start, it is the largest fundraising event that they carry out each year.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons have proudly put themselves forward to be involved since its inception, a true Freemasonry In The Community event.

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.

JULY DIARY OF MEETINGS

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.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON !

Sergeant Major Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG.

Sergeant Johnson Beharry joined the British Army at the age of 21. While serving with the 1st Battalion in Iraq, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, Johnson's armoured Warrior vehicle fell into a trap and his colleagues were significantly injured. He drove under the enemy fire and saved their lives.

After that incident, he was soon caught in another trap, which caused severe head injuries to him and his crew. In a display of extreme courage, he drove out of the ambush before losing consciousness. While still recovering from brain surgery, Sergeant Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross.

He is involved in charities and he is the founder of JBVC Foundation, which helps young people involved in gang culture rebuild their lives and future.
Sergeant Beharry is a member of Queensman Lodge No. 2694 in London.
Awards and campaign medals.

Victoria Cross - For valour in Iraq.
Kosovo Medal - For service in Kosovo.
Iraq Medal - For service in Iraq.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal - Presented to all living VC and GC recipients on 29 May 2012.
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal - Presented to all living VC and GC recipients on 6 February 2022.
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) - For 15 years regular army service, 4 October 2016.
Companion of the Order of Grenada.

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?

Bucks Classic Car Lodge Installs a First Time Master

W.Bro Mike Pearsall was installed into the chair at Bucks Classic Car Lodge on Saturday 15th June at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.

Since it’s consecration in 2017 when the Primus master R.W Bro Sir Stuart Hampson took the controls for the first year and then subsequent years the chair has been occupied by past Masters.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Matthew Perkins attended with a host of Provincial officers, along with some newly appointed Grand Officers, W.Bro’s Eraldo Guarino and Carl Freeman.

W.Bro Matt was presented with his BCCL driving licence and obligatory L Plates, in the theme of the lodge's special interest, classic cars.

Some 40 members then dined together at a magnificent festive board which was topped off with a fantastic rendition of the Masters Song by W.Bro Phil (Elvis) Witney.

We now look forward to initiating two new members at BIG123 on Saturday 29th June.

Charity Walk in Association with the Royal Arch and the Craft

Please support this walk which demonstrates the indissoluble link between Royal Arch and Craft Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire.

Fun Day at Slough Masonic Centre

Slough Daylight, The Shooting Lodge, along with Observatory Lodge, held a joint BBQ and Laser Clay Shooting Fun Day at the Slough Masonic Centre.

Over 70 Freemasons, their partners, friends and family were in attendance for the first BBQ to be held at the centre.

After a short Lodge meeting in the moring, the guests arrived for the Laser Clay Shooting held on the adjacent school playing field.

After building up a healthy appetite, a fantastic BBQ followed, utilising the new terrace area of the recently improved Slough Masonic Centre.

This was a highly enjoyable way to spend a sunny Saturday with friends and family and is typical of the many fun social events organised by Lodges throughout the Buckinghamshire Province.

If you would like to be part of 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.

D-DAY - 80th Anniversary

Today, we remember the sacrifices of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.

“They gave their todays, for our tomorrows”

In Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s speech to Parliament on 4th June 1940, he famously said “We shall fight on the beaches” little did he know then that 4 years later, that’s exactly what we would be doing.

Lest We Forget
https://winstonchurchill.org/.../we-shall-fight-on-the.../

Operation Overlord was the code-name for the Allied invasion of North-West Europe. The assault phase of Operation Overlord was known as Operation Neptune.

Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history and was undoubtedly a turning point in the Second World War. The operation began the liberation of France, and the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.