News - Blog - Page 11

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.

First Principals Demonstration and Explanation

BucksPGC

On 19th April 2024, Buckinghamshire First Principals Chapter No. 3305 demonstrated the ceremony of joining the Royal Arch with a narration explaining what was happening to a packed Chapter room of almost 80 Companions at Bletchley Masonic Centre.

The head of the Chapter John Stribling, assisted by Andrew Hunter, performed an excellent demonstration of the Exaltation ceremony, which is what happens when a new Companion continues their Masonic journey and joins the Supreme Degree of the Royal Arch.

To further enhance the meeting, the Project Transform Lighting and Music systems were utilised to dramatic effect by Tim Anders.

At various points throughout the meeting, the head of Royal Arch Masonry in Buckinghamshire, Graham Dearing, imparted many interesting facts and gave the origins of the various parts of the ceremony. Everyone left with an advancement in their Masonic knowledge.

Also at the meeting, Manor of Swanburn Chapter No. 8647 returned the travelling Altar of Companionship back to its starting place, having left 7 years earlier. It has been passed on between every Chapter in the Province and it will now start another voyage for a second visit to each Chapter in Buckinghamshire.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING

Sir Alexander Fleming was born in East Ayrshire, Scotland, on 6 August 1881 and he is best known for having discovered penicillin, which is still used to treat bacterial infections today.

In 1909 at the age of 27, Fleming was initiated into Sancta Maria Lodge No. 2682, which met in London. He served as Senior Warden in 1922 and Master in 1924. He became a joining member of London Scottish Rifles Lodge No. 2310 in London in 1911 and Misericordia Lodge No. 3288 in London in 1925, where he served as Master in 1935.

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
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Happy St George's Day!

The legend of Saint George and the Dragon describes the saint taming and slaying a dragon that terrorised local communities. The story was known in Roman times but has its origins in Greek mythology. We celebrate St. George's Day on April 23 — the anniversary of his death in 303 AD. The patron saint of England has captivated British imaginations since the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War.
The story of St. George is featured in tesserae mosaic tiles on the ceiling of Freemasons' Hall at @UGLE_GrandLodge

We would like to give one final nod to our very own St. George's Lodge. They meet at Wolverton Masonic centre, and were first consecrated on 22nd April 1936 at the Science and Arts Institute in Wolverton. The lodge meets six times each year.

Freemasonry has an amazing history that spans over 300 years and is looking forward to the next 300 years.

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https://i.mtr.cool/eujessugmc
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Teddies for Loving Care

The head of charity In the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, Mark Duncan, visited a local children's accident and emergency unit in Bucks. He took Leo, his grandson, with him to help carry some of the fantastic teddies provided by .
During his visit, Mark met Arthur, who had fallen off his bike and received a nasty bump for his troubles. Upon receiving his teddy, he soon brightened up. The nurse on duty explained to both Arthur and Leo that when a patient is treated, the teddy gets exactly the same bandaging.
In research about the importance of play during the hospitalisation of children, researchers discovered the following:
The bandaged teddy bear provides psychological and emotional support to the child patient, helping them cope better with the medical treatment and have a more positive overall experience. This can lead to better clinical outcomes as well as improved patient well-being.
When a child is injured or ill, they can feel scared, anxious, and distressed. The teddy bear acts as a transitional object, providing a sense of security and familiarity during the medical treatment.
Bandaging the teddy in the same way as the patient helps the child feel understood and cared for. It shows the medical staff are attuned to the child's emotional needs, not just their physical needs.
This practice can help reduce a child's distress and fear during procedures. The teddy bear becomes a source of comfort and companionship, making the experience less traumatic.
Research has shown that the use of therapeutic toys like bandaged teddy bears can have positive psychological benefits for paediatric patients, including reduced anxiety, improved cooperation with treatment, and faster recovery times.

You can find out more about this charity here:
https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/

50 years of brotherhood in St Giles!

St Giles Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary by raising Bro. Brian on behalf of Hartebeestpoort No. 8545 based in South Africa.
The lodge was formed due to the extended waiting lists for membership of established lodges and the insufficient capacity to meet the increasing demand for membership. The first meeting to discuss the formation of a daughter Lodge by Watling Street Lodge No. 1639 was held on the 11th of April 1973. It was agreed that the new lodge would meet six times a year, probably on the 3rd Wednesday of the chosen months. The officers of the new Lodge were decided for the first year, and it was agreed that the officers of the Lodge would provide their own collars and jewels and present them to the Lodge. By-law No. 6 was an Initiation fee of £20, which was after a vote changed to £30. The annual subscription to the lodge would be £7.50, exclusive of the dining fee. It was also decided to have a non-dining fee and a country member fee of £3.
The name of the new lodge was decided at the next meeting on the 11th April 1973, and it was proposed, Seconded, and carried at the meeting that the first Master of St Giles would be W. Bro. R Selick. Over 8 subsequent meetings, it was decided, amongst many other items, that the start time of meetings would be 6.15 p.m. (now 6 p.m.), except for the installation meeting, which would be 5 p.m.
The Consecration meeting for St Giles no. 8555 was held on Saturday, April 1974. 50 Years later, St Giles is still going strong and is a happy and friendly lodge of brothers
It is worth noting that St Giles is a common name for churches and lodges, and it is derived from the name of the Parish church of Stony Stratford. Many churches were dedicated to St Giles around this period, and the church was built in stages, with the priest’s door and the double square piscina and aumbry in the Early English style, which generally corresponds to the period c.1200 to c.1280

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Cowper and Newton Lodge No 2244 is the millers and...

Cowper and Newton Lodge No 2244 is the millers and brewers lodge

The lodge was named after William Cowper and John Newton, who together penned 348 hymns, including Amazing Grace. Together, Cowper and Newton left a lasting legacy through their hymns and their respective contributions to literature and social reform. Their lives were intertwined through their work and friendship, each influencing the other in significant ways.

Local brewers and millers formed the lodge; their Masonic meetings often reflected this 'appreciation' of final ales. Local sign writers connected to the nearby breweries created the original lodge banner. It was replaced in 1995 with a near exact replica. R.W.Bro., the Reverend Canon Richard Tydeman, who was known for his masonic literary skills and had experience in crafting masonic regalia, agreed to create the banner at commercial rates but only charged for the materials, donating any surplus to the Grand Charity.
The banner was completed by Canon Tydeman and he was invited to consecrate it at a regular meeting of the Cowper & Newton Lodge in Olney in 1997. The Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire, R.W.Bro. Eric J. Deung, was present at the ceremony. During the dedication, Canon Tydeman pointed out a fault in the original banner design where the colour on the rear of a scroll was inaccurately depicted. Although he attempted to correct this, he ultimately followed the original design as it appeared visually better.
This banner holds special significance as it is the only one that Canon Tydeman had the pleasure of both making and consecrating himself. The Lodge regards the banner as a masonic treasure, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of one of the most prominent masons
If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following the link in the bio.

Freemasonry History Breweries AmazingGrace

Supporting charities in our community

The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are proud to work with some incredible charities and support organisations across the county. This past Sunday, the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund had the pleasure of hosting an event where 100 guests highlighted the transformational impact of Buckinghamshire Freemasons grants on their charity work. The event included incredible stories and meaningful conversations with community volunteers committed to making a difference.

Being in the company of such selfless people was extremely humbling, and we wish them all the best in their charitable endeavours. Our responsibility as Freemasons in the community is clear: to encourage and enable these extraordinary people to do even more amazing things.

To everyone who participated, our message is simple: keep excelling at what you do, and know that we will be there for you every step of the way.

More about the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund:
What is the BMCF?
The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund was first set up in 1991 with the objective of helping non-Masonic Charities, groups or individuals within Buckinghamshire.
The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are solely responsible for funding the donations, which go to deserving causes that receive little to no support from national charities. The BMCF is a great example of Freemasons caring for the local community.

Eligibility Criteria
All requests are fully considered by the Centenary Fund Committee, which consists of 8 members who are all Freemasons. This ensures donations are only made to genuine needs and where they can be most effectively used.

The qualifications of our awards are:
Non-Masonic charitable causes dealing with poverty and distress with strong Buckinghamshire connections.
Specific projects or facilities rather than general appeals or requests to fund routine activities.
Buckinghamshire charities that deal solely with causes in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire charities that also have connections in adjacent areas.
Individual causes within Bucks or individual cases outside Bucks only if there is a strong Buckinghamshire connection.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

PETER SELLERS

Born in 1925, Peter Sellers was an English film actor, comedian, and singer. He performed in the BBC Radio comedy series The Goon Show and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, including Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series of films.

Sellers was initiated as a Freemason in the same Lodge as his father, Chelsea Lodge No. 3098 in London on 16 July 1948.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has had, 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/info=sellers

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FamousFreemasons

Head of Freemasonry delivers for Buckinghamshire

In Freemasonry, the leader of most regions (AKA county, province, district, or overseas territory) is called the Provincial Grand Master (PGM). In Bucks, we know that person as simply John. He is a grafter and leads by example, acting as an inspiration to us all.
For example, in a recent seven day period, John did the following:
Friday: Meeting with Exec in the morning, setting up the lodge room for Marcellians Lodge meeting in the evening.
Saturday: Rehearsal for Saxon Lodge in the morning, Lunchtime planning meeting with Provincial Team and then Bourne End Ladies Night in the evening.
Sunday: Temple Manor Ladies Lunch and then kitchen table rehearsal with Sarah, his wife. Project planning meeting for BIG 1-2-3 in the evening.
Monday: Call with the Exec team in the morning. Delivered an entire double 1st degree initiation ceremony in the evening at Magiovinivm Lodge. LOI in the car journey home for the next day's ceremony.
Tuesday: Delivered an entire double third degree ceremony, with a surprise in-field promotion for Saxon Daylight Lodge. LOI in the car journey home for the next day's ceremony.
Wednesday: UGLE steering group meetings in the morning. Delivered the inner workings for the Eric Deung Daylight Lodge installation. Plus, surprise in-field promotion.
Thursday: Call with Communications team. Provincial admin. Project planning meeting for BIG 1-2-3.

John has promised Sarah, his wife, that after many years of learning, rehearsing, and delivering ceremonies, he will stop doing them this year. This is fair enough, as last year alone he performed nearly 90 entire ceremonies, including 3rd degrees to launch Project Transform and over thirty complete 1st degrees in one week alone for the Pretty Big initiative!

He is not ready to park his blue book quite yet, though, a few days after his epic week, he flawlessly delivered an entire 3rd degree ceremony for Bro. Ant at St. George's Lodge in Wolverton. This meeting also acted as the launch of Project Transform in that meeting centre and was quite a sight to see.
Well done John, for all your hard work. We look forward to seeing you deliver your final pièce de résistance at the BIG 1-2-3 event in London on June 29th.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Herschel Lodge No 1894 is the Astronomers Lodge

The Lodge was named in honour of Sir Wilhelm Herschel, the esteemed astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. He lived and ran an observatory for many years, just a few hundred yards from the Slough Masonic Centre. A portrait of Sir Wilhelm, gifted by his grandson, graces the Slough Masonic Centre, establishing a direct link to the lodge's namesake.
The lodge itself was consecrated on Wednesday, 14th September 1881, within the then-combined Province of Berks and Bucks, at the Crown Hotel in Slough, under the sponsorship of Windsor Castle Lodge No 771. At that time, Buckinghamshire was home to only five lodges.

The original lodge banner, presented in 1888 by W.Bro. F. Charsley, is rich in symbolic detail. It features the Pentalpha, or Five-Pointed Star, in its right and left-hand corners, a symbol of significant ancient and universal importance, denoting health and widely used as a Mason's Mark in mediaeval times, as well as being the traditional seal of King Solomon. The banner also depicts an eagle atop a demi-terrestrial sphere, symbolising the highest aspirations and achievements. Additionally, it showcases an azure chief with the astronomical symbol for Uranus and Herschel’s Badge of Ulster as a baronet, centred around a representation of the 40-foot reflecting telescope, beneath which lies the motto ‘Coelis Exploratis’ or ‘The Heavens Explored’ in English, encapsulating the lodge’s homage to astronomical discovery and exploration.

You can read more about Herschel's 40-foot telescope here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40-foot_telescope

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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

Freemasonry History Astronomy

Engaging the Mursley community in physical activit...

Engaging the Mursley community in physical activity and recreation

Founded in 1963, the Mursley Sports Association is a registered charity with the number 300307 that offers a variety of sports and activities to people of all ages in Mursley and surrounding areas. This includes children, adults, and those with special needs.
The goal is to foster a sense of community among the villages after COVID-19 and to stimulate physical and mental activity in the new region, which will be particularly helpful for the elderly and more isolated residents who will have easier access to exercise facilities.
A multi-user activities area, two youth football fields, and a full-size, award-winning football pitch are all part of the amenities. A communal space, a Village Coronation Sports Day and Dinner, a yearly fireworks show, and Christmas carols are all provided by the facilities, which also serve three nearby schools.

The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund has made a generous donation of £1,225 to cover the necessary operating costs for the upkeep of all areas and equipment.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Long-term friendship is celebrated in Haddenham

Last week, Bro. Chris was installed as the head of Haddenham Lodge for the first time by his school & cadet friend of 35 years, Bro. Lee. Bro. It was a very special evening for these good friends, that saw Bro. Bill oversee the first part of the ceremony before turning it over to Lee for the main event.

Bro. Lee proposed, and Bro. Richard seconded Chris' entry into Haddenham Lodge in May 2016, which made the ceremony special for Chris.

APGM Matt Perkins delivered a flawless address to the master and a fantastic toast at the meal after the meeting. Lee then presented Chris with a miniature set of working tools with a brass plaque marking the date.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Another phoenix rises at Verney Lodge

On Tuesday evening, Verney Lodge 8849 welcomed their latest member, Bro. Tommy.
It was an interesting meeting for several reasons.
First off, it was a Past Masters evening, which means that Freemasons who have previously served as lodge heads took the place of the regular officers for the evening. Its a great chance for experienced people to demonstrate their skills in the ceremony, and it's also a night off for regular officers.
Secondly, immediately after the meeting closed, with over a dozen new visitors to Yeomanry Hall, Bro. Grae gave a short talk on the history of Buckingham Freemasonry, the Bucks Hussars, and their connections with the Yeomanry Hall. This lodge is blessed with such a historic and beautiful meeting place. Verney Lodge is one of four Buckinghamshire lodges named after a former Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir Ralph Verney. His regalia is on display in the main room, his personal standard hangs from the wall, and his family bible is used in every single meeting.
Finally, at the dinner, after the meeting, the lodge congratulated their honorary member, Tyler Bro. Terry, on his recent birthday, 88 years young!
Verney Lodge 8849 is a thriving lodge; they have welcomed twenty new people into Freemasonry in recent years, but most importantly, they are a very happy lodge.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Windsor End prepare to do the triple!

Last night in Beaconsfield, Bro. Darren, started his year as head of the lodge. This is called an installation meeting and is an important milestone for every lodge of Freemasons. After appointing and investing his team of officers, he went on to announce the Lodges' commitment to two tremendous provincial events in 2024.
Firstly, the lodge will be bringing several people to the next 'Discover Freemasonry' event in Slough. Bro. Darren said, "It will be a great chance for them to meet some newer Freemasons and learn about what we do." Link here for anyone who would like to attend: https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-slough-2024
Secondly, Windsor End Lodge will be attending the BIG 1-2-3 event in Freemasons' Hall. The lodge is looking forward to bringing new people into Freemasonry at this epic event. Check out the teaser video here: https://youtu.be/PjRL8kjNKeA
If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Grenville Lodge No 1787 is the University Lodge

The Lodge was consecrated on Thursday, 29th January 1880, by V.W. Bro. the Rev. J.S. Brownrigg, a notable figure who consecrated a total of 14 lodges. The Lodge is situated within the University of Buckingham campus at The Yeomanry Hall, formerly the officers' dining mess of the Bucks Yeomanry, and is regarded as one of the finest Masonic temples in Buckinghamshire.

The current Lodge banner, the second in Grenville Lodge's history, was commissioned and dedicated by W Bro. Roy Norris in anticipation of the 1980 Centenary meeting. Additionally, Norris was responsible for the restoration and framing of the original banner, which is now displayed in the temple. The banner features two significant symbols: the Buckinghamshire swan and a sheath of corn. The exact significance of the sheath of corn remains uncertain, though it is speculated to represent the agricultural background of some lodge founders, members, or guests. Grenville Lodge derives its name from the family of the Third Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, the “Grenvilles.”

Over its 143-year history, Grenville Lodge has boasted many illustrious members, including Egerton Hubbard of Apollo Lodge No. 357, who joined in March 1882 and later became the second Baron of Addington in 1889, and PGM for Buckinghamshire in 1895.

A significant moment in the Lodge's recent history was its designation as the 52nd University Scheme Lodge and the first in Buckinghamshire on 11th April 2012. This event was marked by the attendance of R.W. Bro. David Kenneth Williamson, the then Assistant Grand Master, and PPGM RW Gordon Robertson, along with members of the Provincial Executive, making it a red-letter day for the Lodge. This milestone was celebrated again on 20th August 2014, when six young men from Buckingham University were initiated in a single evening, highlighting the Lodge's commitment to welcoming new members and its connection to the university community. R.W. Bro. Williamson now holds the status of an honorary member, further solidifying the Lodge's distinguished affiliations.
You can find out more about the University scheme here: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/universities-scheme

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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

Buckinghamshire Freemasons celebrate 250 years as ...

Buckinghamshire Freemasons celebrate 250 years as a province beneath the stars!

Saturday saw the 250th anniversary of the formation of the Province of Buckinghamshire. Formerly ot was part of a larger Province including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Winslowshire.
To celebrate this milestone, the Bucks Masons celebrated in style with a spectacular ceremony at the MK Dons Stadium of LED Light. Over 3.950 Freemasons from around the world travelled to see John Clark, Head of Buckinghamshire Freemasonry, ceremoniously kick off the meeting from the centre spot of the pitch. It was a record-breaking meeting, with the world's largest gathering of Buckinghamshire Freemasons in one place.
It seemed appropriate that it was also announced that the Province will have a new football-themed Lodge. Hall Stone United Lodge FC (Fellow Crafts). This new lodge will be peripatetic, will hold all of its meetings on indoor football pitches around the UK, all officers will wear referee and linesman uniforms, and the Head of the Lodge (WM) will be paid for his role from ticket sales generated at each meeting. It will also be founding a Women's Freemasonry equivalent lodge!
After the meeting attendees dined on Ginster pies, chips and gravy.

All in all, it was an unbelievable day for the Buckinghamshire Freemasons.

Onwards and upwards brethren!

Arts, crafts, and exercise come to Aylesbury

Youth Concern, a Registered Charity Number 1175680, has been supporting young people for over 44 years and now has a drop-in centre at the Uptown Coffee Bar on Whitehill Lane in Aylesbury to help vulnerable young people from 13 to 25 years old, specialising in those with additional challenges, who are financially vulnerable to receiving support from health, mental health, or social care services, or who are affected by domestic or sexual violence or abuse.
The drop-in centre provides a warm welcome to over 700 people a year with a range of services, including table tennis and pool tables, a music studio, free Wi-Fi and access to laptops, and advice on sexual health and substance misuse, education, training, employment, and counselling. The charity provides counselling for 55 young people at a time, has been praised for it’s “gold standard” of service, and also runs two homelessness prevention projects.
The Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund has donated £4864.00 to purchase art & craft materials, fitness equipment, games, and a music studio.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Charity Service BMCF

55 years to the day that Leo became a Freesason, h...

55 years to the day that Leo became a Freesason, he's finally become a WM!

In the Hallstone Province of Buckinghamshire there are always great meetings, but this one was something else!
Not sure you can beat watching (now)W BroLeo Kyte going into the chair, done so brilliantly by both the Installing Master Grae Laws and ourPGM.

Leo is one of the most beloved characters in Buckinghamshire Freemasonry (and beyond), and his humour and charm really showed throughout the entire meeting. At the spritely age of 89, and exactly 55 years to the day that he was initiated, Leo finally made it!
He is now head of Eric Deung Lodge of History and Research. Created as a lodge on enlightenment, and named after a Past Provincial Grand Master, the lodge symbolically meets on the Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox.

It was an action packed agenda at this Spring Equinox Installation; there was a 50 year certificate presented to David Tremain, a surprise promotion for Leo given by the Past Senior Grand Warden, AND a birthday celebration for Norman Hyde, reaching 98 years of young age on the day!

To finish all that off by raising £1,000 for Leo's charity of choice, a prostate cancer support group in Aylesbury, that supported him through his previous health issues.

They say Masonry is universal, I say that today showed it really is. Combining over 110 different masons into one room, all with different reasons of why they love Leo, but all singing the same chant throughout the day.

Leo!
Leo!!
Leo!!!

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

SIR ALF RAMSEY

Known as "the man to whom English football owes its finest achievement", Sir Alf Ramsey led England to victory in the famous 1966 World Cup.

Born on 22 January 1920, as manager of England from 1963 to 1974, Ramsey guided the team to victory in the famous 1966 World Cup, as they beat West Germany 4-2 in the final. He was knighted for his services to football in 1967.

He was initiated into Waltham Abbey Lodge No. 2750 in Essex in 1953, just before he retired as a player.

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.

FamousFreemasons