The Lodge of St. Barnabas was consecrated on Monday, 18th May 1863 at the Elephant and Castle Hotel, Linslade, conveniently located near the Leighton Buzzard train station. The ceremony began with a procession of assembled brethren, including officers from other Lodges adorned in their collars and jewels of office. This procession led to St. Barnabas Church, Linslade, where a full service was conducted.

In October 1891, the Lodge received a significant addition in the form of a hand-painted banner. Lodge records highlight Bro. Mackrill's contribution of a "most handsome and expensive banner" adorned with the Lodge's name and number, featuring an emblem of the patron saint, St. Barnabas. This banner symbolises the Lodge's identity and heritage.

St. Barnabas, the patron saint of the Lodge, was originally named Joseph and born in Cyprus to Hellenic Jewish parents. Following his parents' demise, Barnabas sold most of his family land and donated the proceeds to the apostles in Jerusalem, who in turn bestowed upon him his new name, Barnabas, meaning ‘the son (of the) prophet’ in Aramaic. His life, which included a martyrdom for his faith, is a testament to his piety and selflessness, qualities that the Lodge honours through its name and the dedication of its banner.

The banner, crafted from blue silk with a gold silk border and adorned with blue and gold tassels, encapsulates significant symbolic meanings. The chosen colours, blue and gold, represent the sky and the sun's rays, respectively, symbolising a divine connection. These colours have historically been associated with deity, reflecting the Lodge's spiritual foundations. Additionally, the banner features a golden square and compasses at its foot, further emphasising the Masonic principles and the Lodge's commitment to the virtues they represent.

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