News - Blog - Page 14

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

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

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

Watling Street Lodge No 1639 is the Roman Road Lodge

The Lodge was consecrated on the 23rd October 1876 at the Cock Hotel in Stony Stratford.
It was named after the important road, built by thr Romans, and a main highway for over 2000 years.
The historical minutes from this meeting, along with other records, are preserved in the Library at the Stony Stratford Masonic Centre, except for one missing minute book covering the years 1905 to 1917. A notable entry in the December 1890 minutes references the production of a lodge banner, with no further details until April 1927, when the Lodge crest first appeared on the Lodge Summons. This suggests the banner was dedicated sometime between the missing years.

The banner's upper portion features a bible, the square and compasses; symbols with clear Masonic significance. The left-hand side, adorned with three castles and a chevron overlaid with the compasses, mirrors the Crest of The United Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire. In heraldry, a tower signifies Safety and Grandeur, while a chevron represents Protection, Harmony, and Compassion. The right-hand side showcases the Buckinghamshire Swan, a motif common to several Lodge Banners within Buckinghamshire, reflecting the heraldry of the ancient families associated with the region's nobility.

In an interesting twist of history, the Lodge requested a dispensation in 1976 to move their November meeting to the 23rd October, the date of their consecration. However, Grand Lodge initially responded with confusion, stating no record of Watling Street Lodge's consecration existed. It was only after presenting the historical minutes that a centenary warrant was issued. This incident underscores the importance of preserving Lodge records and highlights the unique history and challenges faced by Watling Street Lodge. The design of the Lodge banner, while not explicitly recorded, is speculated to represent a blend of the fundamental Masonic symbols with the emblems of the United Grand Lodge of England and Buckinghamshire's county, illustrating the Lodge's deep-rooted connections and traditions.

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 Romans

Charitable donations are making sweet sounds in We...

Charitable donations are making sweet sounds in Wendover

Wendover Dementia Support (charity No: 1182184) was set up in 2019 and appears as the Monday Café with a range of activities and live music and provides a space where those, including Dementia, can attend and be supported. The volunteers provide a support service and companionship to those diagnosed with dementia and their carers and families. They are a team of volunteers that bring together different knowledge, skills, and experiences. This team includes two retired GPs, a palliative care nurse and bereavement specialist, a frailty care coordinator, and a dementia champion who is experienced in dementia care.
A donation of £2,738, from the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund, has been used to purchase speakers, projectors and a screen for training and family sessions, plus music boxes preloaded with their own choice of music, which are offered to all.

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

APRIL 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.

Still raising the bar after 60 years!

Last week, RWBro Willie Shackle CBE received his 60 year Long Service Award from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Neil Robertson.

Willie is the past Grand Secretary as well as being past president of two of the former charities. He is also an active Sussex and London mason and brethren from both those places were in attendance as a surprise to him, including three of the APGMs of Sussex.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Willie then acted as a deacon for an excellent double raising for Rob and Toby, with the masters work being done by the WM, RWBro Anthony Howlett-Bolton ProvGM of (Berkshire Freemasons).

A fabulous and fun festive board followed and a great meeting was had by all.

Old Wycombiensian Lodge No. 6754, one of the Provinces "Special Interest Lodges", is the lodge for former pupils, staff, governors and fathers of the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.

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.

Wycombe Lodge No 1501 is the first Lodge in South Bucks

The Lodge was consecrated on July 1, 1874, at the Town Hall in High Wycombe, emerging as a daughter lodge of Windsor Castle Lodge No. 771. At its inception, Wycombe Lodge was part of the then-combined Province of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, making it the first Lodge to be established in South Buckinghamshire. The consecration and installation ceremonies were led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks, the Rev., and VW Bro. J. Studholme Brownrigg.

The banner of Wycombe Lodge prominently features the 'Buckinghamshire Swan' at its core, symbolising its affiliation with Buckinghamshire within the combined province. Acacia and possibly beech sprigs surround the square and compasses in the center of this emblem. The acacia represents Masonic symbolism, traditionally marking the grave's head of the esteemed Grand Master H.A., guiding the Craft's Fellows to discover the burial site of the three infamous ruffians. The beech, on the other hand, is noted for its use in crafting gavels. The banner's light blue background is a common choice in Masonic banners, signifying loyalty and truth. Above the swan motif, the Lodge’s name and number are elegantly displayed in a scroll pattern, with the entire banner framed by a delicate blue and gold fringe, reflecting the Lodge's distinguished status and heritage.

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 Wycombe

Father & Brotherly, Brotherly Love at initiation

Tuesday night this week saw an initiation involving several family members.

Bro Jesse Wells jnr and Bro Zafar Shah were both initiated into Concordia Lodge (2492). Both Bros were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable ceremony, which brought out all that is good about Freemasonry.

The ceremony started with Concordia welcoming W. Bro Jesse Wells snr of Wendover Lodge (9616) into the Chair of King Solomon so that he could deliver his son’s obligation. After which, Concordia’s Secretary W. Bro Ken Workman took the chair and Bro Zafar was obligated. The ceremony then resumed for both Bros, with W. Bro Ken assisted by an excellent delivery of the North East Corner by Bro Dumitru Marocico, Concordia’s current Inner Guard.

One of the initiates, Jesse Wells jnr, then had other family members conduct work for both candidates, his brothers; Bro Albert Wells delivering the working tools and Bro. John Wells presenting the charge, both of which had only joined Freemasonry late in 2023.

A ‘lively’ festive board followed which underlined the great camaraderie amongst the members of Concordia and their guests and highlighted how this Lodge should be a certain stop on any ‘visitors’ must attend list!

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.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as the author Mark Twain, was an American writer and humourist. Today he is readily associated with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among his many others works. Twain was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri. He became an apprentice to a printer at age 12, and shortly thereafter became a Mississippi River pilot - the experience that sparked Twain’s interest in joining Freemasonry.

Mark Twain presented his petition to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 of Saint Louis on December 26, 1860. Polar Star Lodge No. 79 was primarily made up of River Pilots at this time, giving us a hint as to why Mark Twain might have been inspired to join the Craft in the first place.

In a twist of events shortly after Twain had been raised as a Master Mason, he left for the Nevada Territory to work as the private secretary to his brother Orion, who was secretary of the Nevada Territory and was subsequently suspended from his home lodge. Twain’s fraternal activity was put on hold for the most part, and there is not a lot of evidence of Lodge visits or conversations about his Masonic practices during this time. Once Twain returned to “the States” however, his Masonic interests expanded.

In April of 21, Mark Twain petitioned for readmission to his home Lodge and was reinstated.

The beloved novelist soon became a busy man; writing, tours, and the beginnings of fame kept him away from Saint Louis for long periods of time. On one of his first trips exploring Europe and the Near East, Twain is said to have been greatly impressed by Lebanon and its connection to Freemasonry. He ended up retrieving a piece of cedar and had it made into a gavel to send back to the Worshipful Master of his mother Lodge.