News - Blog - Page 16

Project Transform is Enlightening centres around Buckinghamshire

We have made a transformation to the way we do Freemasonry in Bucks.

Through the implementation of lighting and music systems, which have been installed at a number of our main centres.
We utilised the music and lighting to enhance all of our ceremonies, with the assistance of W. Bro. Tim Anders leading the project, the Provincial Grand Master, who was in charge of carrying out the ceremonies, the light blues brothers, who were giving assistance, and of course, the many lodges who contributed throughout the province. Our goal was to create the best possible experience for everyone involved, especially our new joining members.

We have installed these incredible systems at Slough, Bletchley, Winslow, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Kimble and most recently we have held launch ceremonies at Denham, Stony Stratford and Aylesbury.

We now look next to Wolverton, Thame, North Crawley finishing with the Swan Hotel.

---

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?

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

Sir Christopher Wren

Sir Christopher Wren was an English anatomist, astronomer, geometer, and mathematician-physicist, as well as one of the most highly acclaimed English architects in history.

Born: Wednesday, 20 October 1632
Died: Thursday, 25 February 1723

Since the 18th century, the Lodge of Antiquity No. 2, has claimed Christopher Wren to have been its Master.

Considered to be the one of the most acclaimed architects in history, Sir Christopher Wren was a decorated scholar and Freemason who worked tirelessly for humanity and the Craft.

In this capacity he erected a large number of churches, the Royal Exchange, Greenwich Observatory, and many other public edifices. But his crowning work, the masterpiece that has given him his largest reputation, is the Cathedral of Saint Paul’s, which was commenced in 1675 and finished in 1710. The original plan that was proposed by Wren was rejected through the ignorance of the authorities, and differed greatly from the one on which it has been constructed.

Lodge of St

Barnabas No. 948 - The Apostles Lodge.

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

A Cold Weather Explorer gets Raised

Wednesday night Haddenham Lodge held the raising of Brother Redden. a candidate that was initiated at Great Queen Street as part of the provincial BIG day in September 2021.

James is also a cold weather explorer and recently featured on Aprons Off, being often away on expeditions, the lodge was finally able to carry out his Raising, or 3rd degree.

This ceremony was also particularly special, being that it was the lodge's past masters evening. Also, all offices were occupied by past masters of the lodge, with the Chair of King Solomon occupied by 5 different Masters throughout the ceremony.

A number of distinguished brethren took the chair, the current WM, W. Bro Nick Ray, followed by W. Bros Tony Robinson, Lloyd Davies, Brian Murray, Steve Smirthwaite and Barry Sparks all took the chair as master to deliver a different part of the ceremony, giving each element of the ceremony a real extra level of quality.

As always, the full packed festive board was joyous and fun with many laughs and lovely food.

James has now taken his 3rd step in Freemasonry and is looking forward to the adventure ahead. Well done James, we look forward to keeping an eye on your progress.

A Mountain Task to Climb !

Steve Perry of the Manor of Swanbourne lodge took 2 weeks off work and set himself a challenge, a challenge to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise funds for @willenhospice with a group of like minded individuals. The trek took place from 27th Jan to 2nd Feb.

After months of training, this challenging trek would push him to his limits, testing his endurance, resilience, and strength in the face of high altitude and physical obstacles.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 m !

Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes provides compassionate care to those with life-limiting illnesses. They provide comfort, alleviate pain, and lessen anxiety in patients and their loved ones. Every pound donated counts because it allows them to aid more people in Milton Keynes when and when they need it. They receive less than a quarter of their financial support from the NHS, thus the remainder is contributed or raised by great people.

Steve's climb might have ended, but the journey for Willen Hospice goes on. Every donation helps ensure that they can continue offering care, comfort, and support to those in need. We can provide the link to the fundraising platform should you wish to donate to his challenge & this charity.

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=kilimanjaro

Scientific Lodge No

840 - The Railway Workers Lodge.

Scientific Lodge was consecrated on 15th December 1860 at the National School Room, High Street, Stony Stratford. The founders were all involved in railway management and manufacturing, highlighting the lodge's deep-rooted connection to the industrial revolution. Wolverton, established 21 years prior as the world’s first railway town, is significant in this context. The name "Wolverton" is derived from Old English, meaning ‘Wulfhere’s estate’ and was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wluerintone. The original mediaeval settlement of Wolverton, now referred to as Old Wolverton, has nearly vanished from the modern landscape.

The lodge's banner features a viaduct, representing one that was north of Wolverton before its demolition in the 1890s, and a generic locomotive model of the era. The arm and hammer depicted symbolise the foundries and carriage works in Wolverton, where the founding Master, James McConnell, served as Superintendent of Works. Their motto, 'Mind moves the mass’ reflects Victorian engineering principles, emphasising the power of scientific knowledge to overcome challenges. The creation of the lodge's furniture, attributed to craftsmen from the Wolverton railway works, and the purchase of a banner in 1861 for 10 guineas (equivalent to approximately £5000 in 2017 terms) underscore the lodge's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

The banner, primarily made of painted cloth and commissioned between the lodge's first meeting in 1860 and May 1863, has undergone changes and repairs over the years. Notably, the scrollwork was overpainted to update the lodge number from 1142 to 840. By the 1960s, the banner had become so fragile that it required remounting and is now preserved under glass due to its delicate condition. During the 150th anniversary in 2010, considerations for a new banner were explored but ultimately rejected in favour of retaining the original, despite its inability to meet modern standards, reflecting a deep appreciation for the lodge's heritage 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 Railways

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 ?

Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini, the Hungarian-born illusionist, is most commonly known for illusions such as his suspended straitjacket escape, buried alive trick, and the “Houdini Upside Down.” However, many people do not know the man behind the magician: Freemason Erich Weisz.

At age 17, he had become very interested in magic, following the work of magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. It was not overnight success for the young magician who named himself Houdini, adding an “i” to his beloved role model Houdin’s last name

Harry Houdini was initiated into St. Cecile Lodge in New York in 1923. He was proud to be a Freemason and even held a performance for the Scottish Rite Valley of New York. The event was attended by 4,000 people in the Scottish Rite Cathedral and raised money for Freemasons in need. Houdini is among a cohort of Masonic magicians like Harry Keller, Howard Thurston, and Harry Blackstone. Today, there is even an “Invisible Lodge” for Freemasons who wish to become magicians or learn about the artform.

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.

Now That's What I Call

A Big Breakfast.

Upton Manor Lodge hosted a meeting of the 'North East Corner Club' which is a group for newer Freemasons to get together and learn more about Freemasonry. Tony Henley gave an interesting talk on 'The Silver Matchbox'.

The next meeting of the NECC will be held at Marlow Valley Lodge on 21st March with another fascinating talk.

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

Let there be light

and sound.

The Head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, John Clark, presided over the first Third Degree Ceremony to be held at the Denham Masonic Centre to utilise 'Project Transform'.

Project Transform is an innovative lighting and sound system designed to enhance the enjoyment of and make ceremonies a dramatic and memorable event.

The visitors and members of Denham Lodge had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the evening was a great success.

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

NEW YEAR NEW YOU!

On Tuesday 30th January, Bucks Freemasons held a New Year New You event. It's a second event designed for Freemasons to 'Bring a Friend along' to learn about Freemasonry. It was also open to anyone with a passing interest and keen to learn more.

Bletchley Masonic Centre hosted 70 attendees around half of which were interested visitors from around the province.

The evening began with Matt Eaton giving a quick introduction into what freemasonry is and what is so special about it.

Other speakers included Lee Buckingham talking about what we look for in masons, John Palman on what actually happens at lodge meetings and Phil Blacklaw who explained out charitable initiatives and why they are so important to us.

After the talk, we held a tour of the temple, where we explained our lodge room and the tools we use.

The evening was a fantastic success, bringing in many candidates who we will be initiating throughout this year.

Methuen Lodge No

631 - the Pro Grand Master Lodge.
The Lodge was consecrated at Swindon in the Province of Wiltshire, on 24th May 1854, by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Sir Daniel Gooch, Bt.
Lord Methuen, Provincial Grand Master (from 1853) was installed as the first Master.
From the outset, the Lodge existed for Wiltshire masons who wanted a lodge with a standard of comfort, dignity and good living, comparable to some of the best London Lodges.
The promoters had said that they did not want a lot of masonic work but that they would enjoy a first class, civilised dinner, with good wine to drink and, even, cigars to smoke.
It became a Buckinghamshire Lodge when the combined provinces were separated in 1890.
The Lodge has never owned a Banner and the only record of any badge is on the Summons of May 1938, the minutes of which stated that a discussion about the badge ensued and it was agreed that it should not be used in the future.
The Lodge includes the MW Pro Grand Master, the RW Deputy Grand Master, the President of the Board of General Purposes, and the Grand Treasurer. Additionally, it has become customary to invite the Provincial Grand Masters of Berks, Bucks, and Oxon to become joining members.
The Lodge still meets three times per year, twice in Marlow (dining at The Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames) and once in London, at 10 Duke Street, with dinner at a nearby gentleman’s club.
The Leander Club was founded in 1818 and boasts an unsurpassed record of rowing achievements. It is home to heroes such as Sir Steve Redgrave CBE and Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, triple gold medalist Peter Reed OBE, and double gold medalists James Cracknell OBE, Steve Williams OBE, and Alex Gregory MBE, as well as the champions of tomorrow.

On Friday, the historical Bulwers Lodge of Cairo changed its chairman, (the Worshipful Master) a ritual we call an "Installation" that takes place at the same time each year

This lodge is different from many, in that the brethren wear Fez's at the festive board and was founded overseas.

Bulwer Lodge of Cairo No 1068 was granted its Warrant on 7th June 1865. According to Grand Lodge records, their first meeting was Monday, 8th February 1865 - some four months earlier, for which no reason is recorded.

On 16th October 1895, a major fire broke out in the Lodge premises, destroying all the records and the Warrant of the Lodge. Most of the nearly-new furniture was also destroyed. It appears to be at this time, with the issue of the Warrant of Confirmation, that the "of Cairo" was inadvertently dropped from the name by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Further records were lost in 1956 when the Brethren were forced to leave Egypt during the Suez crisis. Many members had to flee for their lives. All of the Lodge furniture and most of its records, which were kept at the Temple, were sequestered by the Egyptian government and have, to this day, not been recovered.

Sir Henry Bulwer, later William Henry Lytton Earle Bulwer, Baron Dalling & Bulwer, was born in London on 13th February 1801. Following his education at Harrow and Downing College, Oxford, he joined the British Diplomatic Service. In 1824, he was sent to Morea, the southern most part of the Greek mainland, by the Greek community in London to finance their War of Independence.

In 1849, Bulwer was chosen as Ambassador to Washington, where he concluded the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. This Treaty, also signed by John Clayton, Secretary of State of the U.S.A., provided a basis for what is now known as the Panama Canal to be built. It set out that neither power should have exclusive control over the canal, nor colonise any part of Central America but both would guarantee the protection and neutrality of the canal.

On Friday, the historical Bulwers Lodge of Cairo changed its chairman, (the Worshipful Master) a ritual we call an "Installation" that takes place at the same time each year

This lodge is different from many, in that the brethren wear Fez's at the festive board and was founded overseas.

Bulwer Lodge of Cairo No 1068 was granted its Warrant on 7th June 1865. According to Grand Lodge records, their first meeting was Monday, 8th February 1865 - some four months earlier, for which no reason is recorded.

On 16th October 1895, a major fire broke out in the Lodge premises, destroying all the records and the Warrant of the Lodge. Most of the nearly-new furniture was also destroyed. It appears to be at this time, with the issue of the Warrant of Confirmation, that the "of Cairo" was inadvertently dropped from the name by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Further records were lost in 1956 when the Brethren were forced to leave Egypt during the Suez crisis. Many members had to flee for their lives. All of the Lodge furniture and most of its records, which were kept at the Temple, were sequestered by the Egyptian government and have, to this day, not been recovered.

Sir Henry Bulwer, later William Henry Lytton Earle Bulwer, Baron Dalling & Bulwer, was born in London on 13th February 1801. Following his education at Harrow and Downing College, Oxford, he joined the British Diplomatic Service. In 1824, he was sent to Morea, the southern most part of the Greek mainland, by the Greek community in London to finance their War of Independence.

In 1849, Bulwer was chosen as Ambassador to Washington, where he concluded the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. This Treaty, also signed by John Clayton, Secretary of State of the U.S.A., provided a basis for what is now known as the Panama Canal to be built. It set out that neither power should have exclusive control over the canal, nor colonise any part of Central America but both would guarantee the protection and neutrality of the canal.

Freemasonry In The Community

Magiovinivm Lodges Charity Steward, W.Bro Mark Dennaford, and their IPM W.Bro Brian Sweet, had great pleasure in presenting a cheque for £2,000 to the Milton Keynes branch of the Motoneuron disease support group.

This is a small charity with an annual budget of around £12,000, so they know this will make a positive impact on the fretwork they do.

Buckingham Lodge No

591.
Our first and oldest lodge in the Hallstone Province is based in Aylesbury, at Ripon Street Masonic Centre. This centre provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on 17 July 1890.
It has met in Aylesbury for the past 172 years!

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

The history of the lodge:
The Buckingham Lodge Warrant was dated 25th April 1851 under the number 861 and the Lodge was Consecrated on 3rd May 1852 at the White Hart Hotel, at the bottom of the Market Square, Aylesbury. In 1863, the Grand Lodge register of Lodges was updated and the lodge became No 591. After a happy period in the White Hart Hotel, the Lodge moved to the George Hotel at the top of the Market Square and finally into their own building in 1882; the Masonic Hall in Ripon Street. Notable in the Temple today are the Oak Stalls acquired by the Lodge in 1884. These were purchased from the Duke of Newcastle’s private Chapel. These along with the handsome Secretary’s desk and triple seat give the Lodge room a special atmosphere.

The original silk Lodge Banner was presented by Bro. E.T. Mackrill W.M. 1895. Bro Mackrill, a joining member in 1886, became an active and energetic member of the lodge until he died in 1907. He not only presented the banner, but also the Clock in the Temple; Officer’s Collars and some of the Lodge Emblems.
The Present Lodge Banner was presented in memory of W. Bro G.W. Morris PPSGW by his Widow. W.Bro George was initiated into Buckingham Lodge in 1950, W.M. in 1963 and was Chaplain from 1980 until he died in 1990. W.Bro George was an enthusiastic mason with strong views. He became the Founding Master of the Haddenham Lodge in 1981. In 1994 the new Banner was hand painted by a former member of the Lodge, to a design produced for W. Bro Morris and agreed by Committee.
It features the crest of Buckingham. Per pale Sable and Gules a Swan rousant wings inverted and expanded Argent ducally gorged Or. The swan was a badge of the ancient family of De Bohn, and of the Giffards who were Earls of Buckingham, and then of the Staffords, the first Dukes of Buckingham. The background shows the Stafford livery colours of red and black. The coronet is sometimes depicted with a chain attached. The banner also features the chequered floor, porchway pillars and square and compasses. The banner is edged with gold braid.

Find out more about the lodge here:
https://www.buckingham591.org/

bucksmasons NewYearNewYou

Discover Women's Freemasonry

Women Freemasons have been meeting across the country for more than 100 years.

There are two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF – Freemasonry for Women.
They both follow exactly the same ceremonies and wear the same regalia as male Freemasons, and they often work closely with community and charity projects.

The Order of Women Freemasons is the oldest and largest Masonic organisation for women in this country. It was constituted as the Grand Lodge of the Honourable Order of Ancient Masonry in 1908 and adopted the title 'The Order of Women Freemasons' in 1958. The Order originally included men and women, but in the early 1920s a decision was made to restrict admission to women only, and by 1935 it was an exclusively female organisation.
https://www.owf.org.uk/

Freemasonry for Women, founded in 1913 as The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, is a Masonic fraternity for women. It has lodges in the UK and overseas, and about 800 members. HFAF is a small but vibrant community of individuals, with members of all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs.
https://hfaf.org/

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ

Today 27th Jan, is Holocaust Memorial Day and marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous of the Nazi’s death camps.

A chance for all to remember the millions that have lost their lives just because of their differences.
—-

The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.
Deaths: Around 6 million Jews
Start date: 1941
End date: 8 May 1945

https://i.mtr.cool/sovcbvpvok

HolocaustMemorialDay HolocaustRemembranceDay neverforget

Happy Australia Day!

Heatherden Lodge sure knows how to have fun at their meetings!
With probably the first raising of an Aussie brother by an Aussie Lodge master this year!
Members and visitors enjoyed an excellent evening. Amongst the high jinx at the festive Board dinner, rather appropriately, an Aussie won the much-contested inaugural running of the “Roo Stakes."
As a Freemason, if you want to join the fun, save the date of March 16th for their much revered St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Night.

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

Did your lodge hold a Burns Supper?

There is a fascinating connection between Freemasons, poetry, dinner and Robert Burns.
Robert Burns is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature and Freemasonry in particular.

Robert Burns was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St. David, Tarbolton on 4 July 1781, at the age of 23. His initiation fee was 12s 6d, and paid on the same date.

On 27 July 1784, he was elected "Depute Master" of the lodge of St. David at the ripe young age of 25.
Burns was a revolutionary of sorts and the poem A Man’s A Man For All That is an plea for international brotherhood and asserts the principles of the French Revolution in this ode to equality and honesty.

Burns was exalted a companion in the Holy Royal Arch Degree in May 1787 at St. Ebbe's Lodge, Eyemouth. The companions unanimously agreed to admit Burns without paying the necessary fees, as they were greatly honoured to have such a great poet and man like Burns as part of their chapter.

Freemasonry's spirit of Brotherhood had a special place in Burns's heart. "For Burns, Freemasonry was a compound of mysticism and conviviality. We can think of no better environment to hear the words of the Masonic Poet laureate than in our Festive Board dinners. Which is why, across the world, millions of Freemasons will be reciting his poetry with their best Mel Gibdon-esque accents.

Robert Burns born 5th January 1759 and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 21st July 1796.