Royal Arch – Beginnings in Cornwall

The Duke of Wharton

For speculative Freemasons, times have always been a-changin’, and the erection of the Premier Grand Lodge by ‘Four Old Lodges’ in 1717 was itself a novelty. When, in 1722 the Grand Master, the Duke of Wharton, laid down the procedure for constituting a new Lodge, this was almost revolutionary.

John Pine – A remarkable 17th century engraver and Freemason

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In 1748, the celebrated English artist and Francophobe, William Hogarth, surprisingly decided to take a holiday in France. His behaviour in France was appalling. He was ‘clamorously rude’ to everyone he met. Whenever anybody admired a view, Hogarth sourly remarked: ‘What then? It is but French! Their houses are all gilt and bullshit!’ Waiting in Calais for the boat home, Hogarth made sketches of some old fortifications, and was arrested as a spy.

For Serious Master Masons – Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076

G W Speth a founder and the first secretary of Quatuor Coronati Lodge

The fruits of Masonic research should be available to everyone, Masons and nonmasons alike – and so it is with the work of Quatuor Coronati Lodge (QC). For almost 120 years members of the Lodge, together with the thousands who have joined the Correspondence Circle, have sought to advance Masonic knowledge and their findings have been published for all in the Transactions of the Lodge, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum

Freemasons donate TWO breathing monitors to York Hospital Special Care Baby Unit

Mitre Freemasons Lodge, Donation £1,590 to York Hospital Special Care Baby Unit

Freemasons donate TWO breathing monitors to York Hospital Special Care Baby Unit

TWO breathing monitors have been donated to York’s Special Care Baby Unit. The Freemasons Mitre Lodge of York and the Provincial Grand Charity of Yorkshire North and East Ridings donated £1,590 for the monitors.

Neil Reader, charity steward for Mitre Lodge York, said: “I can personally testify to the great work that goes on in SCBU at York Hospital and the members of Mitre Lodge have been delighted to once again assist the good work of the unit and are grateful for the further support from Provincial Grand Charity which has enabled the purchase of two respiration monitors.”

The respiration monitors will be used both in the hospital and at a person’s home to continuously monitor a baby’s breathing and alarm if the breathing stops. These can be used when a baby is sent home on oxygen or if a family has a history of babies dying from cot death. Vicky Alderson, Sister on SCBU said, “We are extremely grateful to both the Freemasons and Provincial Grand Charity for their very generous donation. We have been able to buy two respiration monitors for the unit which are incredibly beneficial to staff and patients. Thank you to all those involved for their fantastic support.” Share article

Freemasons in Burnham raise £500 for St Margaret’s Hospice

The event, which was held at the Baptist Hall in Burnham, raised £500

Freemasons in Burnham raises £500 for Chari-tea party raises

AN array of tea and cakes were enjoyed by many at the St Margaret’s Hospice Time for Tea party. The event, which was held at the Baptist Hall in Burnham, raised £500 for the charity, and will to help enable local people to receive specialist care. St Margaret’s Hospice is a registered charity which has been at the heart of Somerset’s community, making each day count for 35 years by providing high quality, responsive, compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life shortening illness. Through medical expertise, nursing skills and specialist support services, they provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to over 3,200 patients and their families each year.

The tea party was organised by Burnham Freemasons and wives, and is in its 9th year of running.

In attendance and enjoying the homemade cakes was the Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Cllr Michael Clarke, Provincial Grand Master of Somerset, Stuart Hadler, and the Chairman of St Margaret’s Hospice, David Jenkins. Community fundraiser for St Margaret’s Hospice, Julie Draper, would like to thank Tony and Lynn Ward, and all their team of dedicated helpers for making the day such a success.


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