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.

According to The Masonic Dictionary, “The Cedars of Lebanon are frequently referred to in the legends of Freemasonry, especially in the advanced Degrees; not, however, on account of any symbolical signification, but rather because of the use made of them by Solomon and Zerubbabel in the construction of their respective Temples.”

Phoenixmasonry.org reports that Twain “sent his lodge a gavel with this note: ‘This mallet is a cedar, cut in the forest of Lebanon, whence Solomon obtained the timbers for the Temple.’
Clemens cut the handle himself from a cedar just outside the walls of Jerusalem. He had it made in Alexandria, Egypt…”
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Taken from: “Mark Twain and Freemasonry”, by Alexander E. Jones. Source: American Literature, Vol. 26, No. 3 (Nov., 1954), pp. 363-373. Published by: Duke University Press.

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Peter and St. Pauls' Lodge, No 1410. The Clergyman's Lodge.

The Lodge was consecrated in 1872 at the Anchor Hotel, Newport Pagnell, drawing its name from the local Parish Church. The founding members, friends and family of W Bro The Rev John Studholme Brownrigg, who took on the roles of Primus Master and Secretary, included four clergymen, three of whom served as Worshipful Master (WM) within the first four years.
After relocating six times for various reasons, it has found a permanent home at the Swan Revived hotel in Newport Pagnell.

The Lodge’s banner features the crossed keys of St. Peter on a lozenge, situated between two great pillars, symbolizing the Lodge's connection to its namesake saints. The banner includes several elements: the Lodge name and number in gilt lettering on a red background with gold edging, the all-seeing eye with irradiation, the date of consecration on a pale blue banner with gold edging, and the square and compasses open in the 3rd degree. The chequered pavement, heavy maul, level, plumb rule, and additional square and compasses are also depicted, indicating the Masonic virtues of balance, fairness, and integrity. These symbols are set against a royal blue background, bordered by blue and gold tassels, with cords and tassels in matching colours framing the sides.

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Discover Freemasonry and Discover Yourself.

You could be part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community. Discover a 300-year-old mystery that’s steeped in history. 

Book your place at our live event in Slough and enjoy an evening of conversation and discovery. 
Tuesday 30th April 2024, from 7:00pm.
Slough Masonic Centre, SL1 2PX

https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-slough-2024

St Martins Lodge had a spectacle of a meeting on the 4th of March 2024. 
On one side, an initiation for newly made brother, Bro Lee Jones, who is their fourth person to join in 2024 alone! He was taken around with grace, and in front of over 60 masons. 

But the night was not just his, with W Bro Michael Ramsbotham celebrating not only 60 years in Freemasonry, but also his 89th Birthday the same day! 

The DPGM VW Bro Neil Robertson was on hand to carry out the presentation of the long service certificate and they were able to give him letters from the Lodges he is an honorary member of, this from being an active provincial officer and part of the consecration team, as well as the two other Lodges he had been Master of, as well as a number of gifts and a new Masters Collar, plated and engraved with the names of all 124 previous Masters, in honour of Michael.

The Festive board had more surprises for him and the newly made brother and we had an amazing evening, raising a nice sum for the Young Carers Charity, of Michael's choosing, through the raffle.

With two more initiates in the pipeline, hopefully for Big123, the lodge is excited for what the rest of this year will bring.

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Last week Wineslai Lodge no. 2435 held a meeting for the rededication of their lodge banner.  Founded in 1892, with consecration taking place at the neighbouring Bell Hotel, the lodge still has ties to the establishment for lodge meals, ladies events and social activities. 

Their original banner, which can be seen behind a glass screen, was presented  in 1918 and late dedicated in 1919 by a member of the Burmese Royal household - Crowned Prince Sau On Kya, who had recently been initiated into the lodge.  He was the ruler of the Hsipaw State in Shan Burma (modern day Myanmar) from 1928 to 1938.

Those in attendance were given a fascinating talk about the history of the lodge, its association with the Hall Stone Jewel and formation from sponsor lodge, Grenville Lodge 1797.

The evening saw 100 people dining at the Bell afterwards. 

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1068. Lord Kitchener's Lodge.

The Lodge was consecrated at Kasr al-Nozha Palace, Shoubra Road, Cairo, on 8th February in 1865. This location was the residence of Yacoub Cattaui Pasha, a prominent Jewish member of the Egyptian government. The Lodge's first master was Carl Antonio Verdi, marking it as the second English Lodge established in Egypt, following its sponsoring Lodge, St John Alexandria. Unfortunately, St John Alexandria closed a few years after Bulwer’s consecration due to the majority of English Freemasons residing in Cairo. The Lodge boasted a number of distinguished members, including Earl Kitchener of Khartoum, Sir Reginald Wingate, Lord Grenfell, and Sir Lee Stack, and had the privilege of initiating four Victoria Cross holders.

On 19th March 1869, Bulwer Lodge had the honour of hosting His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), marking the first and possibly only Lodge he officially visited after his initiation. The Egyptian government sequestered the Lodge's records, forcing it to leave Egypt during the Suez Crisis of 1956. It subsequently established itself at the Lancaster Gate Hotel in London, surviving the upheaval as one of only three Lodges. In 1998, the Lodge moved to Slough, Buckinghamshire, after the hotel ceased hosting Masonic meetings. A final relocation to Beaconsfield occurred in 2000, hopefully marking its last move in a series of thirteen locations throughout its history.

The banner of Bulwer Lodge features an ornamental shield divided into quarters. The first and fourth quarters display the arms of Sir Henry Bulwer, District Grand Master of Turkey, who consecrated the Lodge, featuring a red shield with a silver chevron adorned with three five-pointed stars between three eagle reguardant. The second quarter showcases the arms of the Company of Masons, with a black shield and a silver chevron highlighting a pair of golden compasses between three castles. The third quarter depicts a desert scene with the pyramids, symbolising the Lodge's origins in Cairo, which is also noted beneath the ornamental shield. This intricate design embodies the Lodge's rich heritage and the diverse influences that have shaped its identity.

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

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.

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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.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London, is the most gigantic structure in the world consecrated to the interests of Protestant Christianity, and is only excelled in grandeur and extent by St. Peter's, in Rome.

As you enter the central door from the north and pass between the great pillars to the centre of the floor beneath the dome, you stop and look around and upward amazement.

The entire building is on such a gigantic scale; so grand, so imposing, so solid, so perfect, that you feel subdued and awed as in the presence of the Master-builder himself; a sense of magnitude, of power, of grandeur, rivets you to the spot, and it is some time before you dare move or turn to examine in detail. The form of this master-piece of architecture is that of a Greek cross; its extreme length is five hundred feet; its greatest width is two hundred and twenty-three feet; and its height, to the cross above the dome, is nearly or quite four hundred feet. 

Standing on the mosaic floor beneath the centre of the dome, facing the south, you turn to your left, and in front of you is the organ, and beyond it, the choir. As you advance to near the organ, you are met with the most fitting and appropriate epitaph conceivable. There are eight Corinthian columns of blue-veined marble, which support the organ and gallery, and which are richly ornamented with carved work. On the side next the dome, in the front of this gallery, on a plain marble slab, is a Latin inscription, (formerly in gold letters,) which reads as follows in English:

BENEATH LIES
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN,

The builder of this Church and City,
Who lived upward of ninety years, not for himself,
but for the public good.

Reader, seekest thou his monument?
LOOK AROUND!

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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.

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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

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. 

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.

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

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

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

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.

Thank you to everyone who took part and who supported with your attendance.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly planted in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling out the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

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.

Want to know why everyone is wearing a fez?
Want to know more about this Historical Provincial Lodge?

This is the lodge's history page, containing more details:

https://www.bulwer1068.org.uk/history 

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

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.

Want to know why everyone is wearing a fez?
Want to know more about this Historical Provincial Lodge?

This is the lodge's history page, containing more details:

https://www.bulwer1068.org.uk/history 

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.

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/

Read more here:
https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/women-freemasons

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