We have delivered the Gift of Freemasonry to five more people this week!

12DX (the Twelve Days of Christmas) was celebrated in our centres in Marlow, Winslow, Slough, and Beaconsfield. There were many amazing highlights, including the visit from a familiar character of the season joining members of New Urban Loadge at their meeting in Winslow.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to 65 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

DECEMBER 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.

Our 12DX season is well under way!

In the last week, 8 lodges have held ten initiation ceremonies in Marlow, Stony Stratford, Beaconsfield, Slough, Bletchley, and Aylesbury. There were many great highlights, including the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion joining members of Chenies Lodge for the last post at their meeting in Beaconsfield.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Allied Masonic Degrees
The full title of this Order is The Grand Council of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas. It is more familiarly know as the ‘Allied Degrees’.

Meetings are held in Councils.

Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Mark Master Mason and Royal Arch Mason.

The regalia consists of five breast jewels, one for each degree.

The Order is based on a collection of orders that had no central authority. The five degrees give various moral lessons including integrity and fortitude, humility, the danger of hasty judgement and the importance of truth.

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to the Order of the Secret Monitor

12DX Launch Evening at Hughenden Lodge for Craft Beer and Real Ale Appreciation!

Last night saw the first initiation of Bro Neill at a wonderful kick off meeting.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 
At last night's meeting, we enjoyed a superbly delivered ceremony in a beautiful lodge room. This was followed by an incredible dining experience which culminated in fine speeches and a dessert of Crème Brulé paired with a Bad Kitty dark porter by  
The star prize in the raffle was some of The Master's Brew, which dates back to 2019! Rare and exquisite beyond belief.
Hughenden Lodge meets in Marlow, Bucks, and is always looking for new people to join them..
If you live in the Buckinghamshire area and share the lodges' appreciation for craft beer and real ale, why not follow in Neill's footsteps and join the lodge? You can contact the lodge here: https://hughendenlodge.org.uk/

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Royal and Select Masters
The full title of this Order is The Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Council Overseas. It is more familiarly known as the ‘Cryptic Degrees’.

Meetings are held in Councils.

Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Mark Master Mason and Royal Arch Mason.

The regalia consists of a triangular apron with a crimson edge and a triangular breast jewel.
 
The Order is based on the history of the first Temple at Jerusalem. The four degrees throw light on a sequence of events and demonstrate the essential link between the degrees of Master Mason, Mark Master Mason, and Royal Arch Mason. 

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to the Allied Masonic Degrees

Special Interest Lodge Bring A Friend Event

Twice a year we hold a Bring a Friend event, where current Buckinghamshire Masons can bring a friend / colleague / family member to find out more and ask questions.

Our most recent event was held at the Slough Masonic Centre and focused on some of the province's special interest lodges.

Dozens of brethren arrived at the centre to begin the setup as early as 7 am!  

The teams got to work setting up their promotional tables for the afternoons event, but at approximately 9 am work ceased and the brethren Moved upstairs to the temple for an early meeting of the Buckinghamshire classic car Lodge featuring the fantastic project transform in all its splendour.

Upon completion of the ceremony and Lodge closure, the brethren then retired downstairs to finalise any tables that required setting up but also tuck into a hearty hot buffet style lunch and were able to meet and greet the guests who had began arriving at noon. The guests had time to casually walk around each of the Lodge displays and engage in conversation with the brethren,  the Special interest lodges had set up their tables with promotional information, photographs and videos to provide a visual representation of what their lodges had to offer around the edges of the hall.

At 1 pm, everyone assembled in the main dining hall, which was laid out like a theatre, for the presentation to begin. John King, one of the provincial executives opened the day greeting the guests and brethren before handing over to Lee Buckingham & John Palman who look after the communications and membership side of the province.  Matthew Perkins then delivered a detailed explanation of the charity side of Freemasonry, covering International, National and Provincial aspects of what we do.

On completion of the presentation carried out band an open question & answers session the guests were then taken up into the temple for a insight into what happens inside a meeting with a further question and answer session. 

Once this was over they returned back downstairs and continued conversations with the numerous lodges that were on display with the event finally drawing to a close at around 3 pm.

A lot of work went into delivering this day, the reward being a lot of the guests signing up to take their enquiries further.

NOVEMBER 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.

Tomorrow is our Provincial "Special Interest Lodge" Bring a Friend event

We will be showcasing some of our special interest lodges to prospective new masonic members, giving a chance for an open Q&A session in a relaxed environment and an opportunity to meet freemasons of Buckinghamshire.

Shooting, Camping, Real Ale, Fine Wine, Aviation, to name but a few.

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

The Red Cross of Constantine
The full title of this Order is The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist.
 
Meetings are held in conclaves.
 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.
 
The regalia consists of a purple sash and a red cross breast jewel.
 
The Order is based on the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity after seeing a sign from heaven in the form of a special cross. He directed that this cross should be worn on the armour of Christians in his army. A conclave of the knights of the order was formed whose members were the bodyguard of the sovereign. The candidate is admitted and obligated then made a Knight Companion where the history of the Order is detailed. There are two appendant ceremonies where the aims of Freemasonry are revealed.

You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/red-cross-of-constantine

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to Royal and Select Masters.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER' ADDRESS 

Today we held the annual general meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street,  one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London. 

Over 500 Freemasons of Buckinghamshire, along with Friends and family attended for this great annual event.

The following link will take you to the Provincial Grand Masters address.

https://buckspgl.org/blog/provincial-grand-masters-annual-address-2024 

TODAY IS THE PROVINCIAL MEETING OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Over 500 Brethren, Family & Friends will shortly be arriving at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Buckinghamshire Annual Provincial Meeting.  A great day of celebration amongst friends and Brothers.

Find Your Purpose with the Buckinghamshire Freemasons

In today's fast-paced world, many of us are looking for a deeper sense of purpose and a way to make a meaningful impact. Freemasonry offers a unique path to achieving both.
As a Freemason, you'll join a centuries-old tradition of community service and personal growth. Our organisation provides opportunities to contribute to local causes, support those in need, and positively transform lives. Whether it's organising charity events, mentoring youth, or supporting local initiatives, Freemasons work together to create lasting change.

But Freemasonry is more than just charitable work. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Through our stories, teachings, and fellowship, you'll gain new perspectives on life, develop leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships. This combination of personal growth and community service often leads our members to discover a profound sense of purpose.
By joining Buckinghamshire Freemasons, you're embarking on a life-changing journey. You'll have the chance to make a real difference in your community while simultaneously growing as an individual.
Ready to find your purpose and have a lasting impact?
Join us today and start your Masonic journey. 
For people based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor the rest of the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/find-your-nearest-masonic-centre/lookup-area

Together, we can build a better world, one good deed at a time.

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Rose Croix
The full title of this Order is The Supreme Council 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘Rose Croix’.

Meetings are held in Rose Croix chapters.

Qualification for joining is that a candidate must have been a Master Mason for a year and believe in the Trinitarian Faith with membership usually being by invitation. The joining ceremony is called ‘Perfection’.

The regalia consists of a pink collar with higher degrees having different coloured collars along with a sash and the highest degree also includes a cap.

There are 33 degrees within the Rite with the Chapter taking candidates up to the 18° Perfection.

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to The Red Cross of Constantine.

OCTOBER 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. 

Just one week to go until the Bucks PGL meeting

The countdown has begun for our annual meeting at Freemasons Hall, London. Approximately 500 brethren, family and friends will be in attendance to watch and support fellow Brothers receive appointments and promotions within the grand setting of this magnificent art deco building, Home of the United grand Lodge of England.

Discover Freemasonry and it's Special Interest Lodges

On Saturday 19th October, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will be hosting the next in a series of successful Bring a Friend events, however with a unique twist, to show off the Province's incredible range of Special Interest Lodges to those existing masons, as well as any initiates. 

Event Details:
Date: Saturday 19th October
Time: 12:30 - 3:00PM 
(arrive from 12:00 for registration, presentations begin at 1.00PM)
Location: Slough Masonic Centre, 76 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX

Prospective initiates and interested joiners can experience:

-The good reasons to join Freemasonry, including personal growth, leadership development, and community impact.
-Talk with members of special interest Lodges and hear why they are so brilliant.
-Meet special interest Lodges that cater to a wide range of hobbies and passions.
-Discover the exciting special interest themed events that take place regularly in the province.

Also come along for:

-A display of classic cars and motorcycles in the car park.
-Showcase exhibition of our special interests within Freemasonry.
-Open Bar and Refreshments as well as a light buffet are provided for all attendees.
-This event is your gateway to discovering the incredible variety that exists within Buckinghamshire Freemasonry. 

Feel free to bring friends and family, the more, the merrier!

Secure your free place now by going to the below link:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-freemasonry-special-interest-2024

Passing the Torch at Marcellians Lodge

A bittersweet moment occurred at the most recent Marcellians Lodge meeting when Grae Laws, the Provincial Grand Communications Officer for Buckinghamshire, handed over his apron to Lee Buckingham, his replacement. While Grae showed some reluctance to part with the role he had held for several years, there was also pride in seeing the communications team move forward under new leadership.

The formal transition will take place on Saturday, October 5th at Freemasons' Hall in London. Lee expressed excitement about taking the reins and guiding the team into the future, especially with many new initiates on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Grae isn't stepping away from provincial duties entirely. He'll be moving into the role of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, taking over from Lloyd Harrison, the incumbent Prov SGW. Grae, along with his fellow Warden Mark Harry, will play a key part in the upcoming "12 Days of Christmas" campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to initiate over 60 new members across various lodges between November 20th and December 19th.

As Grae reflected on his time as Communications Officer, it was clear that his efforts had yielded their own rewards in the form of a thriving, engaged Masonic community in Buckinghamshire. The torch may be passing, but the light of fellowship burns as brightly as ever.

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Knights Templar and Knights of Malta
The full title of this Order is The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, in England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘KT’.
 
Knights Templar meetings are held in Preceptories and under the authority of its warrant, Knights of Malta meetings in Priories are also held.

Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.

The regalia is based on that of a Templar Knight and consists of a cap, tunic, mantle, sash, belt and sword. The Malta regalia is similar, but the tunic is red and mantle and cap are black.
 
The Order is based on the actions of a band of Knights who were granted a place of habitation within the sacred precincts of King Solomon’s Temple. The candidate is admitted as a pilgrim and undergoes a period of pilgrimage and warfare then penance and meditation before being made a Knight of the Temple.

You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/knights-templar

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to Rose Croix.

BIG 1-2-3 memories - three generations at Fairway 8614

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  It was a fantastic day for many Buckinghamshire Freemasons but even more so for the members of Fairway Lodge No. 8614 as they welcomed a very special initiate.
The lodge had one of the first slots available on the day and got to Temple 14 GQS shortly after 0900 to perform the ceremony of initiation of Oliver, in the presence of his Dad Mike who was the current head of the lodge. Oliver's grandfather, John, who is also a member of the lodge and was present for the ceremony. 
Bro Oliver joins a succession of new members to Fairway lodge who have welcomed seven initiates in the last few years, and will no doubt follow in both his fathers and grandfathers’ footsteps in Freemasonry.

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.