Lodge life
Every chair
has a purpose.
A lodge is a small community with a shape to it. Here's how an evening unfolds and who does what, so nothing feels unfamiliar when you arrive.
An evening
How a meeting unfolds
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Arrive
Hellos and handshakes
Members and visitors gather, catch up and get changed into regalia.
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In lodge
Ceremony and business
The formal part: traditional ceremony, lodge business and notices.
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Festive board
Dinner together
A shared meal with toasts, conversation and often a raffle for charity.
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After
Home, or one more
The night winds down. Friendships carry on between meetings.
The offices
Around the room
Presides over the lodge for a year. Usually someone who has worked through the other offices, and who sets the tone for the year.
The Master's two principal officers, and in time often his successors. They help run meetings and look after members.
Offers short, non-denominational words at the start and close of a meeting.
Looks after the lodge's accounts, subscriptions and dining costs.
The lodge's administrator: correspondence, records, summonses, and often the first person to answer an enquiry.
Makes sure ceremonies run smoothly and helps members learn their parts, patiently.
Keeps in touch with members and their families, especially in times of illness or difficulty.
Coordinates the lodge's charitable giving and support for good causes.
Carry messages and guide candidates during ceremonies. A traditional first step for newer members.
Look after the door. Often the first friendly face you'll see.
Leads
Worshipful Master
Presides over the lodge for a year. Usually someone who has worked through the other offices, and who sets the tone for the year.
Roles are held by members and usually change each year. We'll introduce the people themselves when you visit.
We'd rather introduce ourselves in person.
You won't find a gallery of faces here. Members' privacy matters, and a chat is a better introduction than a photo. Get in touch and someone from the lodge will reply.