We are a friendly Lodge that meets in Central London (at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street) on 4 Saturday mornings each year (3rd Saturday in January, 2nd Saturdays in March, May and October) followed by a festive board at lunchtime in a nearby restaurant. Currently we dine at Trattoria Verdi in Holborn.
We are currently 31 members. Our average age is 60, but we have members ages ranging from 31 to 92. 16 of our members are younger than 60.Our members are located in and around London, 5 with London postcodes, 10 in Essex, 3 in Berkshire. We even have 4 French members who travel from Paris for each of our meetings. Members come from all walks in life and have a wide spread of occupations and former occupations.
We enjoy our ritual and take it seriously. We strive to get it right. But we also want it to be enjoyable for all, so it helps if it is done with some humour. We try as far as possible to share out ritual and involve as many members as possible. We try and arrange social events each year. Typically we will have a Ladies Weekend, somewhere outside London, and possibly social gatherings in a pub in the Summer and at Christmas time. Wives and partners are welcome to attend. We do our best to maximise charitable collections from members at meetings, and at any Ladies Weekend and typically donate £2,000 - £3,000pa to worthy charities. In the last 10 years, the Lodge has donated a total of £29,500 to both Masonic and non Masonic charities.
We want members to get involved and participate in meetings. We acknowledge that some members are more capable of doing the ritual than others, so we will not force ritual on anyone. But sharing ritual enables everyone to do a small part if they wish. Progression through the offices in the Lodge is encouraged, but again not forced on anyone that does not want to. There are several important offices in the Lodge that do not require ritual, in administration (Secretary and Asst. Secretary), wellbeing of members (Almoner), financial (Treasurer), and charitable collections (Charity Steward)
A friendly and sociable atmosphere in Lodge and at festive boards. Many members will stay on after the festive board for drinks with fellow members. Develop good strong friendships with all other members. Participate in Masonic charitable giving, Masonry being one of the foremost charitable donors in the Country.
The current cost of joining or initiation is about £150.This is a one off fee. Annual subscriptions are currently (2024) £400 for dining members and £180 for non dining members. The dining subscription includes meals at the festive board with wine for each of the 4 meetings in the year.
As with most smaller Lodges, our meeting to meeting arrangements and agenda are decided upon by a small committee, incuding the Lodge Master, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, but on any important issues, agreement of all members is sought. Communication is usually by email but physical meetings, and Zoom meetings are held when necessary. What's important to its members (ritual, tradition, social, festive board) We endeavour to maintain the traditions of freemasonry, but above all we want to promote good strong relationships within the Lodge and enjoy our masonry. The social side of freemasonry is as important as the traditional side. Also, knowing that our charitable donations are being properly used towards good causes that we select ourselves.
Opportunity to participate in the traditional ritual, and progress through the offices of the Lodge. Forming strong brotherly relationships with other members Enjoying freemasonry and having a good time at meetings - something to look forward to. Awareness that we are raising charitable funds for good causes. Does the Lodge meet the needs of a new or joining member Yes this is evident at our meetings and festive boards. Very strong bonds of friendship have been developed between members. Centre Lodge has established a good record of charitable donations over many years.
You can drop an email to us at enquire at centerlodge.london or call us on 02046 349 961.