Wyggeston Lodge holds its annual Ladies Festival

The Master, WBro Jamie and his wife Sam, hosted the annual Ladies’ Festival at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on Saturday 31st January 2015.

The Master and his wife at the Wyggeston Lodge Ladies' Festival 2015
The Master and his wife at the Wyggeston Lodge Ladies’ Festival 2015

Brethren, family and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion which, as always, was a wonderful evening full of friendship, laughter and entertainment.

After the delicious four-course dinner, WBro Tom Bodycot proposed the toast to the Ladies with a very amusing comparison of the differences between men and women. Bro Peter Clarke, accompanied by the other Brethren and Gentlemen, serenaded the Ladies with the ‘Ladies Song’ before Sam replied on behalf of all the Ladies with grateful thanks.

The evening continued late into the night with dancing to music provided by the excellent ‘Fabulous 55s‘ an authentic 1950s Rock and Roll band with double bass, drums and electric guitar.

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A Triple Raising Ceremony is conducted by the Wyggeston Lodge

The three new Master Masons of Wyggeston Lodge along with the Master (left)
The three new Master Masons of Wyggeston Lodge along with the Master (left)

Congratulations to our three newest Master Masons who were Raised at our meeting on Friday 16th January 2915 at Freemasons Hall, Leicester.

Once again, the Wyggeston Lodge has continued to rewrite their history by conducting their first ever Triple Raising Ceremony in their 104 years of existence. The Candidates, Bros Tartacuta, Radoja and Carter, were all excellent and were part of a superb Ceremony performed by all the Brethren who took part. Bro Peter Clarke, who is also a member of the Royal Yorkshire Lodge No.265, treated the Brethren to the ‘Yorkshire’ version of the Working Tools in his own inimitable and entertaining style.

The meeting concluded with a wonderful Festive Board where the Brethren and visitors enjoyed the social side of Freemasonry and were additionally entertained by WBro Kelvin Johnson who acted as a very enthusiastic Draw Master for the raffle which was in aid of the Harley Staples Cancer Trust.

The Wyggeston Lodge is the United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme Lodge for the University of Leicester and we welcome new members who are staff, students or alumni. If you are interested in joining then please click here.

Wyggeston Lodge welcomes 5 new members

The Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, which is the United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme Freemasons’ Lodge for the University of Leicester, welcomed another five new members at their Christmas meeting on 19th December 2014.

These five Initiates are a very special part of the history of the Lodge as they are an ever growing number of young Freemasons that have joined the Lodge which has been particularly resurgent since joining the Universities’ Scheme in 2011. Three of the members are either undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Leicester whilst the others work and live locally. The Lodge now has 47 members in total, with an age range between 21 and 90 and an average age of 45.

The festivities continued at the Festive Board where the Lodge members and visitors, including the Leicestershire and Rutland Light Blue Club, enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner with an interjection of rousing christmas carols and songs including ’12 Days of Christmas’ and ‘Good King Wenceslas’.

Through the generosity of those at the meeting, over £240 was raised for LOROS Hospice,a local charity that cares for over 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.

Leicester Freemason visits historic Texas Lodge

Our Secretary, WBro Andy Green, recently visited the Alamo Lodge No.44 which meets in San Antonio, Texas. This is his account of his memorable visit:

I arrived at the imposing Scottish Rite Cathedral in San Antonio, a multi-use centre for all local Masonic communities, on the evening of Wednesday 10th December 2014 to be immediately and warmly greeted by some of the Brethren of Alamo Lodge No.44.
The Scottish Rite Cathedral
The Scottish Rite Cathedral
The Alamo Lodge No.44 of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is the first and oldest Masonic Lodge in the City of San Antonio. It was founded in the historic Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The lodge was granted a charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas on 15th January 1848 and a plaque on the south wall of the Long Barrack of the Alamo celebrates this.
Consecration of the Alamo Lodge No.44
Consecration of the Alamo Lodge No.44

Unlike English Masonry, an informal supper, prepared and cooked by the Steward, was served in the Banquet Hall prior to the meeting. The Lodge was opened at 7pm by WBro Max Charleswell Jr., who as Master sported a fine Cowboy hat. The Lodge Room was very familiar in its layout although the pedestal (referred to as the Altar) and VSL were positioned in the centre of the chequered floor rather than directly in front of the Master. There were distinct differences in the positioning of officers particularly the Secretary and Treasurer both being stationed either side of the Master.

The Lodge Room
The Lodge Room
A three-pronged electric lamp representing the three lesser lights was also in the centre of the room with the light bulbs having very fetching Square and Compasses filaments.
The Lesser Lights
The Lesser Lights
The opening ritual was similar in context to Emulation but with entirely different phrase and wording. An obvious addition was the Saluting of both the USA and the State of Texas flags, perhaps similar to us paying tribute to our Queen and Country when singing the National Anthem.
The Alamo Lodge did not conduct a ceremony on that evening but went through the Business of the Lodge, a mixture of our reports, Risings and Committee Meetings in a light hearted and relaxed manner. A new member was ‘petitioned’ and balloted similar to that in the English Constitution which proved in favour. The Candidate’s Initiation was set for the following Wednesday.
The Master of the Lodge then asked me to say a few words about a English Freemasonry so I briefly spoke about my Mother Lodge, the Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, the success of the United Grand Lodge of England Universities Scheme, our Province and the forthcoming Tercentenary celebrations in 2017. Greetings were then conferred by me from the Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Wyggeston Lodge and also the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire and Rutland, RWBro David Hagger which were heartily reciprocated.
I was subsequently presented with a large coin by the Master which I was informed celebrated the new Grand Master who was installed just a week before at their Grand Lodge meeting in Waco, Texas. On the reverse of the coin is a Masonic symbol chosen by the Grand Master which this year is the familiar 47th Problem of Elucid. The Chaplain of the Lodge, Bro James Ollerton, proceeded to give an engaging short lecture on Pythagoras and the 47th Problem.
The main business of the meeting was however discussion regarding the preparations for a forthcoming annual Lodge meeting to be held at The Alamo Mission itself with the newly installed Grand Master of Texas attending to which I was also readily invited to attend.
The Alamo Chapel
The Alamo Chapel
So roll on two days and I was back with my new found friends from Alamo Lodge in the early evening outside the historic Alamo Chapel. Approximately 200 Masons had paraded through the streets from the Masonic Centre in their regalia to the Chapel. They were joined by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas along with his recently appointed District Deputy Grand Masters (DDGM).
The Grand Master of Texas along with his District Deputy Grand Masters outside the Alamo
The Grand Master of Texas along with his District Deputy Grand Masters outside the Alamo
We all filtered into the chapel and sang the National Anthem aided by a lone cornet played by the Grand Musician, WBro Ronald E Lawrence. The Master of Alamo Lodge gave a short but heartfelt address about what Masonry meant to him and how he followed in the footsteps of his Grandfather who was also Mason and that his Masonic Bible had been used in the Master’s Obligations.
The Grand Master, MWBro Michael L Wiggins was introduced who then addressed the Lodge and its visitors on the history of the Alamo and how it represented the liberty of Texans. He proceeded to pay tribute to the Freemasons who lost their lives in the assault by General Santa Anna on 6th March 1836. Those Masons included Jim Bowie, David Crockett, James Bonham, Almaron Dickinson and William Travis. This was followed by a rendition of ‘The Last Post’ on the cornet which hauntingly resonated around the stone chapel. The Grand Master then proceeded to introduce his DDGMs and then concluded the meeting with the National Anthem. More photos of the event can be viewed here.
Freemasons lost in the Alamo
Freemasons lost in the Alamo
Visiting is one of those special reasons why I enjoy Masonry, meeting people from all backgrounds but having that commonality in our outlook in life. Visiting across lodges in England is rewarding especially when noting the subtle differences in our ceremonial work. Visiting a Lodge in American is a whole different experience and one every Brother who has an opportunity to do should make it a priority. I felt very privileged to be witnessing a very truly special meeting of the Alamo Lodge and cannot express my thanks enough to the Master and Brethren of the Lodge for their kind hospitality and allowing me to participate in a very memorable occasion.
WBro Andy Green with the Master of the Alamo Lodge No.44 (left) and the Grand Master of Texas (right) in the Alamo
WBro Andy Green with the Master of the Alamo Lodge No.44 (left) and the Grand Master of Texas (right) in the Alamo
However, if you wish to visit abroad it is imperative that you contact the Provincial Grand Secretary and check that the Grand Lodge under which the Lodge meets is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England. It is also important that no attempt should be made to contact the Grand Secretary of a Foreign Grand Lodge until on their territory, for to do so from England would contravene Masonic Protocol.
Happy visiting!

Wyggeston members visit Daughter Lodge for Christmas meeting

Members of the Wyggeston Lodge were invited to the Christmas meeting of our Daughter Lodge, The Lodge of Welcome No.5664, on Friday 5th December 2014 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester.

Members of Wyggeston Lodge visiting The Lodge of Welcome in Leicester
Members of Wyggeston Lodge visiting The Lodge of Welcome in Leicester

A total of 11 members attended from the Lodge and were treated to a very well delivered Initiation Ceremony. The Festive Board was indeed very Festive with a full Christmas dinner including turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and mince pies. The evening was rounded off with a rousing rendition of the festive favourite ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ amongst other Christmas Carols and songs.

Bro Chris Kent from Wyggeston Lodge perfectly summed the visit – “It was a superb evening with the Lodge of Welcome. Very much living up to their name!”

Thank you to all the members of the Lodge of Welcome for their hospitality and friendship and we look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Lodge meeting next year.

Wyggeston Lodge members are Appointed and Promoted in Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons

The Banner of Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland FreemasonsAt the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting of Leicestershire Rutland held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on Friday 28th November 2014, 3 members of the Wyggeston Lodge were either appointed or promoted.

WBro Kelvin Johnson PPJGW was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary and after a year as a Provincial Grand Steward, WBro Alan Davis was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.

In addition to these, WBro Andy Green was re-appointed Provincial Training Officer and also appointed Provincial Communications Officer.

We congratulate all of these Brethren for the recognition by Provincial Grand Lodge for their dedicated service to Freemasonry within the Province.

Members of the Wyggeston Lodge at the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland Annual Communication
Members of the Wyggeston Lodge at the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland Annual Communication

A look back at the Wyggeston Lodge meeting which was held in November 1914

Wyggeston Lodge Summons for November 1914The 40th meeting of the Wyggeston Lodge was held in the Holmes’ Lodge Room on Friday 20th November 1914.

The Lodge was Opened at 7pm by a Founder, WBro John S. Flint who was in the Master’s Chair in that year.

The were a total of 33 members and 12 visitors present.

As the Installation was held at the Oct 1914 the main work of the meeting was to Pass Bro Thomas Beedle who was Initiated at the previous September meeting. Bro Beedle remained a member of the Lodge for 16 years until his death in 1930.

The Lodge was closed at 8.15pm when a plain supper was served.

New Master of Wyggeston Lodge is Installed

Our 103rd Installation meeting was held in Freemasons Hall, Leicester on Friday 21st November 2014 which saw Bro Jamie M installed into the Masters Chair.

Prior to Installing the new Master, WBro Dipak Chauhan thanked his Officers for a wonderful year and all their hard work in supporting him. It had been a very busy year as the Universities’ Scheme Lodge for the University of Leicester which saw the Initiation of 7 new members. WBro Jamie was installed as Master in a dignified and sympathetic manner after which he Invested his Officers for the year.

WBro Jamie is looking forward to an exciting year ahead with 10 new members already waiting to join and a packed social calendar including the Ladies Festival on Saturday 31st January 2015 and other events.

We were honoured to welcome WBro Anthony Stockton, Provincial Junior Grand Warden as our official Provincial representative on this important occasion. Among our guests for the evening were two International Students who are both studying at Leicester University and were from Lodges meeting in Italy and Canada.

The Master with our International visitors from Italy and Canada.
The Master with our International visitors from Italy and Canada.

The Festive Board consisted a three-course meal which was enjoyed by all of red pepper & tomato soup, pork dijonnaise, and concluded with profiteroles. It was a very happy meeting and enjoyed by all.

Universities’ Scheme Initiate joins the Royal Arch

At the Regular Convocation of Morley Chapter No.8320 held on Friday 10th October 2014 at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester, Bro. Alex Pohl, a member of Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, was Exalted into the Chapter as part of a Double Exaltation.

Alex Pohl, a student at Leicester University, is the first United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme Initiate in the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland to join the Royal Arch and it is anticipated that many more will follow in the future taking the next step in Freemasonry to complete their pure Ancient Masonic knowledge and experience.

WBro Andy Green, who is the Universities’ Scheme Chairman for the Wyggeston Lodge, was extremely proud to preside over the Morley Chapter as First Principal and have the opportunity to Exalt Bro Alex into the Royal Arch.

Wyggeston members enjoy annual curry night

The Wyggeston Lodge of Freemasons gathered together on Saturday 4th October 2014 after the summer break for the annual curry night along with the partners and wives.

Once again, the award-winning Kayal restaurant in Leicester provided us with a banquet of authentic Kerala cuisine including Uzhunnu Vada (golden fried lentil doughnuts), Kozhi Olath (Chicken cooked with onions, black pepper, ginger and green chillies), Banana Boli (banana slices dipped in a batter of rice flour with black sesame seeds and crispy fried), Nadan Kozhi Curry (Chicken cooked with mustard, ginger, garlic, potatoes and special home made spices), Cheera Erachi Curry (Lamb cooked in fresh spinach, aromatic spices, turmeric, red chillies and onions), Kathrika Curry (Aubergines cooked with coriander seeds, roasted onions, chillies, yoghurt & cashew nut sauce) and Cheera Parippu Curry (Fresh spinach and toor dal cooked in a thick garlic sauce, and tomatoes).

WBro Andy Green – “It certainly was a great way to catch up with lodge members after the long summer break and it was fantastic to welcome some of our newer members along with another who will join the lodge in December.” WBro Robert Jones thanked WBro Andy Green for organising the event – “We all had a very nice evening and it was a good meal and enjoyed by all”.

The next curry night will be on Saturday 3rd Oct 2015.