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Post by leonardo on Dec 7, 2004 13:35:27 GMT
Doing some research for Freemasonry information I came across this lovely Lodge in the island of Jersey. www.jerseymason.org.uk/Great site, with lots of good, solid information, etc. But this got me to wondering just what is it about your particular Lodge that makes it "special ". For example, are there any unique characteristics that makes it stand out in Freemasonry circles, perhaps a bit of history, that you would care to expand upon.
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staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Dec 7, 2004 18:08:22 GMT
i Think that every lodge is unique in its own way.
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Michael
Member
... as you have passed through the ceremony of your initiation...
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Post by Michael on Dec 10, 2004 9:13:27 GMT
I was recently invited to a Lodge in Blackburn - and am attending their installation meeting next week - and they had to use a smaller lodge room because of a double booking, a room that many might think pokey when compared against some of the grander rooms that one can see around the country, but the ceremony was perfect and the friendship was nothing less than you would expect.
Though some Lodges have a wonderful ambiance I am sure it is the people attending that add that special 'something'.
A great link Leo - was there not a mention of this Hall in a recent program about WWII and the Channel Islands?
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Post by taylorsman on Dec 10, 2004 10:06:44 GMT
Leo, thanks for the link. Last time I was in Jersey I wasn't "On the Square" but if I go there again I will ensure I visit.
Now what makes a Lodge unique? How long is a piece of string? A very difficult question to answer.
A lot depends on what the individual wants from a Lodge. To some it is the Ritual, other like the comradeship, some the social events, others have a wish to serve charitable causes, some relish the sybolism and the esoteric aspects. There are those who desire all of these in different percentages.
I am heavily into the Ritual, Symbolic and Esoteric side of Freemasonry but also enjoy the Comradeship and the Festive Board and I am lucky that my London Lodge seems to encapsulate all of these aspects. An ornate Ritual (Taylor's) well performed with real feeling and a great bunch of chaps who show true friendship at a happy and enjoyable Festive Board. To some it would "come on too strong" and they may like things of a more plain and simple nature, that is their choice.
Most Lodges I have visited have been good and enjoyable whether meeting in a lovely Temple such as those in Brighton or Clerkenwell, or in simpler surroundings such as the Village Hall used by Southwick Lodge in Sussex, or the former TA hall of Minster Lodge in Upminster. I have only attended one Lodge which lacked that "sparkle" which imbues most Masonic Lodges old and new, where the Meetings were "hollow" and the Board anything BUT Festive thereafter, and that is after 16 years in Freemasonry celebrated this Monday.
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Post by leonardo on Dec 10, 2004 15:17:30 GMT
Lee, Mick and Steve. Thank you for your contributions. Steve said: "..... Last time I was in Jersey I wasn't "On the Square" but if I go there again I will ensure I visit." I've never been to Jersey, except for the one in the US, not the same thing at all Anyway I would dearly like to go oneday and when I do I hope to be "on the square" so as to be able to attend the Lodge in question. Mick said: "Though some Lodges have a wonderful ambiance I am sure it is the people attending that add that special 'something'." I'd certainly go along with that view but I imagine the right location can only add to whole thing. Lee said: "i Think that every lodge is unique in its own way." Like many Lodges, no doubt. But I do see what you mean about the Jersey one Does anyone recall the link someone posted on the other forum where one could have a virtual tour of a Lodge? That was a terrific place.
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Post by Doric on Dec 10, 2004 22:44:20 GMT
What makes a Lodge unique?
Heartland Lodge No 8990 in the Province of Warwickshire have a unique way of greeting their visitors. I don't really want to go into details, as it's a lovely surprise for first time visitors. suffice it to say, I saw tears in the eyes of a first time visitor I took there tonight!
It takes place during the Festive Board, and those who visit all want to go again!
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Post by leonardo on Dec 11, 2004 13:58:12 GMT
What makes a Lodge unique? Heartland Lodge No 8990 in the Province of Warwickshire have a unique way of greeting their visitors. I don't really want to go into details, as it's a lovely surprise for first time visitors. suffice it to say, I saw tears in the eyes of a first time visitor I took there tonight! It takes place during the Festive Board, and those who visit all want to go again! Sounds very special. Roll on my eventual entry to the Craft
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
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Post by staffs on Dec 11, 2004 14:07:00 GMT
At Brighthelmstone 8042 we sing to ou visitors at the festive board. As one visitor recently rote in our magazine "The singing is rubbish but dont stop it because we like it "
Visiting ?
For those who have visited the Masonic hall at Lewes then this is a real treat and i hasd the pleasure of being invited there recently.It is quite small and has one room downstairs and the temple upstairs and to get to it you go up the narrow stone staircase that the steps have worn down on from the feww hundred years it has been used.
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Post by leonardo on Dec 11, 2004 14:11:36 GMT
" "The singing is rubbish but dont stop it because we like it " "
This happens fairly frequently at some of my gigs ;D
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
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Post by staffs on Dec 11, 2004 14:33:13 GMT
Leo,them you would be welcome at Brighthelmstone when you are able
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Post by leonardo on Dec 11, 2004 18:27:55 GMT
Lee....What can I say? Thanks
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Dec 11, 2004 22:02:25 GMT
One interesting difference between Male only and Comasonry is that part of all our ceremonial work, including the opening and closing involves singing Odes at the appropriate situations. Many Male craft visitors have commented on how it adds a special reverence to the workings. We are of course expected to learn these odes by heart.Formerly we had an official organist, but these days not all lodges have members who can play, appart from them then being relegated to that office indefinately. We have solved the problem by using a modern electronic organ that accepts discs with pre-recorded music, which any Bro. can opperate -just dial up the number, regulate the volume and push a button!
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Post by whistler on Dec 12, 2004 6:22:33 GMT
What makes a Lodge unique? Heartland Lodge No 8990 in the Province of Warwickshire have a unique way of greeting their visitors. I don't really want to go into details, as it's a lovely surprise for first time visitors. suffice it to say, I saw tears in the eyes of a first time visitor I took there tonight! It takes place during the Festive Board, and those who visit all want to go again! What part of England is Warwickshire is it near Ludlow? Do you know That Thorpe Chappie he belongs to a Warwickshire Lodge Going by his TFM signature
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Post by Doric on Dec 12, 2004 7:21:17 GMT
Ludlow is in Shropshire - around 40 or 50 miles from the borders of Warwickshire - probably 60 from Warwick itself, which is where Heartland meet.
Who is that Thorpe chappie? I don't believe we've met!
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Post by whistler on Dec 12, 2004 7:28:23 GMT
Ludlow is in Shropshire - around 40 or 50 miles from the borders of Warwickshire - probably 60 from Warwick itself, which is where Heartland meet. Who is that Thorpe chappie? I don't believe we've met! Hope you meet him day he seems to have quite a grounding in UGLE Masonry, I think you might enjoy his company... Still I suppose Warwickshire is a big place. The Neat thing is he likes Rugby so that gives him a few points in his favour then in Rugby he can' be all that bright he still thinks the Lions will win next year ;D Notice you still talk about Miles... haven't the Euro folk got to you yet ;D Are there any Co-masonic Lodges near to you - if there are have a chat with them, you don't have to attend their meetings but you will get an idea of yet another unique Freemason experience
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Post by Doric on Dec 12, 2004 8:13:59 GMT
I'm not a big Rugby fan, but aren't England the world Champions?
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Post by taylorsman on Dec 12, 2004 9:27:52 GMT
Bro Whistler, Ludlow if a beautiful and historic town in the lovely County of Shropshire, I would not consider it as part of "The West Midlands" but more as "The Border Marches" as they used to call that area of England touching onto Wales. I recommend the Feathers Hotel and there was a restaurant called "De Greys" but I'm not sure if it is still going. There is also the Castle and Church.
I haven't attended any Lodges there as I was not "On the Square" when I last visited Ludlow, but I recommend it to any visitor as there is some lovely countryside in that region.
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Agent J
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On a Mission from God...
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Post by Agent J on Dec 12, 2004 9:45:55 GMT
Not strictly "Uniqueness of a Lodge" rather than "Uniqueness of a Province", but I just got back from a whirlwind visit to the Province of Bristol and the incredible workings of am Initiation ceremony at The Robert Thorne Lodge, no.3663. The Bristol workings are quite fantastic, very different in a number of ways from what I'm used to in London, and most dramatic. I sincerely recommend a visit to those who may not have experienced these workings before. And a big thank you to any members of the Robert Thorne Lodge who may be looking in. Congratulations on a superb piece of ritual work.
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bod
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Post by bod on Dec 12, 2004 13:42:14 GMT
Glad you had an enjoyable time Agent J. I really hope to see Bristol workings one day, that and a Scottish 3rd....and some Irish workings...in fact loads! ;D
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