W Bro Brian Francois PAGDC reports
The Lodge of Remembrance No 4895 is regarded as modern and progressive despite having in the past been very traditional. The change has come about by successfully adopting the recommendations set out in initiatives such as Project Streamline and Members Pathway.
Encouragement of good fellowship, mutual respect and happy times are the philosophy. The Lodge understands that younger men have a different view of enjoyment to that of their grandfathers. Whilst strict observance of traditions is attractive to some, they may also bear less relevance to others. The approach and momentum were built on a single word mentioned by the Grand Secretary in Freemasonry Today magazine: ‘Change.’ As a result, in a brief period, the Lodge has grown from eighteen to thirty-one and has many others in the pipeline.
The Lodge evolved through several significant steps. At first, it abandoned committees and chose instead to involve all its members in every decision. Then, it streamlined aspects of the festive boards, reducing the part of the ritual and emphasising on fine Dining with minimal disruption. They switched to a long oval table as sprigs had, at times, proven divisive.
The membership is multicultural, interracial and diverse. It emanates from London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Essex, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, West Yorkshire, as well as Spain, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Uganda and Ghana. Ages range from 18 to 73, and occupations and professions across a wide spectrum.
Over the years, the Lodge has had a continuous connection with the Metropolitan Police. Many current and former officers are members. In memory of military and civilian police and others who have given their lives in the service of their country, each Initiate and joining member is presented with a pair of ‘Poppy Red Socks’ to wear at Lodge meetings. This tradition keeps the memory perpetual rather than restricted to the eleventh of November.
The Lodge’s logo features a lighthouse. In the stormy seas of life, the Lodge as a lighthouse represents a landmark, ancient, historical and perpetual, established on a sure and solid foundation, giving light to those in darkness, guidance to those who seek it and is symbolical of Wisdom, Strength and Stability.
Visit them at www.lodgeofremembrance.com
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 48 April 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in the Arena Issue 48 here.