Not quite so Uninitiated

The 18th degree ceremony is overtly Christian in nature... the story it tells cannot be otherwise. IMHO, this is a regrettable step. That said, I understand most other jurisdictions have already waived the requirement... as has, of course, the (Holy) Royal Arch.

I know many users of this forum are also users on the other place (the Lodge Room UK)... It appears to be offline... or is it just me?

Rummaging, and following my nose, I've come across the Mysteries of Mithras (https://mom.org.uk/faqs/) Information on the website is VERY limited, stating little more than: Is anyone on here a Member, and if so, (by PM if more appropriate) narrow down the dates (1st Mon in June, sort of thing) and location... and rough costs of membership?

Widely reported in today's newspapers is that Prince Michael of Kent and his wife will RETIRE from public life when he turns 80 next month The media focus on his Royal and Charitable duties, but little or no mention of his role as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and Craft Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex.

Much the same could be said for many of the Biblical figures.

Yes, I know it's the Daily Mail, but... https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10384957/Nazi-archive-Freemasonry-amassed-Heinrich-Himmler-shed-light-secret-society.html

Hi Panos, and welcome As I understand it, Misraïm-Memphis is not recognized as a legitimate Masonic organization and considered irregular by most mainstream regular Masonic bodies. Certainly, it is not on the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) list of recognised bodies (which is my Grand Lodge).

It raises an interesting debate... Last night, the dining didn't finish until 10pm, and then there was the travelling home. However, several of the older brethren did not dine or left early. Had dining occurred first (assuming the same overall start time), leaving early would be more problematic; likewise those electing not to dine do not get home any earlier. On the other hand, working brethren could choose not to dine, thus arriving later... But I do think the English custom of a three course meal, plus cheese board, could be reined in.

Absolutely no disrespect intended to the Province of Lincolnshire, but the demographics (notably age and ethnicity) of that video bear no reflection on the reality of the Lodges that I have visited in that Province. Nor any of the other Provinces that I've visited (or I'm a member of, for that matter)

Today, after delays due to something or other, members of The Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be at Freemasons Hall, to witness a double-headed ceremony The Installation of E. Comp. Stephen Allum as The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight The Installation of W. Bro. Jonathan Whitaker as the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight At short notice, the event is now open to all (but still requires registration), having been moved from the original planned venue in Southampton due to restrictions at that venue, and then tight restrictions on numbers. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend - originally I had the day free (and booked off) but when restrictions on numbers attending were put in place, the calendar filled. So my very best wishes to the new MEGS and PGM, and may the Province thrive under your leadership.

It's quite as revolutionary as it appears... The building is already owned by Chester Masons, and adjoins the existing temple complex... But perhaps an ideal Freemasonry in the Community opportunity

Hi again, Serpion Your best bet, to answer all of these questions, is to talk with your Provincial Secretary - they can provide you with the necessary forms (and advice) both in terms of a new Lodge or even a target for take-over if any are deemed "failing". Bearing in mind that any application would have to go via your Provincial office, getting the ProvSec on side at the earliest opportunity will be a good idea!

Indeed this appears to be the case - and Number 10,000 was recently allocated to the "Young Masons" Lodge In Hampshire (I nearly forgot the "and Isle of Wight", sorry!) we now have the following (the last nine consecrated in Hampshire - and the only ones since 2004): 9878: Pax Hill Lodge (Scouting) 9896: Rugby Bastion Lodge 9903: Lodge of Brevity 9914: Chequered Flag Lodge (Motor racing) 9921: Football Lodge 9932: Spinnaker Lodge (Yachting) 9939: Motorcyclists Lodge 9953: Samuel Cody Aviation Lodge (ironically, not in Farnborough where Cody actually flew, but in Bordon?!) 9969: Vectis Services Lodge (Combined Services, on the IoW) On top of this, there are 7 Installed Masters Lodges...

I guess a question that needs to be asked is this: Why are you wanting to join the Freemasons? As a brotherhood that has a requirement for a belief in the GAotU, and based on morality and strict personal virtue, I respectfully suggest that anything other than an unequivocal "Yes" to the Question is merely deceiving yourself, and those who would be sharing your masonic journey.

As with all Provincial appointments, they are the gift of the Provincial Grand Master - aided by is advisors. Different provinces have different criteria. For example, in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, (active) Stewards are typically younger, just-out-of-the-chair, first-time Masters - they become the general duties bods while in Red, and usually become Active ProvADCs or ProvDeacons a few years later and then into other Provincial roles... Hampshire can award 17 ProvStwds a year, but with 255 Lodges that makes it quite an honour. Hampshire does not award PProvStwd.