Welcome.....

An opening word from our IPM - W.Bro. Stef King Prov.GStwd

As IPM of the Lodge of Hope No 2153 in the English Constitution, I take much pleasure in welcoming you, our member or visitor, and hope that you will find this Masonic web site both useful and informative.

It has been my privilege to be the Worshipful Master of the Lodge since May 2007 until the installation within the Lodge of W.Brother Leigh Jones, which took place in May 2009.

Our Lodge is one of a group of Lodges that meet at Clanfield Masonic Hall. (See the 'Find Us' pages by clicking the tab above). Our Hall was purchased after the last war having once served as a Territorial Army HQ. In fact our dining room was once the indoor 25 metre shooting range - needless to say it has been transformed over many years of investment into a very comfortable centre - no trace of lead or blanco to be found anywhere these days!! Our hall is also available for members of the public to hire for their private parties and functions when there is space in the Masonic calendar. Please telephone - 02392 591022 to enquire regarding availability.

What is Freemasonry? The object of this site is not to tell you what Freemasonry is as there are a lot of other much more worthy sources of information in that regard than these few pages. (see links). What I will say however is what it is not - Freemasonry is NOT a secret society as many surmise. It is a voluntary association where the interested comes of his own free will and accord. Freemasonry is NOT a religion as many claim it to be nor is it purely the province of men as there are also in existence Freemasons Lodges for women. What we have aimed to do with these few pages is show those that are genuinely interested, a small part of the true face of Freemasonry, the fraternalism and sense of fun that is fundamental to it and makes it what it is.

The Social events depicted on some of our pages give you a small sense of how we go about ensuring that Freemasonry in the UK remains the second biggest giver of Charitable donations out side of the National Lottery, as every one of the events pictured here was staged to raise money for various Masonic and Non Masonic Charities. Events such as these are held at Lodges that meet all over the UK, indeed all over the World and the money raised is passed on to various worthwhile causes.

 

As you can see we were even blessed by a visit from Santa Claus during December 2008 - you will notice he has lost none of his physique and I can tell you he has a superb singing voice - and not a lot of people know that!!

Our Lodge, at last count, had 65 members and very shortly will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary. It has a rich and diverse history from its Consecration in the late 1800's, and has existed through a period of time that has encompassed many changes in meeting place and indeed two World Wars!! Members have emigrated as far a field as Cyprus, Spain and Australia and still found Freemasonry available to them.

The Lodge membership, I know, will ensure that it continues to go from strength to strength. If you are interested in joining us, please read the information available to you (through the related Links) and the details we have made available to you through the various pages of our Lodge Website. If you are still interested, drop us a line - through any of the contact mechanisms found within our Website - and speak to our Lodge Secretary.

I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Yours Sincerely and Fraternally

WBro Stefan King Prov.GStwd
Immediate Past Master - Lodge of Hope No 2153