MYTH:
"You must be a Christian to become a Freemason."

THE FACTS:
 FALSE - most mainstream Freemasonry does require belief in a Supreme Being, but it doesn’t specify which religion. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others have all been Freemasons. Lodges avoid religious debates and don’t teach a specific theology.
The Bible is often present in English-speaking lodges, but other sacred texts are used depending on members’ faiths

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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In Freemasonry, a Lewis is traditionally defined as the son of a Freemason. The term originates from operative stonemasonry, where a Lewis is a metal lifting device used to raise heavy blocks of stone by fitting into a specially cut cavity. When Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative and symbolic fraternity, many of its tools and practices were retained as allegories, and the Lewis became one such symbol.

Symbolically, the Lewis represents strength, support, and continuity. Just as the Lewis enables a mason to lift and position heavy stones, the son of a Mason was metaphorically seen as one who would support his father later in life, particularly in old age. This reflects the historical reality that, before modern social systems, parents often relied on their children for care and stability. The symbolism therefore reinforces ideals of familial duty, gratitude, and intergenerational responsibility within the Masonic tradition.

While the concept of a Lewis is well established in English-speaking and European Masonic jurisdictions, its practical significance varies. In some traditions, a Lewis may be permitted to be initiated at a younger age than other candidates, though this is not universal and depends on the governing Grand Lodge. Modern Freemasonry emphasises moral character and personal qualification over lineage, but the symbolism of the Lewis remains an enduring reminder of the fraternity’s roots in stonemasonry and its broader values of support, continuity, and care across generations.

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Last week we saw the start of our current membership drive up and down the Province - Spring Into Freemasonry !

6 lodges took part seeing 9 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province:

deBohun, St Michaels, Industria, Verney, Old Paludians and Longueville

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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How we supported your local community

As well as supporting charities, Freemasons play an active role in delivering our services at a local level. From volunteering to help families complete their application forms, to assisting in identifying local charities about which they are most passionate.

Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the   (MCF) is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country.  They build better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence.

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MYTH:
"Freemasons have undue influence on politics and religion."

THE FACTS:
 FALSE - Freemasonry is a non-political and non-religious organisation that welcomes members of all faiths and backgrounds. Its members are expected to uphold certain moral and ethical standards that are widely accepted in society. It is essential to distinguish between rumours, allegations and factual evidence when assessing claims of undue influence. Finally, Freemasons must abstain from every topic of political or religious discussion at meetings.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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A Rival English Grand Lodge Called the “Ancients” Existed:
In 1751, Irish-influenced lodges in London formed a rival Grand Lodge known as the “Ancients,” claiming the original Grand Lodge had drifted from traditional practices. For over 60 years, England had two competing systems of Freemasonry, each convinced it preserved the “true” Craft.

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charity provides toys and gifts to vulnerable children, young people and families.  One of our members is a Patron of the charity, Peter Marks, he is often out collecting donations, arranging fund raising and promoting the charity.  This week, he donned a different apron to tidy and arrange things at the hub.

This is a real "Freemasonry In The Community" activity that as members, we all strive for whenever we have time to spare.

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MYTH:
“You must come from a masonic family to become a freemason”

THE FACTS:
 FALSE In reality, you do NOT need to come from a Masonic family, nor do you need to be invited to join. Many Freemasons have no family or friends’ connection to the fraternity at all. Freemasonry welcomes men from all backgrounds who meet our standards of good character.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ 

Today 27th Jan, is Holocaust Memorial Day, the Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous of the Nazi’s death camps.
A chance for all to remember the millions that have lost their lives just because of their differences. 

—-

The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.

Deaths: Around 6 million Jews
Start date: 1941
End date: 8 May 1945

The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel), No. 1 in Scotland is widely recognized as having the oldest, continuously used, and documented lodge records in the world, dating back to 31 July 1599.

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Giving Blood is something that many of our members do throughout the year.  It is a cause that we strongly support and promote in the communities around us.

A comment from one of our members from his latest trip to donate:

"Proud moment this week, I reached my bronze milestone as a blood donor at Marlow Rugby Union Football Club, hosted by   and  . 
It is easy to underestimate how powerful a small action can be. A short visit, a simple choice, and a life somewhere may be changed forever.
Giving back is something I truly believe in, both in business and in life. If you have ever thought about donating blood, I would encourage you to take that step. You might never meet the person you help, but your impact will be real."

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The first Master Mason in charge of building the main part of Salisbury Cathedral, Nicholas of Ely, was paid one shilling and sixpence (just over 7p) per day when he began working on it in 1227. He became Bishop of Salisbury in 1287.

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Raising money for the Royal Marines Charity – The L.A.S.E.R. guided method.

A book by W.Bro Alex Thomson-Bray:

Alex is a member of Amersham Lodge, in Buckinghamshire province. He wrote this book because fear tried its best to define his life—until he refused to let it. He grew up facing childhood violence, trauma, poverty, homelessness, and being told by society that he was not worthy of becoming anything of value, but he refused to accept this. When the opportunity to join the Royal Marines arose, he wasn’t the typical candidate, but he knew that stepping up and overcoming his fear, instead of running away from it, was his only path forward to fix what was broken and to build what was not yet built.

Alex’s time in the Corps taught him resilience, purpose, and how to turn fear into strength. And now, with his son having also recently passed out of Commando training with the Royal Marines, Alex’s bond to the Corps family has been renewed and further strengthened. As a Freemason, he feels this is a perfect opportunity to give back.

The L.A.S.E.R. Guided method is a structured guide built on those lessons. Alex’s mission is to help as many people as possible overcome their own obstacles and build a life they’re proud of. All profits from the first 1,000 copies of the book sold, will be donated to the Royal Marines Association (RMA) in gratitude for the role the Corps played in his (And now his son’s) life and in recognition of the amazing work the RMA does for currently serving and former members AND their families.

This is more than a book, It’s a legacy of service, resilience and giving back.
Here is the Amazon link to buy the book. https://amzn.eu/d/4GadIjU

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The four original Lodges which effected the formation of the Premier Grand Lodge on 24th June 1717 at a meeting in The Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul's Churchyard, are referred to as “The Four Old Lodges.” They were known by the names of the taverns or ale houses where they met, The Crown Alehouse in Parker's Lane near Drury Lane, The Apple-Tree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden and The Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

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TREEEEMENDOUS Work

Last weekend as part of our continuous Freemasonry In The Community initiative and bedrock of what we do, several brethren from across the province attended 2 locations - Aylesbury & Bletchley to collect & recycle Christmas trees for a small fee.  That small fee would then be donated in full to the two local hospices -    &   

Long days both Saturday & Sunday in the cold saw hundreds of trees collected, stacked then loaded for disposal. 

If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

As we sign off for the year, we look back on some of the amazing things we as a province have achieved.

* New Provincial Grand Master
* 3 new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters
* New Lodge consecrated - Buckinghamshire Football Lodge
* 1 Provincial Garden Party
* Theatre Charity Presentation Day
* Sports Lodge Special Interest Day - Football, Rugby & Cricket
* The Big Local - 50 Initiations over a weekend
* 3,000 Members in the Province
* 11,000 Followers on Facebook
* 3.2 MILLION views of our Facebook Page
* 36 Feel Good Friday Posts
* 40 Educational Wednesday Posts
* 1,700 Followers on our newest platform with 180,000 views - TikTok
* 1 Provincial Christmas Party
* Thousands of Pounds donated to charity
* Hundreds of Man Hours given to charity
* Dozens of Charities represented

Plus lots lots more, the list goes on !

We are so happy that you have followed us along the way and welcome you to spread the word to your families, friends and colleagues to join us as our journey continues.

There is never a dull moment in the Buckinghamshire Province, plans and ideas always flowing, some exciting things planned for 2026 already !

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Christmas Day Lunch at St Mary's Church, Aylesbury

Each year, St. Mary's Church in Aylesbury hosts Christmas Day lunch for the homeless and lonely in the area.  Working alongside Aylesbury Foodbank a bumper meal is provided, warmth and most importantly a sense of belonging.  Bringing people, many of which are strangers, together.

It was a very humbling Christmas Day experience for Bro Vito Lannelli and Peter Marks to witness first hand while assisting in serving & helping so many dedicated volunteers providing a hot Christmas lunch - A big thank you to Aylesbury food bank and so many local businesses for the tremendous support for this annual luncheon

This year, the Fruit & vegetables were sponsored by one specific masonic lodge - New Urban, with a lovely charity discount applied by Tooty Fruity.

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At this special time of year, Steph and I would like to wish every one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Christmas gives us a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that is drawing to a close. As I look back on 2025, I do so with a great sense of pride in what we, as Buckinghamshire Freemasons, have achieved together. Across the Province, you continue to show the very best of Freemasonry, supporting our communities, giving your time freely, and being there for those who need help when it matters most. It is important that we are seen doing this amazing work, not for praise, but because it reflects and shows society who we are and what we stand for.

During the festive period, I would also ask you to keep in mind those who are less fortunate than ourselves. For some, Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time, whether they are spending it alone, facing hardship, or simply in need of a little extra support. A phone call, a message, or a brief visit can make a real difference and is very much in keeping with the care and kindness we aim to show.

I would like to thank you all for making 2025 such an enjoyable year. Your commitment and friendship makes this Province a pleasure to serve, and I hope the New Year ahead brings renewed enjoyment in your Freemasonry journey and happiness in your personal lives.

Steph and I send our very best wishes to you all. Enjoy the Christmas season, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

With warmest regards,
Tim and Steph

Provincial Christmas Party

On Monday 8th December, Buckinghamshire Freemasons held a Christmas party to celebrate and thank all the officers of the year.  A capacity attendance of 220, consisting of Freemasons from up and down the county, their families and friends, filled the college suite at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa to enjoy each others company and celebrate.  Guests were entertained table side throughout the evening by close up magician and mentalist,   a Buckinghamshire Freemason himself and of course a good 'ole raffle with amazing prizes and a special silent auction.

There was however an important guest in attendance, Mrs Elaine Ball, a lady invited to talk about a charity, the   Foundation.  Freemasonry has community support and charity at its heart, so we always welcome representatives where possible to tell their story and spread the knowledge of their charity.  Little did Elaine know, but many lodge representatives in the room had been pledging donations.  Each table in the room had at least one different lodge member and they in turn stood to confirm the financial pledge.  

The Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the honour and pleasure of presenting Elaine with a cheque to the value of £15,575 which was received with shock and great gratitude.

Following the presentation, the guests were then treated to a set of music from stage and screen performed by a live 18 piece big band -   directed by another Buckinghamshire Freemason, Lee Buckingham.

Thomas Ball - https://www.thomasball.org.uk/

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This is the 1929 Grant of Arms, and Heraldic Shield for the Province of Buckinghamshire, issued by the College of Arms and painstakingly hand-painted, gilded, inscribed and wax sealed. The College maintains an ancient English tradition of manuscript writing and illumination which can be traced back to the monastic scriptoria of the dark ages.
Every Province has its own Grant of Arms and Heraldic Shield, and each one is as distinct and wonderfully decorated as ours

The full text on the warrant reads as follows:

"To All and Singular to whom these Presents shale come
Sir Henry Farnham Burke Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Garter Principal King of Arms, Arthur William Stuart Cochrane Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Clarenceux King of Arms, and Gerald Woods Wollaston Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Norroy King of Arms Send Greetings:

Whereas Sir Edward Fitzmaurice Inglefield, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy, Provincial Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Province of Buckinghamshire hath represented unto the Most Noble Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire is the representative Body of Freemasons in the said Province under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons of England and that the said Provincial Grand Lodge is desirous of bearing Arms with lawful authority He therefore on behalf of the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire requested the favour of His Grace’s Warrant for Outgranting and assigning to him and his successors Provincial Grand Masters for the time being of the said Province such Armorial Ensigns as may be proper to be borne and used by the said Provincial Grand Lodges of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms. And Forasmuch as the said Earl Marshal did by Warrant under his hand and Seal bearing date the first date of June last authorise and direct Us to grant and assign such armorial Ensign accordingly. Know ye therefore that We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy in the pursuance of His Grace’s Warrant and by virtue of the Letters Patent of Our several Offices to each of U s respectively granted do by these Presents grant and assign unto the said Provincial Grand Master and his successors in Office the Arms following that is to say:

Per pale Gules and quarterly Azure and Or dexter on a Chevron between three Castles Argent a pair of Compasses extended of the third sinister a Cross quarterly of the fourth and Vert between in the first quarter a Lion rampant of the third, in the second and Ox passant Sable in the third of a Man with hands elevated proper vested of the fifth the robe crimson lined with Ermine, and in the fourth an Eagle displayed also of the third the whole within a Bordure per pale of the sixth and first charged with six Swans rising of the fourth each gorged with a Ducal Coronet Gold as the same are in the margin here of more plainly depicted to be borne and used forever hereafter for the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise accordingly to the Laws of Arms.
In witness whereof We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy Kings of Arms have to these Presents subscribed Our names and affixed the Seals of Our several Offices this third day of June in the Twentieth year of the reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Fifth by the Grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith & and in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and twenty nine."