The Lodge was consecrated on the 23rd October 1876 at the Cock Hotel in Stony Stratford.
It was named after the important road, built by thr Romans, and a main highway for over 2000 years.
The historical minutes from this meeting, along with other records, are preserved in the Library at the Stony Stratford Masonic Centre, except for one missing minute book covering the years 1905 to 1917. A notable entry in the December 1890 minutes references the production of a lodge banner, with no further details until April 1927, when the Lodge crest first appeared on the Lodge Summons. This suggests the banner was dedicated sometime between the missing years.

The banner's upper portion features a bible, the square and compasses; symbols with clear Masonic significance. The left-hand side, adorned with three castles and a chevron overlaid with the compasses, mirrors the Crest of The United Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire. In heraldry, a tower signifies Safety and Grandeur, while a chevron represents Protection, Harmony, and Compassion. The right-hand side showcases the Buckinghamshire Swan, a motif common to several Lodge Banners within Buckinghamshire, reflecting the heraldry of the ancient families associated with the region's nobility.

In an interesting twist of history, the Lodge requested a dispensation in 1976 to move their November meeting to the 23rd October, the date of their consecration. However, Grand Lodge initially responded with confusion, stating no record of Watling Street Lodge's consecration existed. It was only after presenting the historical minutes that a centenary warrant was issued. This incident underscores the importance of preserving Lodge records and highlights the unique history and challenges faced by Watling Street Lodge. The design of the Lodge banner, while not explicitly recorded, is speculated to represent a blend of the fundamental Masonic symbols with the emblems of the United Grand Lodge of England and Buckinghamshire's county, illustrating the Lodge's deep-rooted connections and traditions.

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Wendover Dementia Support (charity No: 1182184) was set up in 2019 and appears as the Monday Café with a range of activities and live music and provides a space where those, including Dementia, can attend and be supported. The volunteers provide a support service and companionship to those diagnosed with dementia and their carers and families. They are a team of volunteers that bring together different knowledge, skills, and experiences. This team includes two retired GPs, a palliative care nurse and bereavement specialist, a frailty care coordinator, and a dementia champion who is experienced in dementia care. 
A donation of £2,738, from the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund, has been used to purchase speakers, projectors and a screen for training and family sessions, plus music boxes preloaded with their own choice of music, which are offered to all.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year.

This is the diary for the coming month.

If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to be part of freemasonry and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
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Last week, RWBro Willie Shackle CBE received his 60 year Long Service Award from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Neil Robertson.

Willie is the past Grand Secretary as well as being past president of two of the former charities. He is also an active Sussex and London mason and brethren from both those places were in attendance as a surprise to him, including three of the APGMs of Sussex. 

Not one to rest on his laurels, Willie then acted as a deacon for an excellent double raising for Rob and Toby, with the masters work being done by the WM, RWBro Anthony Howlett-Bolton ProvGM of (Berkshire Freemasons).

A fabulous and fun festive board followed and a great meeting was had by all. 

Old Wycombiensian Lodge No. 6754, one of the Provinces "Special Interest Lodges", is the lodge for former pupils, staff, governors and fathers of the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.

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The Lodge was consecrated on July 1, 1874, at the Town Hall in High Wycombe, emerging as a daughter lodge of Windsor Castle Lodge No. 771. At its inception, Wycombe Lodge was part of the then-combined Province of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, making it the first Lodge to be established in South Buckinghamshire. The consecration and installation ceremonies were led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks, the Rev., and VW Bro. J. Studholme Brownrigg.

The banner of Wycombe Lodge prominently features the 'Buckinghamshire Swan' at its core, symbolising its affiliation with Buckinghamshire within the combined province. Acacia and possibly beech sprigs surround the square and compasses in the center of this emblem. The acacia represents Masonic symbolism, traditionally marking the grave's head of the esteemed Grand Master H.A., guiding the Craft's Fellows to discover the burial site of the three infamous ruffians. The beech, on the other hand, is noted for its use in crafting gavels. The banner's light blue background is a common choice in Masonic banners, signifying loyalty and truth. Above the swan motif, the Lodge’s name and number are elegantly displayed in a scroll pattern, with the entire banner framed by a delicate blue and gold fringe, reflecting the Lodge's distinguished status and heritage.

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Tuesday night this week saw an initiation involving several family members.

Bro Jesse Wells jnr and Bro Zafar Shah were both initiated into Concordia Lodge (2492). Both Bros were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable ceremony, which brought out all that is good about Freemasonry.

The ceremony started with Concordia welcoming W. Bro Jesse Wells snr of Wendover Lodge (9616) into the Chair of King Solomon so that he could deliver his son’s obligation. After which, Concordia’s Secretary W. Bro Ken Workman took the chair and Bro Zafar was obligated. The ceremony then resumed for both Bros, with W. Bro Ken assisted by an excellent delivery of the North East Corner by Bro Dumitru Marocico, Concordia’s current Inner Guard.

One of the initiates, Jesse Wells jnr, then had other family members conduct work for both candidates, his brothers;  Bro Albert Wells delivering the working tools and Bro. John Wells presenting the charge, both of which had only joined Freemasonry late in 2023.

A ‘lively’ festive board followed which underlined the great camaraderie amongst the members of Concordia and their guests and highlighted how this Lodge should be a certain stop on any ‘visitors’ must attend list! 

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Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as the author Mark Twain, was an American writer and humourist. Today he is readily associated with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among his many others works. Twain was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri. He became an apprentice to a printer at age 12, and shortly thereafter became a Mississippi River pilot - the experience that sparked Twain’s interest in joining Freemasonry.

Mark Twain presented his petition to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 of Saint Louis on December 26, 1860. Polar Star Lodge No. 79 was primarily made up of River Pilots at this time, giving us a hint as to why Mark Twain might have been inspired to join the Craft in the first place.

In a twist of events shortly after Twain had been raised as a Master Mason, he left for the Nevada Territory to work as the private secretary to his brother Orion, who was secretary of the Nevada Territory and was subsequently suspended from his home lodge. Twain’s fraternal activity was put on hold for the most part, and there is not a lot of evidence of Lodge visits or conversations about his Masonic practices during this time. Once Twain returned to “the States” however, his Masonic interests expanded.

In April of 21, Mark Twain petitioned for readmission to his home Lodge and was reinstated.

The beloved novelist soon became a busy man; writing, tours, and the beginnings of fame kept him away from Saint Louis for long periods of time. On one of his first trips exploring Europe and the Near East, Twain is said to have been greatly impressed by Lebanon and its connection to Freemasonry. He ended up retrieving a piece of cedar and had it made into a gavel to send back to the Worshipful Master of his mother Lodge.

According to The Masonic Dictionary, “The Cedars of Lebanon are frequently referred to in the legends of Freemasonry, especially in the advanced Degrees; not, however, on account of any symbolical signification, but rather because of the use made of them by Solomon and Zerubbabel in the construction of their respective Temples.”

Phoenixmasonry.org reports that Twain “sent his lodge a gavel with this note: ‘This mallet is a cedar, cut in the forest of Lebanon, whence Solomon obtained the timbers for the Temple.’
Clemens cut the handle himself from a cedar just outside the walls of Jerusalem. He had it made in Alexandria, Egypt…”
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Taken from: “Mark Twain and Freemasonry”, by Alexander E. Jones. Source: American Literature, Vol. 26, No. 3 (Nov., 1954), pp. 363-373. Published by: Duke University Press.

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Peter and St. Pauls' Lodge, No 1410. The Clergyman's Lodge.

The Lodge was consecrated in 1872 at the Anchor Hotel, Newport Pagnell, drawing its name from the local Parish Church. The founding members, friends and family of W Bro The Rev John Studholme Brownrigg, who took on the roles of Primus Master and Secretary, included four clergymen, three of whom served as Worshipful Master (WM) within the first four years.
After relocating six times for various reasons, it has found a permanent home at the Swan Revived hotel in Newport Pagnell.

The Lodge’s banner features the crossed keys of St. Peter on a lozenge, situated between two great pillars, symbolizing the Lodge's connection to its namesake saints. The banner includes several elements: the Lodge name and number in gilt lettering on a red background with gold edging, the all-seeing eye with irradiation, the date of consecration on a pale blue banner with gold edging, and the square and compasses open in the 3rd degree. The chequered pavement, heavy maul, level, plumb rule, and additional square and compasses are also depicted, indicating the Masonic virtues of balance, fairness, and integrity. These symbols are set against a royal blue background, bordered by blue and gold tassels, with cords and tassels in matching colours framing the sides.

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

Discover Freemasonry and Discover Yourself.

You could be part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community. Discover a 300-year-old mystery that’s steeped in history. 

Book your place at our live event in Slough and enjoy an evening of conversation and discovery. 
Tuesday 30th April 2024, from 7:00pm.
Slough Masonic Centre, SL1 2PX

https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-slough-2024

St Martins Lodge had a spectacle of a meeting on the 4th of March 2024. 
On one side, an initiation for newly made brother, Bro Lee Jones, who is their fourth person to join in 2024 alone! He was taken around with grace, and in front of over 60 masons. 

But the night was not just his, with W Bro Michael Ramsbotham celebrating not only 60 years in Freemasonry, but also his 89th Birthday the same day! 

The DPGM VW Bro Neil Robertson was on hand to carry out the presentation of the long service certificate and they were able to give him letters from the Lodges he is an honorary member of, this from being an active provincial officer and part of the consecration team, as well as the two other Lodges he had been Master of, as well as a number of gifts and a new Masters Collar, plated and engraved with the names of all 124 previous Masters, in honour of Michael.

The Festive board had more surprises for him and the newly made brother and we had an amazing evening, raising a nice sum for the Young Carers Charity, of Michael's choosing, through the raffle.

With two more initiates in the pipeline, hopefully for Big123, the lodge is excited for what the rest of this year will bring.

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After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Last week Wineslai Lodge no. 2435 held a meeting for the rededication of their lodge banner.  Founded in 1892, with consecration taking place at the neighbouring Bell Hotel, the lodge still has ties to the establishment for lodge meals, ladies events and social activities. 

Their original banner, which can be seen behind a glass screen, was presented  in 1918 and late dedicated in 1919 by a member of the Burmese Royal household - Crowned Prince Sau On Kya, who had recently been initiated into the lodge.  He was the ruler of the Hsipaw State in Shan Burma (modern day Myanmar) from 1928 to 1938.

Those in attendance were given a fascinating talk about the history of the lodge, its association with the Hall Stone Jewel and formation from sponsor lodge, Grenville Lodge 1797.

The evening saw 100 people dining at the Bell afterwards. 

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1068. Lord Kitchener's Lodge.

The Lodge was consecrated at Kasr al-Nozha Palace, Shoubra Road, Cairo, on 8th February in 1865. This location was the residence of Yacoub Cattaui Pasha, a prominent Jewish member of the Egyptian government. The Lodge's first master was Carl Antonio Verdi, marking it as the second English Lodge established in Egypt, following its sponsoring Lodge, St John Alexandria. Unfortunately, St John Alexandria closed a few years after Bulwer’s consecration due to the majority of English Freemasons residing in Cairo. The Lodge boasted a number of distinguished members, including Earl Kitchener of Khartoum, Sir Reginald Wingate, Lord Grenfell, and Sir Lee Stack, and had the privilege of initiating four Victoria Cross holders.

On 19th March 1869, Bulwer Lodge had the honour of hosting His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), marking the first and possibly only Lodge he officially visited after his initiation. The Egyptian government sequestered the Lodge's records, forcing it to leave Egypt during the Suez Crisis of 1956. It subsequently established itself at the Lancaster Gate Hotel in London, surviving the upheaval as one of only three Lodges. In 1998, the Lodge moved to Slough, Buckinghamshire, after the hotel ceased hosting Masonic meetings. A final relocation to Beaconsfield occurred in 2000, hopefully marking its last move in a series of thirteen locations throughout its history.

The banner of Bulwer Lodge features an ornamental shield divided into quarters. The first and fourth quarters display the arms of Sir Henry Bulwer, District Grand Master of Turkey, who consecrated the Lodge, featuring a red shield with a silver chevron adorned with three five-pointed stars between three eagle reguardant. The second quarter showcases the arms of the Company of Masons, with a black shield and a silver chevron highlighting a pair of golden compasses between three castles. The third quarter depicts a desert scene with the pyramids, symbolising the Lodge's origins in Cairo, which is also noted beneath the ornamental shield. This intricate design embodies the Lodge's rich heritage and the diverse influences that have shaped its identity.

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

We have made a transformation to the way we do Freemasonry in Bucks.

Through the implementation of lighting and music systems, which have been installed at a number of our main centres. 
We utilised the music and lighting to enhance all of our ceremonies, with the assistance of W. Bro. Tim Anders leading the project, the Provincial Grand Master, who was in charge of carrying out the ceremonies, the light blues brothers, who were giving assistance, and of course, the many lodges who contributed throughout the province. Our goal was to create the best possible experience for everyone involved, especially our new joining members.

We have installed these incredible systems at Slough, Bletchley, Winslow, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Kimble and most recently we have held launch ceremonies at Denham, Stony Stratford and Aylesbury.

We now look next to Wolverton, Thame, North Crawley finishing with the Swan Hotel.

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

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Sir Christopher Wren

Sir Christopher Wren was an English anatomist, astronomer, geometer, and mathematician-physicist, as well as one of the most highly acclaimed English architects in history.

Born: Wednesday, 20 October 1632
Died: Thursday, 25 February 1723

Since the 18th century, the Lodge of Antiquity No. 2, has claimed Christopher Wren to have been its Master.

Considered to be the one of the most acclaimed architects in history, Sir Christopher Wren was a decorated scholar and Freemason who worked tirelessly for humanity and the Craft.

In this capacity he erected a large number of churches, the Royal Exchange, Greenwich Observatory, and many other public edifices. But his crowning work, the masterpiece that has given him his largest reputation, is the Cathedral of Saint Paul’s, which was commenced in 1675 and finished in 1710. The original plan that was proposed by Wren was rejected through the ignorance of the authorities, and differed greatly from the one on which it has been constructed.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London, is the most gigantic structure in the world consecrated to the interests of Protestant Christianity, and is only excelled in grandeur and extent by St. Peter's, in Rome.

As you enter the central door from the north and pass between the great pillars to the centre of the floor beneath the dome, you stop and look around and upward amazement.

The entire building is on such a gigantic scale; so grand, so imposing, so solid, so perfect, that you feel subdued and awed as in the presence of the Master-builder himself; a sense of magnitude, of power, of grandeur, rivets you to the spot, and it is some time before you dare move or turn to examine in detail. The form of this master-piece of architecture is that of a Greek cross; its extreme length is five hundred feet; its greatest width is two hundred and twenty-three feet; and its height, to the cross above the dome, is nearly or quite four hundred feet. 

Standing on the mosaic floor beneath the centre of the dome, facing the south, you turn to your left, and in front of you is the organ, and beyond it, the choir. As you advance to near the organ, you are met with the most fitting and appropriate epitaph conceivable. There are eight Corinthian columns of blue-veined marble, which support the organ and gallery, and which are richly ornamented with carved work. On the side next the dome, in the front of this gallery, on a plain marble slab, is a Latin inscription, (formerly in gold letters,) which reads as follows in English:

BENEATH LIES
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN,

The builder of this Church and City,
Who lived upward of ninety years, not for himself,
but for the public good.

Reader, seekest thou his monument?
LOOK AROUND!

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After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Wednesday night Haddenham Lodge held the raising of Brother Redden. a candidate that was initiated at Great Queen Street as part of the provincial BIG day in September 2021.

James is also a cold weather explorer and recently featured on Aprons Off, being often away on expeditions, the lodge was finally able to carry out his Raising, or 3rd degree.

This ceremony was also particularly special, being that it was the lodge's past masters evening. Also, all offices were occupied by past masters of the lodge, with the Chair of King Solomon occupied by 5 different Masters throughout the ceremony.

A number of distinguished brethren took the chair, the current WM, W. Bro Nick Ray, followed by W. Bros Tony Robinson, Lloyd Davies, Brian Murray, Steve Smirthwaite and Barry Sparks all took the chair as master to deliver a different part of the ceremony, giving each element of the ceremony a real extra level of quality.

As always, the full packed festive board was joyous and fun with many laughs and lovely food.

James has now taken his 3rd step in Freemasonry and is looking forward to the adventure ahead. Well done James, we look forward to keeping an eye on your progress.

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Steve Perry of the Manor of Swanbourne lodge took 2 weeks off work and set himself a challenge, a challenge to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise funds for @willenhospice with a group of like minded individuals. The trek took place from 27th Jan to 2nd Feb.

After months of training, this challenging trek would push him to his limits, testing his endurance, resilience, and strength in the face of high altitude and physical obstacles.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 m !

Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes provides compassionate care to those with life-limiting illnesses. They provide comfort, alleviate pain, and lessen anxiety in patients and their loved ones. Every pound donated counts because it allows them to aid more people in Milton Keynes when and when they need it. They receive less than a quarter of their financial support from the NHS, thus the remainder is contributed or raised by great people.

Steve's climb might have ended, but the journey for Willen Hospice goes on. Every donation helps ensure that they can continue offering care, comfort, and support to those in need.  We can provide the link to the fundraising platform should you wish to donate to his challenge & this charity.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has had, and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info=kilimanjaro

This is the diary for the coming month.

If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to be part of freemasonry and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini, the Hungarian-born illusionist, is most commonly known for illusions such as his suspended straitjacket escape, buried alive trick, and the “Houdini Upside Down.” However, many people do not know the man behind the magician: Freemason Erich Weisz.

At age 17, he had become very interested in magic, following the work of magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. It was not overnight success for the young magician who named himself Houdini, adding an “i” to his beloved role model Houdin’s last name

Harry Houdini was initiated into St. Cecile Lodge in New York in 1923. He was proud to be a Freemason and even held a performance for the Scottish Rite Valley of New York. The event was attended by 4,000 people in the Scottish Rite Cathedral and raised money for Freemasons in need. Houdini is among a cohort of Masonic magicians like Harry Keller, Howard Thurston, and Harry Blackstone. Today, there is even an “Invisible Lodge” for Freemasons who wish to become magicians or learn about the artform.

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A Big Breakfast.

Upton Manor Lodge hosted a meeting of the 'North East Corner Club' which is a group for newer Freemasons to get together and learn more about Freemasonry. Tony Henley gave an interesting talk on 'The Silver Matchbox'.

The next meeting of the NECC will be held at Marlow Valley Lodge on 21st March with another fascinating talk.

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

and sound.

The Head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, John Clark, presided over the first Third Degree Ceremony to be held at the Denham Masonic Centre to utilise 'Project Transform'.

Project Transform is an innovative lighting and sound system designed to enhance the enjoyment of and make ceremonies a dramatic and memorable event.

The visitors and members of Denham Lodge had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the evening was a great success.

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