Freemasonry is spread all over the globe, and was founded in it’s current form over 300 years. One of the grand principles is Brotherly love. With that in mind many brethren visit other lodges and form lasting relationships. Some visitors end up being PIGs, those that know know. This is testament to the lasting friendships and bonds that can be formed. Recently our Secretary W.Bro Peter Pordage on a holiday visiting his son in America visited an overseas lodge. Below is Peter’s write up of what was an interesting and amazing experience for him.
“On a recent visit to my eldest son in Boston in the United States, I took the opportunity for a first visit to the local Masonic centre. Having contacted the provincial office and Grand Lodge earlier in January, who paved the way for me to contact Meridian Lodge in Natick in Massachusetts. I met with lodge secretary W. Bro Stewart Brandt in his business premises across the road from the Natick Masonic centre, where l was given the warmest of welcomes. Having been introduced to the Worshipful Master and officers of the lodge, it was into the very large impressive Temple where the format of the evening was somewhat different. After the business of the lodge had been dealt with, we retired for a light meal, where the numbers attending, swelled by a large number of visitors. On returning into the Temple I was treated to a first class 2nd degree ceremony. Compared to English Freemasonry my best description would be, quoting an old Eric Morecambe joke, “All the right words, but not necessarily in the right order”. I was presented with the Lodge history of which the members were all very proud, having the signature of the famous American and Grand Secretary for Massachusetts, at the time W. Bro Paul Revere. Meridian lodge was formed on the 11th December 1797, In accepting this gift I surprised them all, by pointing out Adam’s Lodge No 158 were in fact 7 days older, formed on the 4th December 1797, this formed a lasting relationship with my new found American brethren. A wonderful experience visiting abroad, which all brethren should embrace If ever they have the opportunity.”
W. Bro Peter Pordage
*NOTE* If any Brethren are planning to visit overseas lodges please remember to contact the UGLE Grand Secretary to check the lodge can be visited. This process should be initiated by your lodge secretary via your province.
Adams Lodge No.158 