The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey is a Masonic Grand Lodge, affiliated to the United Grand Lodge of England, and is the governing body for Freemasonry in the historic county of Surrey, England. The Provincial Grand Master is the Most Worshipful Brother David Macey. A Provincial Grand Lodge is composed of its member lodges, each with its own Master and Officers. It oversees their activities and provides advice and assistance to all its members. The Provincial Grand Lodge has a rich history dating back to 1790 when it was founded by the then Deputy Grand Master, Lieutenant-General Robert Melville. Since then it has grown from strength to strength and today has over 55 Lodges under its jurisdiction with a current membership of over 4500 members.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey was formed in 1819 when the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, HRH the Duke of Sussex, granted a Charter to the Provincial Grand Master, John White. Since then, the Provincial Grand Lodge has been dedicated to advancing Freemasonry in Surrey and providing support and guidance to its lodges. The Provincial Grand Lodge is one of 47 Provinces within the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Province has been an active and vibrant centre for Freemasonry since its inception in 1819. It currently has over 1,300 members across 37 lodges located in Surrey and North East Hampshire. These lodges are grouped into three Districts: Epsom & Ewell; Guildford & Woking; and South West Surrey. The Province also hosts a number of special events throughout the year such as Ladies’ Festivals, Festive Boards, Charitable Events and Conferences which provide opportunities for freemasons from around the country to come together and enjoy fellowship.
The Province has a long and proud history of philanthropy which includes supporting local charities such as Woking & Sam Beare Hospices and The Lightbox Museum & Art Gallery in Woking as well as national organisations including The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support and The Masonic Samaritan Fund. The Province also runs an annual charity golf day which raises funds for other causes such as Air Ambulance Services, Children’s Hospices and Disaster Relief Funds.
History of Provincial Grand Master of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Master of Surrey is one of the oldest positions still active in the United Kingdom. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, when a local Earl was appointed as the head of the county to oversee the law and order. The position has been passed down through generations and has become an important part of the county’s identity and culture.
The Provincial Grand Master is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Freemasonry in Surrey, including lodges, ceremonies and events. They are also responsible for liaising with other Masonic orders across the country, ensuring that their members adhere to regulations and remain in good standing with other Masonic orders.
The current Provincial Grand Master is RW Bro. Roger Holdsworth PGM and he was appointed in 2013. He is assisted by a team of officers including a Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, a Treasurer and other officers who are all experienced Freemasons with many years of service to their craft and county.
The duties of the Provincial Grand Master are numerous but include chairing meetings, representing the order at public events, promoting Freemasonry in Surrey and ensuring that all lodges follow regulations set out by Grand Lodge. They also act as ambassadors for Freemasonry in Surrey, attending charity events or meetings where they can help to raise awareness about the organisation’s work in the community.
As well as having a presence within Freemasonry, RW Bro Holdsworth works closely with local businesses to promote economic growth and development within Surrey. He is also a keen advocate for education and works closely with schools to encourage young people to pursue careers in engineering or science-related fields.
RW Bro Holdsworth has held numerous high profile positions within Freemasonry including District Chairman for West Sussex District from 2000-06; District Chairman for East Sussex District from 2007-12; Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 2009-13; Assistant Grand Secretary from 2010-13; Senior Warden from 2011-13; Past Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master from 2012-13; Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master from 2013-15; Assistant Metropolitan Grand Secretary from 2014-16; Senior Warden from 2015 -17; Past Metropolitan Grand Master from 2016 -17; Metropolitan Grand Master 2017 onwards.
He also holds positions outside of Freemasonry such as being a member of The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys Board (RMTGB), being on The Council at The Victoria Institute (TVI) since 2011 and being an Honorary Vice President at The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI). He is also actively involved with various charities such as The Ancient Order Of Foresters Friendly Society (AOOF), The Royal British Legion (RBL), The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) amongst others.
In Reflection
RW Bro Roger Holdsworth PGM is an experienced Mason who has been appointed as Provincial Grand Master since 2013. He works tirelessly to promote Freemasonry in Surrey whilst also being actively involved with local businesses to promote economic growth within his county as well as working closely with schools to encourage young people into engineering or science related fields. His enthusiasm for his role has seen him take on numerous high profile positions both within Freemaonsry itself but also outside organisations such as RMTGB & RMBI amongst others along with various charities he supports which helps make him invaluable asset not only to his own county but across Britain too
Grand Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey is composed of several Grand Officers who serve important roles in the organization. These officers are appointed by the Provincial Grand Master and serve at his pleasure. The following is a list of the current Grand Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge:
• Provost Marshal – The Provost Marshal is responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the lodge, ensuring that lodge members abide by all rules and regulations.
• Senior Warden – The Senior Warden oversees the day-to-day operations of the lodge and ensures that all activities are conducted in accordance with established protocols.
• Junior Warden – The Junior Warden assists the Senior Warden in overseeing daily operations, as well as ensuring that visitors to the lodge are welcomed and treated with respect.
• Treasurer – The Treasurer is responsible for managing all financial matters related to the lodge, including keeping accurate records and preparing an annual budget for approval by the Provincial Grand Master.
• Secretary – The Secretary is responsible for maintaining records, writing minutes, and communicating with other lodges throughout Surrey.
• Chaplain – The Chaplain leads prayers at meetings and provides spiritual guidance to members when needed.
• Almoner – The Almoner helps members who may be struggling financially or otherwise in need of assistance, providing advice or referring them to appropriate services when necessary.
These officers play an important role in ensuring that meetings run smoothly and that members are supported throughout their time with the lodge. They work together to ensure that everyone has a positive experience while attending meetings and engaging with other members within their community.
Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey is an organization dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of Freemasonry in the English county of Surrey. The Provincial Grand Lodge has been in existence since 1813 and is responsible for overseeing all lodges and meetings within the county. It is one of the largest Masonic provinces in England, with over 60 active lodges and meetings taking place each year.
The Provincial Grand Lodge meets at least four times a year, usually in February, May, October, and December. At each meeting, members discuss matters relating to the running of the Province, including new initiatives, changes to regulations or bylaws, reports from officers, and any other business that may arise. A key focus for all meetings is to ensure that Freemasonry in Surrey remains a vibrant part of society.
The Provincial Grand Master presides over each meeting and has executive authority over all decisions taken by the Lodge. He is assisted by a number of Deputy Provincial Grand Masters who help him with his duties throughout the year. The other members of the lodge are divided into two groups: officers and non-officers. Officers are appointed by the Provincial Grand Master for specific roles such as Treasurer or Secretary and are responsible for carrying out their duties on behalf of the lodge. Non-officers are elected by members on an annual basis to represent their interests at meetings.
At every meeting there is also an agenda which outlines what topics will be discussed during that session as well as any actions agreed upon at previous meetings which must be ratified before they become official policy. This ensures that all opinions are heard before decisions are made. Once all matters have been discussed and voted upon, a resolution is put forward which must be accepted unanimously before it can be implemented.
All members have equal voting rights regardless of their rank or status within the lodge which ensures that all opinions are taken into consideration when deciding on matters important to Freemasonry in Surrey. This promotes a sense of fairness among all members and encourages open dialogue between them as they strive to make positive changes within their Province.
The Provincial Grand Lodge also organises social events throughout the year such as balls or dinners for members to attend with their families where they can get together in a relaxed setting outside work hours. These events provide an opportunity for members to get to know one another better while also giving them a chance to enjoy some leisure time with their loved ones.
In addition, charitable works are often organised by lodges under the banner of ‘Freemasonry Cares’ which supports local organisations such as hospitals or schools through fundraising activities or donations of money or equipment where needed. This allows Freemasons in Surrey to give something back while also raising awareness about what Freemasonry stands for – friendship, charity and goodwill towards all people regardless of race or creed.
By working together under these principles, it is hoped that Freemasonry will continue to thrive in Surrey for many years to come.
Overview of Freemasonry Lodges in the Province of Surrey
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been operating in the Province of Surrey since the late 18th century. It is an organization that promotes moral and spiritual values, and has a strong philanthropic aspect. The most common form of Freemasonry in Surrey is the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). There are several Masonic Lodges located throughout the province, which are typically organized according to geographical area. This article will provide an overview of some of these Masonic Lodges and their activities.
Lodge Descriptions
Below are brief descriptions of some notable Masonic Lodges in the Province of Surrey:
• Ashtead Lodge No. 3994 – This Lodge was founded in 1950, and meets at Ashtead Town Hall on the first Tuesday each month (except for January). It has a long history of charitable works, including raising funds for local causes such as medical research and providing scholarships to local students.
• Caterham Lodge No. 8516 – Founded in 1965, this Lodge meets at Caterham on the Hill every second Monday each month (except August). The Lodge focuses on providing educational opportunities for its members, as well as giving back to the local community through various charitable initiatives.
• Guildford Lodge No. 9761 – Established in 1971, this Lodge meets at Guildford Masonic Centre every second Thursday each month (except December). It focuses on providing support and guidance for its members through educational activities and charitable projects.
• Reigate Priory Lodge No. 5707 – This Lodge was founded in 1947, and meets at Reigate Masonic Hall on the third Thursday each month (except August). It is committed to supporting both its members as well as the local community through various philanthropic initiatives.
Activities
The various Lodges within the Province of Surrey all share a common goal – to promote moral values and spiritual development among their members through charitable works. Many Lodges also engage in other activities such as lectures, debates, music evenings, or dinners. Additionally, many lodges also organize trips throughout England or even abroad to explore historic sites related to freemasonry.
In addition to these activities that take place within individual lodges, there are also regular events held by UGLE throughout Surrey where Masons from different lodges can come together for meetings or social events. These events offer an opportunity for Masons from different lodges to meet and network with one another while engaging in activities that promote moral values and spiritual development.
Charitable Work Undertaken by Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey has been actively involved in charity work, making a difference to the local community. Some of the charitable activities undertaken by them include:
• Providing financial support and donations to local schools, hospitals and charities.
• Donating funds and goods to those in need, such as homeless people or those suffering from poverty.
• Supporting community projects such as new parks or playgrounds for children.
• Setting up free health clinics in rural areas to provide medical care for those who cannot afford it.
• Offering educational scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Assisting with disaster relief efforts and providing aid to victims of natural disasters around the world.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey is also committed to promoting a sense of unity and camaraderie among its members through its various social events and activities, which are designed to foster a sense of belonging and community spirit amongst all members. These activities include regular meetings, dinners, charity golf tournaments, fun runs, and other social events that bring people together from all walks of life.
In addition, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey has also been involved in other charitable endeavours such as organising fundraising events for various causes, providing financial support for local charities and organisations that assist the less fortunate, and offering volunteer opportunities within the organisation. These initiatives have enabled them to make a real difference in their local community.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in its numerous charitable works over the years – showing that they are truly dedicated to improving the lives of others both near and far!
Overview
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey provides a comprehensive education and training program for members of the Masonic fraternity. This program is designed to help members improve their knowledge and understanding of the core principles, rituals, and values of Freemasonry. The program also provides opportunities for members to network with other Masons and to gain additional skills that are useful in their personal and professional lives. In addition, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey offers resources for those who wish to become more involved in Freemasonry.
Educational Opportunities
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey offers a wide range of educational opportunities for its members. These include lectures, seminars, workshops, and other activities that focus on topics such as Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism, ritual practice, leadership development, and public speaking. Members can also participate in research projects and mentorship programs designed to further their knowledge and understanding of Freemasonry.
Networking Opportunities
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey also provides its members with a variety of networking opportunities. Members can attend special events such as dinners or receptions where they can meet other Masons from across the country. There are also opportunities to join Masonic clubs or organizations that focus on specific topics or interests such as charitable work or public speaking. By participating in these activities, members can expand their circle of contacts within the fraternity and gain valuable professional advice from experienced Masons.
Additional Resources
For those who wish to become more involved in Freemasonry, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey provides numerous resources such as online courses and instructional videos. In addition, members can take advantage of publications such as magazines or books which offer information about Masonic history and practice. Therefore, there are a variety of websites dedicated to helping people better understand Freemasonry that offer additional educational materials as well as forums where Masons can share ideas and experiences with one another.
Events and Festivities Hosted by Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey is renowned for hosting a range of events and festivities throughout the year. From exclusive dinners to open days, their events provide a great opportunity to network with members of the lodge and have an enjoyable time.
Throughout the year they hold Masonic Open Days, providing an opportunity for members to meet with each other and enjoy a meal together. These days often include a range of activities such as lectures, demonstrations, discussions and games. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about Freemasonry while also having an enjoyable time.
In addition to the open days, the lodge also hosts several other events such as luncheons and dinners. These are usually exclusive events where members can enjoy a meal together and discuss topics related to Freemasonry. The lodge also holds regular meetings where members can discuss important issues affecting Freemasonry in Surrey.
The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey is also renowned for its annual festivals which are held every year in April or May. During these festivals, members of the lodge come together to celebrate their heritage and culture with performances, music, food and drinks. This provides an excellent opportunity for members to socialise with each other in an enjoyable atmosphere.
In reflection, the Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey offers a range of events throughout the year which provide excellent opportunities for networking and having an enjoyable time with fellow Freemasons. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to have some fun, attending one of their events is sure to be a memorable experience.
In Reflection on Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey has a long and proud history. It has served its members well through many different eras, and continues to do so. As a vibrant and active organization, it has provided a platform for those interested in Freemasonry to come together and share ideas, experiences, and aspirations. The commitment to excellence that the Province takes pride in is evident in the work they do both within their own walls and with their partner organizations around the world. In addition to providing an avenue for fellowship, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey also provides educational opportunities for its members and those interested in learning more about Freemasonry.
The provincial grand lodge of Surrey has consistently worked to build a strong bond between its members while also fostering relationships with other lodges around the world. By embracing diversity, it is able to bring together many different voices from across countries, cultures, age groups, backgrounds, and genders. This openness creates an environment where its members can learn from each other’s experiences while also feeling valued as part of a larger community of like-minded individuals.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey is an important part of the Masonic tradition that not only preserves its past but looks towards the future as well. By continuing to embrace diversity and foster relationships between its members, it will be able to continue providing an invaluable service to all those who choose to join it’s ever expanding ranks.
In summary, the Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey represents an important part of Freemasonry that is dedicated to preserving its tradition while embracing new ideas at the same time. Their commitment to excellence in everything they do is what makes them so special and will continue to make them stand out among other Masonic organizations for years to come.