A message from Daniel Macqueen (North, 1975)

Are you aware that there is a Freemasons' Lodge called The Old Johnian Lodge?  Well, there is, and it was created in 1931 by Masons that happened to be Old Boys of St John's and who wanted to associate with each other after leaving the School.  Since they had a common link, it seemed quite natural that they would want to practice their interest in charity, fellowship and the Craft, together.

Of course the “OJs” Lodge has come a long way since it was created under the banner of United Grand Lodge of England.  Its members now include Old Boys, and non-Old Boys, who live around Great Britain and in Australia, South Africa Germany and Spain, to name a few overseas locations.

So, you may ask yourself; what's in it for me if I join the OJ's Lodge (or, indeed, any other Lodge of Freemasons)?  Well, as a world-wide Fraternity it could be that you are wanting to socialise with other Old Boys in the UK or abroad, need introductions to other pals that you may have lost contact with, or that you are a bit of an historian and want to become more acquainted with a truly ancient society that traces its roots back several thousand of years.  Although the “modern” movement of Freemasons in England is said to have started as The United Grand Lodge of England in 1717, it is clear that many other precursors of the Order existed prior to this date.

Yes, Masons do spend quite a bit of their time in Meetings that involve age-old rituals and “olde worlde” language, but the balance of the time that they spend together involves socialising at their post-meeting dinners, or “Festive Boards” and in planning and implementing the various projects that they often organise to assist in raising funding for the less fortunate in our society.

Freemasons not only look after themselves, but also many others that are less fortunate than themselves, all over the world.  Much of their charitable work goes unnoticed, but that's just the way they do things.

Should you wish to learn more about the work of the Old Johnian Lodge in particular, then why not have a look at the Lodge website,  or contact the Secretary of the Lodge, Alan White, on 0784 5511860 (mobile) or 0208 657 2490 (home).