This was an official visit and coincided with a rare Initiation ceremony. The Worshipful Master, W Bro John Iszatt, vacated the chair so that W Bro Martin Hilstead could initiate his son, Mr Mikey Hilstead. Another family member acted as the Junior Deacon. The meeting was attended by 38 members and guests, making it a very special and memorable occasion.

A thoroughly enjoyable Festive Board was had by all, rounding off an extremely proud day for the Hilstead family and the Cannon Lodge.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 January 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

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The need for programmes like Healthy Lifestyles is clear. People with a learning disability are seven times more likely to experience loneliness than the general population, with the pandemic worsening social isolation. Health inequalities are striking, with life expectancy averaging just 63 years for people with learning disabilities compared to 82 for men and 86 for women in the general population.

The Healthy Lifestyles programme addresses these challenges by developing community, building confidence, and improving health outcomes. The £10,000 grant from London Freemasons will enable the charity to expand its programme, reaching more individuals and offering additional opportunities to stay active and engaged.

Kara Lee, CEO at Bexley Mencap said: 

“We are thrilled to have the support of London Freemasons, which will help us reach even more people with learning disabilities.  This funding allows us to expand our programme, ensuring everyone has opportunities to be active, stay healthy, and do the things they enjoy.”

Paul King from London Freemasons said:

“We are proud to support Bexley Mencap with the expansion of their Healthy Lifestyles programme, helping them to fight health inequalities within the community.”

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The Companions were called to order and the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent accompanied by his Officers entered in procession. The Metropolitan Grand Chapter was opened, and all were seated and were welcomed by the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent; then some administrative matters were dealt with. After a report, a  Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted to the Temple. He announced that the Most Excellent Second Grand Principal was outside and demanded admission, this was acceded to and the Second Grand Principal, Most Excellent Companion Sir David Wooton, accompanied by a retinue of Grand Officers, entered. After being offered and declining the Sceptre, the Second Grand Principal took his place in the Chapter.

After dealing with matters which required the Metropolitan Grand Chapter being opened, it was ‘Called Off’ and those Masons not yet members of the Holy Royal Arch and families and friends of those to receive Metropolitan office together with the soon-to-be recipients of LGCR and SLGCR were admitted to the galleries. The investiture of those honoured then took place.

When the Investiture was completed, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent addressed the gathering. He began by saying that it was wonderful that so many could be here to celebrate those who give so much to their own Chapters as well as to Metropolitan Grand Chapter and to the Royal Arch as a whole.

He said that he was delighted to welcome so many distinguished visitors from Supreme Grand Chapter, led by Sir David Wooton, as well as those from our neighbouring Provinces, but also our other guests, families and friends as well as Master Masons yet to join the Royal Arch.

After thanking the members of the Royal Arch Executive team, he singled out the Reverend Timothy L’Estrange, the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, who as well as running a busy London parish and having a young family combines this with his Masonic commitments.

Companion Duke went on to say that it had been his pleasurable task to invest those receiving London Grand Chapter Ranks as well as the active Metropolitan Grand Officers. He said that the Companions invested had earned their new collar jewel and apron for all their work in the Royal Arch and he gave them his personal thanks. For those receiving active office, he hoped that they would throw themselves into the role and enjoy their year, acting as enthusiastic and joyful ambassadors for the Holy Royal Arch. He pointed out that the Royal Arch is an integral part of ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ and that we are one team. “We are not either ‘Royal Arch Red’ or ‘Craft Blue’, but we are truly ‘Team Violet’. I personally – as do all Companions here – stress how important the Royal Arch is to our whole integrated system and so it can seem a bit odd not to take the next logical step.” He stressed that it was important that a Master Mason should not be pressurised into taking that step but do it when it was right for them. We should encourage them to make an informed choice; and there is support to be found with the Royal Arch awareness evenings, as well as the “Discover More” sessions being rolled out.

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to say that it is hugely encouraging that just over 45% of all Craft Masons in Metropolitan are subscribing members of Royal Arch. Another 38% are Craft Master Masons whom we should be gently encouraging to consider completing their journey in ‘Pure Antient Masonry’. “Let us tell them how wonderful and uplifting it is so that they want to join rather than feel it is expected of them.” There are a further 17% of Master Masons who joined the Royal Arch but are now unattached; we are looking at ways to engage with them to find out why and offer options to re-engage their enthusiasm.

Under the guidance of E Comp John Parry, there has been an increase in Special Interest Chapters, an example being the Chapter for F1 fans which has had eight Exaltees in the last year. Other Chapters are bringing members of Met teams together to enhance their work; the newest being the Baltic Chapter for Almoners which has 42 members and has performed its first Exaltation. There are over 60 Special Interest Lodges and there is scope to expand this into Special Interest Chapters and to invite unattached Royal Arch Masons to become involved again.

Today, the 3^rd Metropolitan Grand Principal, Christopher Head, and three Inspectors retired; as did another Inspector during 2024. “I would like to thank Chris, Oliver Crispin, Robert Lakic, John Shulman and Russell Sollof for all their hard work”, said E Comp Warren. “Another retiree today is the Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies, E. Comp Guy Foster, who has given four distinguished years of service and I thank him also.”

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to thank all those who make events like today possible: The Metropolitan Grand Scribe E and his staff and volunteers, the Director of Ceremonies and his team as well as members of 9812, the Metropolitan Grand Stewards Lodge.

Having thanked all those who attended and saying he looked forward to meeting many of them either at the drinks reception or over dinner, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, with the 2^nd Grand Principal, Metropolitan Officers and distinguished guests, retired in procession.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

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The £13,000 grant from London Freemasons will allow the charity to provide much-needed counselling across London, removing the postcode lottery for women who have experienced domestic abuse. Women who have used our services reported a 70% reduction in suicidal thoughts and ideation after counselling. This money will help to save lives and rebuild futures.

Heidi Riedel, CEO of Woman’s Trust said:

"Woman's Trust is here to help any woman in London affected by domestic abuse. However, not all women who need it can access support near to them, because there isn't the capacity or funding for specialist mental health services where they live."

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

"We are very pleased to be able to support Woman's Trust with the very important work that they do within our community to support victims of domestic abuse, knowing that our grant will help to remove the postcode lottery that may have prevented them getting the valuable help that they need."

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For those unfamiliar, the Connaught Club is London’s home for young Freemasons under the age of 35. Since its founding in 2007, it has provided a space for young Masons to connect, grow, and flourish within the Craft.

I discovered the Connaught Club as a somewhat disconnected provincial Mason, searching for renewed purpose within the Craft. A simple online search for "Young Masons London" introduced me to this community; and little did I know that my joining would shape the course of my life in ways I had scarcely imagined. In August 2018, I attended my first event, a pub drinks at the Freemasons Arms. That evening, I found something special, a welcoming gathering of young Masons, all as deeply committed and inspired by Masonry as I had hoped to be. The enthusiasm, friendship, and openness that I encountered that evening revived my dedication to the Craft, and I can confidently say that the Connaught Club is the reason I stand as a Mason today.

Over the years, the friendships I have built within the Club have become fixtures in my life. I am proud to say that many of these connections will undoubtedly endure for a lifetime. Through each year, every gathering, and countless memories, I have been fortunate to witness the remarkable depth of Masonic life in a way that I had never thought possible. Serving as a committee member, Secretary, Deputy Chairman, and finally, Chairman has allowed me the privilege to give back to a Club that has enriched my life immeasurably, and that, in turn, has brought me great joy.

The Club has now seen multiple generations of young Masons pass through its doors, yet its core principles remain unchanged. Those who engage with the Club, who attend its events, take part in its activities, and embrace its community, find themselves experiencing Masonry in an entirely new way. It is a gateway to friendships that transcend backgrounds and professions, and a bridge to a richer Masonic journey. My only advice to any eligible Mason is simple: join as soon as you can. Your experience of the Craft will be all the better for it.

As I prepare to step back as Chairman, I do so with absolute confidence in the capable hands that will lead the Club forward. The foundations we’ve laid are solid, and the current Committee, along with a talented new generation of leaders, is equipped to take this community to even greater heights. The new Chairman, I’m certain, has many incredible events planned for the coming year, and I urge you to keep your eyes peeled for what is undoubtedly going to be an epic run of unmissable opportunities.

I leave my role knowing that the Club is more vibrant and dynamic than it has ever been, with a foundation strengthened by the unwavering support of our members, Metropolitan Grand Lodge, and the Masonic community in general. I eagerly anticipate watching the Connaught Club flourish under new leadership and continue to provide that incredible support and growth to young Masons across London.

To everyone who has supported the Club; not just during my time as Chairman, but since its inception and into the future, thank you. May the Connaught Club remain a vital part of London Freemasonry for many decades to come.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Bro. Adam Bradley

Chairman 2023 – 2025

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

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The Chapter, named Maguncor after the telegraphic code word used for “machine gun corps” during the First World War, was consecrated in 1924 by officers of the Machine Gun Corps, with two of its future First Principals becoming recipients of the Victoria Cross.The Chapter, named Maguncor after the telegraphic code word used for “machine gun corps” during the First World War, was consecrated in 1924 by officers of the Machine Gun Corps, with two of its future First Principals becoming recipients of the Victoria Cross.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

The post An Exaltation for Maguncor appeared first on Priory Lodge of Acton 1996.

On 3^rd February 2025, St Michael’s Chapter No 221 held an exceptional and auspicious convocation at the South East London Masonic Centre, SE20; when Royal Arch Masonry returned to the Centre with a high quality meeting which featured an excellent double Exaltation ceremony.

Metropolitan Grand Inspector E Comp Robert Lakic was the Guest of Honour, escorted by E Comp Christopher Sullivan, Metropolitan Grand Steward, who was supported by fellow Metropolitan Grand Stewards E Comps Frank Marke and Shaun White. The other 60 companions in attendance were joined by two current Inspectors E Comps Tony Shepherd and Simon Bennett, and former Inspector E Comp Jeremy Beech.

London boasts many wonderful Masonic halls, centres and meeting places within the centre of the capital, but it likewise possesses many valuable and similar resources outside of TfL zones 1-3, and these gathering places such as the Halls and Centres at Chingford, Southgate, Croydon, Harrow and Ealing enable many Brethren and Companions the opportunity of enjoying their Masonry closer to home. All of these Halls and Centres have a thriving Craft and Royal Arch presence, but in late 2023, Alan Taunton, a MAGI Craft (RA) within the Simon Bennett Inspectorate learned that there was no longer a RA presence at the Penge Centre, and he established a ‘steering group’ of experienced Royal Arch Masons to change this. Both Kent and London Craft Lodges meeting there were approached; and over 20 Companions indicated that they would be interested in joining a centre-wide Chapter. Aware that St Michael’s Chapter No 211 was actively exploring a strategy for its future, conversations were had and a plan hatched and agreed, and the ‘steering group’ became Joining Members; with the future of the Chapter secured and Royal Arch Masonry returning to London SE20 with ‘fervency and zeal’, thanks to the dedication of just a handful of passionate Companions.

Nestling in the residential communities of Crystal Palace, Annerley, Penge and Beckenham, the SE London Masonic Centre is easily accessible from central London via the many different train stations close by. If the vibrancy of this first repurposed convocation of St Michael’s Chapter was anything to go by, a warm welcome and a captivating and entertaining time awaits any companion who fancies the experience – I’ll certainly be going back!

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

The post Royal Arch Masonry Returns to Penge appeared first on Priory Lodge of Acton 1996.

Earlier in the afternoon, E Comps Alan Taunton, Steve Brown and Paul Chakravarti were Installed as First, Second and Third Principals respectively.

The 250^th convocation of Macaulay Chapter in May 2024 was particularly special, not just for that milestone but as the ‘launch’ convocation for the new home of ‘Current and former Royal Arch Representatives, Coordinators and Metropolitan Assistant Grand Inspectors (RA)’.
 

The Chapter’s evolution is in response to the need to provide greater support, recognition and collaboration for all those working in these challenging roles whilst providing a fun and dynamic environment. This renewed spirit of connectedness has helped members thrive in their roles outside the Chapter and has further contributed to the growth and success of the Royal Arch in London.

At every Macaulay Chapter convocation, regular items, including the ‘Macaulay Exposition’, encourage stimulating conversation and lively debate, focusing on the key principles of knowledge sharing, mentorship, and personal development, with E Comp Timothy’s ‘One Journey, One Organisation’ presentation being the perfect example.

Macaulay is not a ‘Special Interest’ Chapter, but a ‘Team’ Chapter; and all Royal Arch Representatives, former or serving, are encouraged to join and get involved. It offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. With active participation and contributions encouraged from all members, it aims to be a platform for sharing knowledge, talent and expertise; and provides helpful tips to take back to our Lodges and Chapters to the advantage of all.

For more information, contact the Chapter’s Scribe E or see: www.macaulaychapter.org.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

The post Macaulay Chapter: The London home for Royal Arch expertise appeared first on Priory Lodge of Acton 1996.

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Thank you for taking the time to keep Arena in your busy lives!

Three months ago, I explained that Arena would be going digital, but I promised that, not only would Arena not be disappearing, but that we would be putting a lot of effort into improving it.

I am a small part of an exceptionally talented and motivated volunteer Metropolitan Communications Team, all of whom have been working behind the scenes to continuously upgrade the digital experience for London Masons.

Foremost in that crusade is the launch of an app, which puts Arena on your smartphone.

It includes:

• All the usual Arena articles
• Latest news stories as they happen, rather than every three months, to keep you connected to all things Met.
• Links to Masonic resources, all in one place

For future versions of the app, we are also working on notifications so that you won’t ever miss a thing, and a forward events diary so that we can start to publish upcoming events as well as reporting on meetings and celebrations gone by.

I genuinely believe that we have an opportunity to be more connected to each other as Brethren than ever before – and to see more of what the Craft can offer us every day as it happens. I also believe that this is the sort of seamlessness that a new generation of Freemasons, who will keep our world vibrant, demand.

You can download the app at:

• Apple/iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/arena-online/id6741513266
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arenaapp.londonmasons

For those without smartphones, everything we publish will always be available online at https://www.londonmasons.org.uk/arena.

Please do feel free to get in touch with me directly if you have any feedback on Arena or the App – we always welcome comment.

And as ever, let me invite you to contribute. For more information on getting your news in these pages, please start here. You can always contact me with news about your Lodge or Chapter at . And I also regularly ask for comments and feedback on the London Masons Facebook group.

If you would like to write for Arena, we have a growing team, and you will be made very welcome – again please contact me at the email above.

Sincerely, fraternally, and always inquisitively,

Nick Saalfeld,
Editor

ARENA ISSUE 57 CREDITS

Founding Editor: Bryan Green

Director of Communications: Omaid Hiwaizi

Editor: Nick Saalfeld

Deputy Editor: Richard Cavanagh

Assistant Editors: Simon Bennett, David McKenna

Design: Omaid Hiwaizi

Contributors: Simon Bennett, Morris Bentley, Richard Cavanagh, Matt Gibbs, Clive Goodman, Christopher Hayward, Andrew Imber, Trevor Koschalka, Stephen Lovelock, Shahab Mossavat, Jason Pearson, Alan Peters, Dan Reed, Tony Shepherd, Simone Sodini, Ron Wainer, Bryan Wakely, Mark Wooldridge, Bogdan Zaha.

Photography: Daren Lewis, Simon Greaves

Video: Eddy Kirk, Ian Bozic

To contact the Editor with features or letters for future editions, please email  

To learn more about Freemasonry, please visit www.londonmasons.org

Special thanks to the Library and Museum of Freemasonry.

All Arena materials are © Metropolitan Grand Lodge / Metropolitan Grand Chapter. All rights reserved.

For editorial matters, please contact the Editor.

Comment and articles reflect the writers’ own personal views. The Metropolitan Grand Lodge and the Metropolitan Grand Chapter, as well as the United Grand Lodge of England may not subscribe to, or agree with, those views.

The publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

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