Lodge Social 28th March 2026

The Lodge members, wives and friends – a group of 30 in total – enjoyed a well-guided and very interesting private visit to Freemasons’ Hall and Museum this Saturday, 28th March 2026.

It started in the Museum with a thorough overview of Freemasonry’s history, symbolism, structure and practices. Patrick, our guide, traced English Freemasonry’s evolution from medieval stonemasons’ guilds through to the creation of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. Key milestones and figures – such as Elias Ashmole, James Anderson and Winston Churchill – were highlighted using relevant artefacts.

The talk explored core symbols (e.g. the square, level and plumb line), architectural motifs (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian), and concepts such as the Ashlar stones. It also explained the organisational structure, membership degrees and charitable service. All were impressed by the enormous gilded and decorated Grand Master’s chair, originally built for the Prince Regent when he was Grand Master.

The tour finished with an awe-inspiring visit to the Grand Temple, where the design and symbolism were explained. Built in a robust Art Deco style between 1927 and 1933, it was originally erected to commemorate Freemasons who died in the First World War. The impressive metal entrance doors weigh 1.25 tonnes, yet are engineered to open with a single finger – something a couple of the wives demonstrated with some amusement.

The mosaic ceiling – with a vast cornice rising 15 feet from floor to top edge, taller than a London double-decker bus – depicts Solomon, Hiram of Tyre, the Ark of the Covenant and Jacob’s Ladder. The East–West orientation places the Master in the “True East”. Numerous symbols are incorporated throughout, including the All-Seeing Eye, Corinthian columns (beauty), Helios (sun god), the five-pointed star of fellowship, and the coat of arms of the Duke of Connaught and Strathairn, Grand Master for 38 years and Worshipful Master of our Lodge for over 40 years. A photo of this is included among the images with this post.

A truly memorable visit, excellently guided by Patrick from the Grand Lodge Visits Team.

After the tour, we made our way over to the Army & Navy Club (“The Rag”) for a fantastic private lunch in the Library. The Club is a hidden gem, situated at 36 Pall Mall in the heart of Mayfair, with views over St James’s Square. The Rag has an impressive 180-year history, having been founded in 1837, originally as a private club for military officers, with the Duke of Wellington among its Members.

W Bro Michael Rowbory, who organised the trip, has been a member of The Rag for over 40 years, and it was quite a privilege for those of us who had never visited before. Michael was kind enough to give tours of the Club after lunch – the floors and rooms seemed never-ending, each full of rich history and very much in keeping with the spirit of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge.

After lunch, a group of us made our way up to the rooftop bar, where we sat outside and enjoyed a few drinks in the rare sunshine.

Overall, a fantastic Lodge social event, combining history, learning and good company. We are very grateful to W Bro Michael Rowbory for organising such a memorable and enjoyable day – his efforts were very much appreciated by all who attended.