Freemasonry in Abingdon since 1863
Abbey Lodge No. 1247 was consecrated on 30th April 1863 and renumbered 945, later that year. The lodge was then part of the Masonic Province of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. For its first 153 years, meetings were held in the Council Chamber at the Abingdon Guildhall; now we meet in the Abbey Room, Old Court Room or the Council Chamber, according to the number attending.
Our friendly lodge welcomes new members as well as enquiries about the nature of Freemasonry, what we do, who may join and what is involved in doing so.
We are part of a worldwide fraternity of men who seek personal development so that we may better serve the community we live in; and, wherever a Freemason may travel he may be sure of a welcome from the local Masonic community.
Lodge meetings consist of a formal business-type meeting in a long-established tradition. Often the lodge meeting will include performing short allegorical plays to help us learn and reinforce our understanding of our personal and collective goals and principles; our aim is to become better citizens.
We have great fun and enjoyment at our meetings and we normally finish the evening with a meal which is always a very happy social occasion with lots of toasting, banter and much merriment.
Freemasonry is not a religion, members of any faith, creed or none at all are welcomed apart from atheists. We count among our members men of all social backgrounds and circumstances. As freemasons, we are all equals.
There are two topics that are barred from discussion in the lodge, namely, politics and religion. Neither may we use our membership to seek any type of preferment in our working environment, it is specifically prohibited in our rules.
If you enjoy fellowship, like to help others, want to be part of a centuries-old tradition, would like to develop your confidence or help others to do so, make new friends and enjoy yourself into the bargain, then Freemasonry could be for you. If you would like to know more, contact any freemason you may know or make contact with the secretary of any lodge nearby.
Commemorative crystal glasses on loan to Abingdon Museum
A little more about Abbey Lodge 945
Abbey Lodge was sponsored by Alfred Lodge 340 (then 425), which was and still is in the Province of Oxfordshire.
Abbey Lodge has the distinction of having three of its members promoted to Provincial Grand Master: Lt. Col. Sir Robert Loyd-Lindsay V.C. (later Lord Wantage) and J.T. Morland who both served as Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire, the third was Henry Atkins Bowyer who became Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire.