Clerestory Lodge

Most Freemason’s lodges have particular features that illustrate an element of individuality.  This also helps to single out each lodge as having significant attributes that make visiting each others’ temples so rewarding.

Clerestory Lodge is regarded, not just by its own membership, but the wider Masonic community as being a particularly friendly Lodge.  Such is the enthusiasm of our Members that they travel considerable distances to be able to participate in our meetings. We have regular Members who travel from as far afield as Spain and the furthest Counties of Engalnd to be at our meetings.   For many years we have regularly welcomed Brethren from other lodges: Elmley Castle Lodge Number 6247 in the Province of Worcestershire, The Three Graces Lodge 408 in Yorkshire, Argonauts Lodge, No. 2243 in London, and Portcullis Lodge 6672 in the Province of Berkshire. On many occasions in recent years, but particularly during the annual Installation meeting, Brethren from both Elmley Castle and Three Graces lodges enthusiastically stand in as occupants of various officer positions.

Clerestory Lodge also continues to receive excellent support from Metropolitan Grand Lodge who, because of their recognition of our friendship and conviviality, often signpost potential new Initiates to our lodge, in circumstances where new Brethren have not been introduced into the fraternity by our own Brethren.

The friendliness and informality that Visiting Officers, Guests and Joining Members recognise in Clerestory Lodge, does not get in the way of putting a lot of effort into performing ceremonies to the highest possible standard.  Our members are passionate about what they do and how they do it and a recent Raising, attended by a Metropolitan Grand Inspector, prompted warm praise for the workings in the temple.

Masonry is for the enjoyment of Brethren and this comes across not just in Clerestory meetings but at the Festive Board afterwards.  Our aim is to ensure that every Brother leaves, feeling that the meeting has been fulfilling and worthwhile as well as hugely enjoyable: indeed, happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

Given that its members are so widely spread, inclusive social events are difficult to organise but, a tradition has grown up surrounding the December Installation which regularly enjoys several visiting Brethren particularly from Elmley Castle and Three Graces Lodges. 

This weekend event commences with the Installation meeting followed by a festive board.  In past years ladies and non-Masonic visitors have enjoyed their own dinner that evening but in more recent years, the Installation Festive Board has been a ‘white table’ to which partners and non-Masons are made welcome.  Clerestory Lodge Brethren also take a table each year at the reciprocal Ladies’ Evening organised by Elmley Castle Lodge.

Another aspect, or perhaps peculiarity of Clerestory Lodge is our non-Masonic variation to the dress code.  Whilst Brethren are expected to follow guidelines in respect to a dark suit, black shoes and Masonic ties, our Lodge follows a tradition which derives from, and its remembrance of one of our former masters, Worshipful Brother Ken Saunders.

Ken was a real character and lovable rogue.  He was renowned for wearing brightly coloured socks with his Masonic regalia.  Ken collapsed during one meeting and was rushed to hospital and stayed there for some time battling cancer.  As a measure of support, Clerestory Lodge Brethren adopted Ken’s practice of wearing brightly coloured socks to their meetings.