What Happens At A Masonic Meeting?

A lot of fun, that’s what!

A normal Masonic meeting has two parts to it and with good reason. The first is formal and ceremonial and takes place in the Lodge room. The second part of the evening is more social where members and visitors from other lodges gather over a meal to relax and enjoy one another’s company.

First Part – The Lodge Meeting

The ‘Lodge Meeting’ is a meeting held in the main Lodge room. We assemble and put on our aprons and other regalia in preparation for the ceremony.

A typical meeting will include:

  • The minutes of our previous meeting.

  • Proposing and balloting for new or joining members (very important).

  • Considering the Lodge’s charitable involvement and the causes that we are helping.

  • Officers’ reports on the Lodge itself and the members.

Then we move on to the main business of the actual meeting that night – the ceremony:

  • Most meetings revolve around admitting new members to the Lodge or progressing existing members through their Masonic journey. This part of the evening is very traditional and something you are unlikely to find in any other walk of life. It is a real honour to be part of this and a lot of fun!

  • Once a year all lodges hold a special Installation Meeting which in our Lodge is held in January. This is where a new Master of the Lodge is appointed and all the other officers progress through the various roles on their journey towards becoming the Master. It is like an AGM but a much grander affair; a big celebration and a really proud moment for a Master being Installed within any Lodge.

The Second Part – The Dinner

Having completed the formal part of the meeting we then retire to the bar and dining room. Now things become more relaxed.

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to socialise with fellow Masons and to get to know guests, forging new friendships. This is done over an high-quality meal provided by the excellent caters at the Masonic Hall. It is a fun occasion with much laughter mixed with some traditional aspects like toasting and ‘taking wine’, where you will make friends for life.

The rest you can find out when you join us!

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Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk

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United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)

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Where We Meet. Freemasons’ Hall Ipswich

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Accredited Lodge Website