The Lodge of St, George No 6054 – Lodge Profile May 2022
Introduction to Freemasonry
Freemasonry means something different to everyone who joins. For many,
Freemasonry is about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about
being able to help deserving causes and charities. It’s an institution with a truly
global membership. Freemasonry is a unique members’ organisation which has
thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise
members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our
individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions
which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our
civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet
together, and form lifelong friendships.
Introduction to The Lodge of St George
Where do we meet?
The Lodge meets at The Masonic Hall, East Ascent, St Leonard's on Sea TN38
0DR on the first Monday evenings in February, March, April, October, November,
December, and 1st Tuesday evening in May (Installation), and at other dates that
may be desired and under due dispensation – 7 regular meetings in all.
The Masonic Hall in St Leonard's was originally designed by James Burton in the
early 19th century, as the centre-
based on a Greek temple, incorporating four Doric columns. The building was
purchased in the 1920's by the Masonic Hall Company who have day to day
responsibility for its management.
We also meet on a Friday evening, informally, for Lodge of Instruction, see details
below.
History of The Lodge of St George
The Lodge of St George was consecrated on 7th May 1945, on which day under the
banner of St George, and during the consecration ceremony, the Allies’ victory in
Europe was proclaimed in the temple – the Germans had capitulated. This ‘news’
was conveyed by a slip of paper pushed under the door of the Lodge and the
meeting was interrupted with a report, which was then read out to all present and
the National Anthem was sung.
Welcoming New Members
Prospective candidates are welcome from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply
for membership enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident
people. We aim to inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we
celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in their private and public lives
and to cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at
large, and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
All new Lodge members are encouraged to attend Lodge of Instruction (LoI), which
meets weekly on Friday evenings at 7.30pm, between regular meetings under the
leadership of our Director of Ceremonies. Here new members will find themselves
quickly engaged in the business of the day, where appropriate to their rank.
Proposers and Seconders take a keen interest in their progress and, in conjunction
with the Lodge Mentor, ensure they know what to expect. Proposers and
Seconders also help their new members to understand the ritual.
In company with many other Lodges, we have developed our own traditional
embellishments to the ritual: these add to the mystique of The Lodge of St George,
as does the unique ambience of our Lodge Room. This, in conjunction with the
tempo of our meetings, provides a strong attraction for visitors.
Our regular meetings are followed by a Festive Board, where members and their
Masonic guests enjoy a meal in a convivial and social fashion. While these are
formal, they are invariably fun.
Naturally there are costs involved in being a member of a Lodge, and initially, they
might seem quite significant. After the payment of a one-
remains an Annual Subscription, and with dining fees on each evening the Lodge
meets for official business (currently £20, exclusive of drinks), the overall annual
cost would be somewhere in the region of £200 a year. There is no charge to attend
Lodge of Instruction. There is a nominal one-
– The Ionic Club, which new members are encouraged to join.
Time will be required of individuals, as with any club, with attendance at the regular
meetings and visits to other Lodges; Lodge of Instruction and social events. The
time that you can devote will depend on your own situation – remember
Freemasonry comes behind family and career at all times.
Social Events
Social events are held throughout the year, where families and friends are
welcome. One of the main social events is the White Table Dinner on the first
Monday in December, where partners and friends join us for a festive Christmas
meal. This is also an opportunity to introduce prospective members to other
members of the Lodge. In addition events include a Beer & Skittles evening at a
local pub, Summer BBQ at members’ houses, a ‘beer or two’ after our LoI meetings.
We intend to grow the social life of the Lodge, post-
range of fun events in which we can involve members and non-
Charity
The Lodge endeavours to be involved with the local community. As with all
Freemasons charity is the basis of our foundation, and much will be learned as a
young mason progresses through the Craft. Freemasons are one of the biggest
charitable givers in the country and support charities ranging from disaster relief to
medical research. Rest assured no giving is required beyond what an individual
feels he can afford.
Nationwide Freemasonry is known for its Teddies for Loving Care (TLC)
scheme,which provides cuddly bears to A&E departments in hospitals up and down
the country, for medical staff to give to young children as a way of providing much-
needed comfort, helping to reduce the shock and distress of their experience. Every
child that receives a teddy gets to take it home. Established in 2001, it is estimated
that more than 2 million bears have been distributed to over 200 hospitals.
The Lodge of St George has supported many local charities, including the
purchase for St Michael’s Hospice of a car enabling them to visit patients in more
rural areas and the purchase of vital equipment for the Rye, Winchelsea and
District Memorial Hospital.
The Role of the Almoner
In each Lodge the Almoner plays a vital role in the life of every Lodge, ensuring the
welfare of its members, its widows and other dependents whenever the need
arises, be it sickness or unforeseen circumstances, requiring more urgent
assistance of a financial nature.
Health of the Lodge
The current membership of the Lodge is 35, comprising – figures correct as at
January 2022 – with 23 members 60+; 10 members 40 – 60; 2 members 20 – 40.
The average age of the Lodge is 61.75.
There are a number of candidates who are due to join over the next few months
and with further interest expressed from those who took the opportunity to take
advantage of the Dine-
The underlying message is that we need to continue actively to recruit new blood:
Candidates to secure the medium to long term future of the Lodge.
Joining members who are keen to contribute, thereby growing our active
numbers and sustaining the Lodge in the short to medium term.
Why should a man join The Lodge of St, George?
By joining The Lodge of St. George a new member will be welcomed into an
historic Lodge where he will be able to live and develop his Masonic life according
to the 4 core values of integrity, respect, friendship, and charity:
a) Integrity through advancement in Masonic practice.
b) Respect through supporting, and from the support of, the Brethren in the Lodge.
c) Friendships with other members across the Province that can be lifelong.
d) Making Charity happen rather than merely supporting it financially.