The Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London was asked 15 months ago to be the host for the second, annual Freemasons’ National Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This had been most innovatively started the year before by the UGLE Province of Staffordshire and it was then decided to ask different provincial bodies to organise it each year. Early on, it was decided that Met should ask both women’s Grand Lodges, as well as the other Masonic Orders to make this a truly universal masonic event. UGLE took a watching brief in support of Metropolitan Grand Lodge organising a huge event many miles away from central London! Despite the threat of bad weather, we had a bright, sunny day and a truly exceptional turn-out with over 750 people in attendance, including representatives from the three services; W.Bro. Johnson Beharry VC; and the Scouts; as well, most importantly, by the Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire; and the National Chairman of the Royal British Legion. In addition to the Grand Masters of the Order of Women’s Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, it was wonderful to have the Mark; the Knights Templar; the Ancient and Accepted Rite; the Red Cross of Constantine; the Royal and Select Masters; the Allied Masonic Degrees; the Order of the Secret Monitor; the Scarlet Cord; the Operatives; and SRIA all represented by senior members of those orders, including four Heads of Orders. 

RW Bro John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master, UGLE gave a most moving address during the service which was led by the Metropolitan Grand Chaplain: “On behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England and Metropolitan Grand Lodge, may I welcome you all to the Masonic Memorial Garden here at the National Memorial Arboretum, for this Act of Remembrance. We gather in this place of peace and reflection to honour the memory of Freemasons from across the provinces, districts, and lodges who have served their country — and to remember with pride and gratitude those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.

We are especially honoured this morning to welcome Brigadier Barry Smith CBE, representing His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and Ms Lynda Atkins, the National Chair of the Royal British Legion. This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those brethren who, guided by Masonic principles, gave their service, and in so many cases, their lives in the defence of others. We commemorate their demonstration of our shared values of integrity of self, friendship through the bonds of pride, respect for each other, including our differences and service to self, to friend, to brother, to nation, to King, and to God. As we come together today, united in remembrance, we do so not only as Freemasons, but as members of a grateful nation to remember the fallen of all conflicts, to give thanks for their courage, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace, service, and humanity. I invite you all to join, in a moment of quiet reflection to honour the memory of the departed, to support those who still serve, and to renew our shared pledge: that we will remember them.” 

A full service was held, and a great procession of Provincial Grand Masters and Grand Superintendents (or their Deputies), along with all the other orders mentioned above, laid their wreaths. None of this would have been possible without the support of so many, not least the 50 plus members of the Met Events and Stewarding Teams. It was a most moving day and it is planned to repeat it again year-on-year on the first Saturday in November. It would be wonderful to see even more attending in the future to pay this last great tribute of respect to departed merit.

K.T., MALTA, R.C.C. and K.B.H.C. News Updates

R.S.M. and A.M.D. News Updates 

Friday Feeling: Weekly Newsletter

86 Digest: Spring 2024

86 Digest: Summer 2024

Mark Masons’ Hall has a Public Photo Library, providing a comprehensive collection of photographs from various events across all our Orders.

This new resource is designed to offer easy access for members and the general public to view and explore images from our wide range of activities.

You can also download the images you like.

If you have any suggestions to improve our Public Photo Library, kindly write to us at communications@mmh.org.uk and we will consider the changes. 

Custom Icons for Every Order

We are thrilled to offer you an extensive collection of brand icons designed to elevate your communications within your Province or District. The link below will guide you to a dedicated brand icon repository, thoughtfully curated to meet your needs.

Whether you’re creating digital content, printed materials, or presentations, these icons are here to make your designs stand out. Feel free to download and share these icons with your fellow Brethren.

Didn’t find the icon you were searching for? 

We’re always eager to hear your feedback and ideas. If you’d like to suggest new icons to be added to the repository, email us at communications@mmh.org.uk.