A Daily Advancement
What an incredible evening we enjoyed at the Cosham Masonic Centre during a very special meeting of The Portsmouth & District Masters’ Lodge, No. 5990, on Friday, 24th February!
In collaboration with our Province’s Communication Officer, W.Bro Roger Maber, we were privileged to receive a captivating presentation titled “Misconceptions of Freemasonry” by Brother Shaun Butler, UGLE’s Director of Membership & Communication.
A packed Lodge Room witnessed a fascinating exploration of historical and common misconceptions, as well as modern perceptions of what Freemasonry is all about. We delved into how these misconceptions originated and how they’ve persisted through the centuries into modern society.
Shedding Light on a Hidden History
One of the key points raised was the reasons for Freemasonry going underground leading up to and during the Second World War. While the persecution of Jews and Romani people by the Nazis is well-known and documented, the persecution of Freemasons during this period is perhaps less recognized.
Prior to WWII, Freemasons openly and proudly paraded at public events in full Masonic regalia. However, after Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, Freemasons in Germany faced severe persecution. When war broke out in 1939, the threat extended across Europe, and it was not beyond the realms of possibility that Great Britain could face invasion. In these uncertain times, secrecy was literally a matter of life and death for Freemasons.
The exact number of Freemasons who were murdered in concentration camps by the Nazis is unknown but is believed to be in the thousands. This grim history highlights why Freemasonry became more discreet during and after the war, contributing to the “secret society” perception that lingers in the public mind.
Reconnecting with Openness and Positivity
Following the war, Freemasonry took a long time to recover. Now, more than ever, we aim to publicize the positivity and enjoyment we all get from our wonderful fraternity. By addressing the reasons behind the misconceptions and being more transparent, we hope to reshape how Freemasonry is perceived by the general public and media.
The presentation also touched on historical challenges, including instances of persecution of Freemasons by various institutions. Understanding these aspects helps us appreciate the journey Freemasonry has taken and the importance of our values today.
A Night to Remember
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Brother Shaun Butler’s informative and engaging presentation, which concluded with enthusiastic applause from the Brethren. If you missed it, you truly missed a fantastic experience!
The evening continued with a delightful Burns Night-themed four-course traditional dinner. The Worshipful Master, W.Bro David Thompson, delivered an authentic Scots’ Address to the Haggis, accompanied by the stirring pipes played by Brother Matt Reynolds of Taverners Lodge—it was a true Burns Night celebration!
Amongst the Brethren was our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Chris Bayliss, who thanked Shaun for his extremely informative presentation. The Worshipful Master presented Shaun with a cheque to donate to a charity of his choice, exemplifying our commitment to charity.
The APGM and all the Brethren would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Portsmouth and District Masters’ Lodge, Brother Shaun Butler, and W.Bro Roger Maber for arranging this fantastic evening. It was a perfect blend of education, camaraderie, and tradition..