A generation of lost freemasons?

Anecdotally there is strong evidence of an increase in initiations at the moment. Many of the people who are now approaching us to join do so through our websites at a provincial or lodge level. This combined with undoubted the success of the University Scheme seems to be bringing in a number of brethren who have been younger than has traditionally been the case. The average age of an initiate has been around their early forties, typically reaching the chair in their sixties.

With the decline in freemasonry noticeably starting in the 1970s leaves one to ask if there is a whole generation who have missed out on being part of the largest fraternity in the world. If this is so, what effect will this have in the next ten to twenty years?

It is healthy to see an organisation rejuvenated by new members. Freemasonry is relevant to, and does have a place in modern society. To borrow a phrase from elsewhere, if freemasonry did not exist, it would need to be invented. A society where pleasant people can meet to socialise and meet other pleasant people that is set apart from any political or religious convictions.

Installation at Albert Edward Lodge No. 1783

Yesterday I was delighted to attend the 133rd Installation meeting of the Albert Edward Lodge. The ceremony was abbreviated as the WM had already been a Master of a Lodge, though it was competently executed. The festive board was up to the usual high standards we visitors have come to expect from this fine, well-established Lodge. The hospitality was excellent, and everybody had a most memorable evening.

BBC's Dancing on the Edge - Episode 1, technical innaccuracies

Last night I watched the first episode of the BBC's Dancing on the Edge and feel compelled to point out the masonic flaws. First of all the peep hole in the laundry cupboard. What is this Scooby Doo? Is there a picture on the other side with an eye missing with a mysterious slot for when somebody wishes to view the proceedings? Don't you think an organisation as private as the masons would have noticed a 30mm hole in the wall if it's at head height?

Secondly, the regalia is wrong. For a costume drama I would have hoped they put a bit more thought in providing authentic regalia. What they were wearing was decidedly modern and did not look like the regalia they wore in those day (I am in possession of a 1950s Master Masons apron) rather than the plastic-based material we wear today.

Thirdly, the chap who shows them the peep hole (I forget his name) is wearing cuffs. Why? If he is an officer he should be wearing a collar as well (depends upon the Lodge), but if he has just been made a Master Mason why would he be wearing the half-dressed regalia of an officer? Why has he progressed so quick?

Fourthly, what an earth is he doing with that trowel he threw on the desk? This has no particular significance to the Raising ceremony (it has later on, as many Masons will know) and is usually an ornament that belongs to the Lodge as a whole. What did he do, nick it?

Well, no particular harm done yet. Though we can see where it's going. I fear that much cliched narrative device called a 'masonic conspiracy' is on the horizon.