The Somerset Masters Lodge No. 3746
founded 1915                                                                                                         Close Window

Regular meetings: the last Monday 14.00hrs Oct, Feb, May
Contact the Secretary: David Irish Tel: 01460 52996
davidirish@btinternet.com

Formed in 1915, the aims and objectives of Somerset Masters Lodge which have evolved over many years, are intended to encourage interest in all aspects of Freemasonry, by arranging visits from a wide range of distinguished guest speakers, by promoting discussions, debate, and Masonic research, as well as encouraging the production of papers on all kinds of Masonic subjects. To also provide opportunities for bringing together Masters in Office, Past Masters, Rulers of the Craft in Somerset as well as officers of the Province, enabling all to regularly meet in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

The lodge publishes annually its "Transactions", a booklet distributed free to all members. This provides a wealth of detailed articles of Masonic interest, history and research on all aspects of Freemasonry, lodges, rituals, and significant Masonic events, as well as providing a record of the lodge's activities during the year.

A unique, but important feature of Somerset Masters Lodge is that of offering a regular opportunity for Masters in Office and Past Masters from throughout the Province to come together, allowing them to continue and renew those many acquaintances acquired during their year of office.

The lodge also enables members to meet informally with Provincial Rulers of Somerset Freemasonry, senior Provincial Officers and those who administer the Province, facilitating an excellent means of getting to know each other, thereby encouraging greater mutual exchange of views and information.

Being an Installed Masters Lodge, it does not of course initiate candidates, and only the senior offices of the lodge are progressive. To promote it's aim of bringing Masters in office, past Masters and senior officers of the Province together, the lodge has adopted the custom of generally appointing in alternate years, a Past Master to progress to the chair who is considered to have made a significant contribution to the lodge, and/or to Somerset Freemasonry in general, or has shown exceptional support including a sustained period of regular attendance. In each intervening year, a Senior Officer or Ruler of the Province is usually appointed to progress to the chair, so that a mix of some of the most distinguished brethren from throughout the Province receive the ultimate honour of taking the chair of the Somerset Masters lodge.

Building upon it's established role, the lodge will in future be holding it's meetings at various locations throughout the Province, and some will be by day and others in the evening, which it is intended will enable even more renewed friendships to be fostered, and even greater participation in it's activities.

Regular meetings are currently held twice a year in February and October, with an additional summer meeting, this year (2003) held in May. The Installation of the Master and investiture of officers takes place in February, when traditionally the Master presents a Masonic paper on a topic of his choice. The October meeting includes elections for the forthcoming year, which are usually followed by a presentation, which might be for example by an invited speaker or by a visiting demonstration team. Each year, the Worshipful Master arranges a summer outing to which all members, their families and guests are welcome

The recently inaugurated May meeting - The Installed Masters Meeting, is an occasion when Masters in Office throughout the Province are invited, and formally welcomed as guests of honour. A presentation from the winner of the Annual Kenneth Kinnersley Lecture is received, followed by an annual address by the Provincial Grand Master on "The State of the Craft", and time permitting ending with a short discussion period. Prior to the Festive Board, an informal period provides an opportunity for Provincial Officers, and all present to meet, mingle and to get to know each other.

There are two kinds of membership - The Correspondence Circle, open to Masters, past Masters and also Master Masons, who receive summonses, may attend lodge meetings, take part in discussions/debates on Masonic papers and presentations, receive annually a copy of our "Transactions" publication, and (by arrangement with the W.M.) introduce papers on Masonic subjects themselves. C.C. members are not able to vote, take part in management of the lodge or hold office, for which it is necessary to transfer to full membership. No joining fee is required and the subscription is only £12.50 per year. The joining procedure is extremely simple, election being unnecessary, and requiring only the sponsorship of any member, or your own lodge Secretary or W. Master.

Full membership - Those taking office of any kind in the lodge must transfer from C.C. membership, which is also available to those who prefer it as an alternative to C.C. This requires the usual formalities necessary upon becoming a joining member of a lodge, and there is a joining fee of £2 and annual subscription of £25. 00.

Membership details are available from the Secretary:-
David Irish
Dromara
Listercombe Close
Ilminster
Somerset TA19 0EW
Tel: 01460 52996
davidirish@btinternet.com