Extending the hand of Essex north to Scotland

Brethren from Essex journey north to reaffirm the universal bonds and shared purpose across two proud Constitutions

Brethren from St Osyth Priory Lodge No. 2063 and North Essex Round Table Lodge No. 9578 recently travelled north of the Border to share in fraternal fellowship with Scottish Masons, united by a common purpose: to meet, learn from, and celebrate the shared values that bind Masons across jurisdictions.

Following a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, they visited Lodge St Andrew No. 25 in St Andrews, where the Essex brethren observed a rehearsal for an Initiation Ceremony, offering a valuable opportunity to compare ritual practices and deepen their understanding of Scottish workings. The lodge room itself, with its beautifully painted dome and ornate tracing boards, reflected a shared reverence for symbolism and moral teaching. Differences in accent and expression only served to underline the richness of Freemasonry’s diverse traditions within a common framework of belief.

Lodge St. Margaret No 548 in South Queensferry was the following evening’s destination, for the installation of Richard Reid as Master of the Lodge. Adding to the Scottish experience, a traditional Burns Supper was enjoyed by all afterwards.

Equally striking was the hospitality extended after the meeting as new fraternal bonds were formed - visitors received not as strangers, but as Brothers — a powerful reminder that while the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Scotland are independent and sovereign, both are steadfastly committed to the same aims: integrity, charity, personal development and fraternity.

As contact details were exchanged and invitations reciprocated, the message was clear: Freemasonry knows no boundaries of geography, only the enduring bonds of Brotherhood.

The party comprised of

Alan Penney – North Essex Round Table Lodge

Steve Pain, Jim Paige, Tony Wickham, Jonathan Hazelton, Ray Goodney – All St Osyth Priory Lodge

In Edinburgh they were hosted by Richard Reid

Photos:

Top: L-R – Steve Pain, Jim Paige, Tony Wickham, Richard Reid, Leichester West, Tim Page, Alan Penney, Scott Nicol – Worshipful Master Lodge St Andrew 25, Jonathon Hazelton - also a member of Lodge St Margaret and organised the trip, Ray Goodney

Right: Interior of Town Hall Buildings temple in St. Andrews