Eclectic Lodge No 1201

Eclectic Lodge No 1201 Founded in 1867 by Freemasons led by Joshua Nunn, Eclectic Lodge began as a Temperance Lodge promoting Masonic morals by avoiding tavern culture.

Meets 2nd Saturday of Feb, Apr, Oct & Dec. Contact Membership Officer: [email protected]

🕊 The Memorial Shrine at Freemasons’ Hall 🕊Located in the vestibule outside the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, the Me...
10/01/2026

🕊 The Memorial Shrine at Freemasons’ Hall 🕊

Located in the vestibule outside the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, the Memorial Shrine is one of the most moving spaces in the building. At its heart is a bronze casket containing the Masonic Roll of Honour, commemorating freemasons who lost their lives in the First World War. Above it stands the striking stained-glass Memorial Window, symbolising peace achieved through sacrifice.

🔹 How did it begin?
In June 1919, following the end of the Great War, the Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught, called for a permanent memorial to honour fallen brethren. This led to the creation of the Masonic Peace Memorial Building, dedicated in 1933. The Memorial Shrine itself was completed and announced in June 1940 — as Britain once again faced war.

🔹 The Masonic Roll of Honour
First proposed in 1914, the Roll records freemasons of all ranks who gave their lives in service. By 1921, it listed 3,078 names. The version housed in the Shrine is unique: a hand-decorated parchment scroll, turned by handles, containing additional names and lodge details not found in the published book.

🔹 Design and symbolism
Designed by renowned sculptor Walter Gilbert (also responsible for the gates at Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial), the Shrine is rich in symbolism. The bronze casket rests on an ark, representing a journey completed. Angels, biblical figures, military symbols, and pillars decorated with wheat, lotus, and iris reflect themes of sacrifice, resurrection, peace, and eternal life.

The Memorial Window above depicts soldiers and civilians, past and present, ascending towards the Angel of Peace.

đź“Ť Visit
The Memorial Shrine can be seen during free guided tours of Freemasons’ Hall, organised by the Museum of Freemasonry.

đź”— Read more here:
https://museumfreemasonry.org.uk/blog/heart-hall

A place of remembrance, craftsmanship, and quiet reflection.


Our Lodge is proud to be governed by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the recognised governing body of Freemaso...
21/12/2025

Our Lodge is proud to be governed by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the recognised governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and Districts overseas.

Founded in 1717, UGLE provides structure, guidance, and support to more than 7,000 Lodges worldwide, representing a membership of around 170,000 people. Freemasonry under UGLE is open to men over the age of 18, regardless of background, race, or religion.

Freemasonry is guided by four core principles: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. These values shape our conduct as individuals and as a Lodge, encouraging self-improvement, charitable activity, and responsible engagement with the wider community.

As a newly established Lodge operating under UGLE, we are committed to upholding these principles while contributing positively and transparently in today’s society.

https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-us/about-ugle

21/12/2025

WHY the gloves?

Nearly all Freemasons have them. Usually someone can be found frantically looking for a pair in their regalia case, only for someone else to offer a helping hand (or glove).

Originally, the reason why was practical. It dates back to the operative masons for whom it was the standard PPE, to protect the hands from rough stone, heavy labour, and to keep them clean.

Now, they are worn by Freemasons for the same reason that High Court Judges and Bishops historically wore white gloves: showing that their actions were pure, incorruptible, and done with reverence.

This isn't a dusty tome requiring gloves but you can learn about gloves here: https://solomon.ugle.org.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=1503

Our question to you this time is a fun one.

How many pairs of gloves have you owned?

The beauty of Freemasons’ Hall in the evening—where history glows and silence feels sacred.
30/11/2025

The beauty of Freemasons’ Hall in the evening—where history glows and silence feels sacred.

30/11/2025

Eclectic Lodge is honoured to support the Masonic Charitable Foundation and its mission to help our community. We are grateful for the chance to make a positive difference and to stand with an organization that cares for people in need. Together, we work to make our community stronger and kinder.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ECLECTIC LODGE No: 1201The journey of the Eclectic Lodge began in early October 1867. A group of ...
16/11/2025

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ECLECTIC LODGE No: 1201

The journey of the Eclectic Lodge began in early October 1867. A group of Freemasons, led by Brother Joshua Nunn, Vice-Consul General of the USA in London , gathered to frame a petition to the Grand Master. A Lodge of Principle The founders had a very specific, high-minded goal: they were "anxious to exert our best endeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principals of the Art" and were keen "to separate Freemasonry from Tavern and other associations of like character". This was an effort to elevate the "social status of the Masonic art". In fact, the founders promised that "no part of the Lodge Funds shall be appropriated for any other purpose than may appertain to the benefit of the said Lodge, or to Charity, or Masonic purposes generally and that no monies belonging to the said Lodge, shall be spent in taverns, or for refreshment". The recommendation supporting their petition even noted that the new Lodge would "improve the morale of the Order, by removing it from the association of Taverns". The Eclectic Lodge was, initially, a Temperance Lodge! Sadly, this strict rule did not last. When the Lodge ceased to be Temperance and allowed the use of liquor at banquets, founder Joshua Nunn walked out and never visited the Lodge again. Meetings and Fees in the Early Years From 1868 to 1878, the Lodge met monthly and initiated no less than 84 candidates. By 1909, the annual subscription was raised from 2 guineas to 3 guineas. For a sense of scale, the cost of an Installation Banquet ticket was 1 guinea, which included oysters, wines, ci**rs, and cigarettes—quite an expensive meal in those days!

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60 Great Queen Street
London
WC2B5AZ

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