Category Archives: News

A Raising of new Master Mason

The day itself was one to remember; particularly by bro. Eric, who have been waiting patiently for this day to finally come. Though nervous, he went through this hallowed ceremony with dignity. Though a very personal ceremony, they were not alone, for they had the company of those brethren both lodge member and visitor alike watching over and guiding them, through a day that they will always remember.

“Help during the Pandemic!

Brethren, do not forget that our fraternity puts great store in its ability to help those in need, both our Masonic family and those outside who have fallen on difficult times.

Every Masonic lodge has an almoner whose role it is to ensure the wellbeing of its members and its local community.

As your Lodge Almoner I wish to remind you that my role is still active during this unprecedented time and if any of you wish to contact me I shall do my best to assist personally or by contact with those better able than I to help you.

Should you wish to ‘Go it alone‘ and that is absolutely fine, you can get contact details from the Provincial and Grand Lodge websites both of which can be accessed from the links on this, our own lodge website.

Stay safe, healthy and happy.

S & F

Ron

W. Bro Ron Parker P.Prov.S.G.D

Almoner, University of Birmingham Lodge 5628

A triple initiation

Another successful triple initiation was carried out at Severn St Masonic Temple this Saturday 18th February. The members at the University of Birmingham lodge once again navigated the logistical mine field of a triple initiation to pull off yet another memorable ceremony, welcoming three more entered apprentices to the lodges growing ranks.

Open Day

On the 30th of October, the Severn street masonic hall will be having a open day. This Open day, will be in partnership with Athol Lodge and will give a change for Uni students and the wider public to see inside one of Birmingham oldest masonic halls.

The University of Birmingham lodge, will have members at attendance at this events. This will be a chance for the public to learn about Freemasonry and learn more about the University of Birmingham lodge’s rich history as the University’s masonic lodge.   

Severn street masonic Hall

Initiation

On the 17th of February 2018, we had the honour of initiating bro. Erik Alexander Leon-Henneberg in the Univerity of Birmingham lodge no. 5628.

As always the master, wardens and officers of the lodge, conducted a flawless initiation and with the help of all involved pulled off a very memorable ceremony. Hopefully one that our newly made brother will, we hope look fondly on, as he proceeds down his masonic path.

HIGH FLYING PAST MASTERS

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On a day of crystal clear skies W.Bros.  Clive Neal-Sturgess (Secretary) and Ron Parker (IPM) left their lodge duties on the ground and took to the air.  The whole of the Province of Warwickshire lay beneath them as they cruised at 3500 feet.  Over the West Midlands safari park near Kidderminster a hard left turn saw the Malverns to the south, Herefordshire to the west and further afield the Welsh hills all poking their summits above the misty ground like little islands. The Worcestershire side was clear, still air, affording us the most comfortable of flights. Over the Malverns, past The British Camp and another left towards Stratford-on-Avon and home.  W.Bro Ron Parker has been flying light aircraft since 1987 and still finds the experience exhilarating. Clive has flown with Ron before but is more used to Business Class in an airliner than contorting himself into a 4 seater!

 

Installation 2016

 

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Saturday 17th of September 2016 saw the installation of W. Bro Robert Ashford on his 3rd time in the chair since joining the University of Birmingham. The installation meeting saw an excellent attendance from both University of Birmingham Lodge members and visitors alike. We were even lucky enough to to have the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Richard L Barker to open the lodge and witness the days proceedings.

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This meeting saw lodge member Bro. Patrick Galimpin ascend to the chair of Senior Warden, and Bro. Chidi Muorah ascend to the Junior Warden’s chair. The installation went smoothly thanks to the keen supervision of the senior members in attendance and the assistance of W.Bro Humberto Campos serving skillfully as Director of Ceremonies.

After the days proceedings were concluded, members and visitors retired for an enjoyable festive board in Severn Street’s historic dining room to welcome in the coming year.

Is This Goodbye?

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We had the final meeting of our 2014-2015 Masonic year on Saturday 18th April 2015, at which we performed a triple passing. We had 2 provincial guests one of whom, W.Bro Philip Hall, has just been promoted to Assistant PGM of Warwickshire and he will be installed for next season.

It wasn’t until after the lodge and excellent festive board had finished that we learnt that it may well be the last time the University of Birmingham Lodge meets at Stirling Road; as we were on our way to the car park we were informed that all lodges would probably have to vacate Stirling Road before September and go to their new homes.

The nearby Apollo Hotel on the Hagley Road has offered all orders meeting at Stirling Road the provision of a home and have been very accommodating it seems, although any move there is expected to be temporary. There are options within Birmingham near to commuter routes and rail station, Severn Street being only one.

We have yet to investigate all and decide upon our best option.

We will let you know where we finally lay our hat!

Initiation of a Master Mason

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The University of Birmingham Lodge 5628 enjoyed an unusual occasion when it initiated a man who was already a Master Mason.

Bro Adam Doveston is an Operative Mason and recognised all the working tools as those of his craft. He joined the lodge through the UGLE University Scheme, holds an Honours Degree in Construction Management and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

As well as Freemasonry Adam enjoys a variety of interests including Clay Pigeon shooting, History, travelling and Art. Unsurprisingly he also enjoys Architecture and Stone Carving (including taking part in the European Stone Festival), as well as good cigars and whiskey, and brewing his own beer and port!

All members are hoping that Adam will speak at one of their meetings about Operative Masonry and wish him the best of luck in the craft!