NEWS AND EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Meet OA Lodge
January 2025
OA Lodge is now offering regular meetings with prospective candidates at Ashwell House.
It is also an informal and relaxed opportunity for those who simply want to know more about Freemasonry or are already considering joining a Lodge - at OA's or elsewhere.
Use the MEETINGS link for details of these introductory events.
Hertfordshire Lodge's Charitable Giving
January 2025
The Masonic Charitable Trust is the body co-ordinating the charitable achievements of Lodges in England (and elsewhere).
The total raised Nationally in 2023/24 was £26.4 millions.
The MCF annual report can be seen here and the Hertfordshire summary is here.
OA Lodge is proud to have been a part of this and will continue to support both local and national charities as one of our core activities.
Annual Carol Service at St Stephens Church
December 2024
OA OV and Park Street Lodge celebrated Christmas with their family and friends at the annual lessons and carols service.
A splendid start to the Christmas season and a good amount raised for Local Charities.
A Fourth Generation Mason
November 2024
OA Lodge held a very special initiation in November. He is a third generation Lewis and the fourth generation of his family to join the lodge.
He is honouring a family tradition where his Great Grandfather helped found the lodge in 1928 and his Grandfather and his Uncle have both been Masters of the lodge.
We look forward to his progression in future years.
Double Initiation
October 2024
OA Lodge held a twinned meeting with the Old Verulamians lodge. Both lodges had candidates for Initiation and the two were completed in sequence with the final part of their ceremonies conducted alongside each other.
Its a rare event for two people from different lodges to be initiated together and after this introduction to Freemasonry it seems likely that our two candidates will become lifelong friends.
Father and Son Event
September 2024
OA Lodge visited the Old Berkhamsteadians who were initiating the son of the Master of the Lodge.
Sons who join their Father's Lodge are known as a "Lewis". And a Lewis is also a gadget that since ancient Egyptian times has been used by real world masons to lift heavy blocks of stone.
Visit to Bishop Edward Story Lodge
July 2024
The delegation from the OA's were pleased to support the Bishop Edward Story Lodge 8256 in Chichester for the Installation of their new Worshipful Master.
A lodge with an interesting history, a very enjoyable meeting with a dinner attended by more than 60 members and guests.
Visit to Grove Park Lodge
May 2024
A picture from the Installation Meeting of Grove Park Lodge 2732 at Cheshunt, where W.Bro. Ian Parker (OA) was installed as the new Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
We were fortunate to have the Provincial Junior Grand Warden, Alan Reid in attendance
Installation meeting at School
April 2024
We celebrated our return to the School for the first meeting in many years for the installation of a new Master; the lodge being well attended with Provincial hierarchy and many guests.
We went on afterwards to a joint meeting with the Old Verulamians lodge where a new candidate was initiated. This additional event increased the attendance to over 60 masons.
A very busy and enjoyable day and one to mark in our diaries as a new beginning with School.
Talk at Ashwell House
March 2024
High Stone Lodge No 4498, where an OA is a member and Past Master of the Lodge, received a very interesting talk from the Provincial Grand Orator, Bob Cordery, entitled "Rabbie Burns, the Masonic Poet".
High Stone Lodge is a thriving lodge and celebrated its Centenary last year.
Visit to Stebonheath Lodge 5521
March 2024
Old Albanian lodge was represented at a meeting of this specialist Lodge for Brother Masons interested in studying the history of warfare and genocide.
On this occasion a lecture on the Second Great Fire of London was delivered to the meeting.
They can be contacted via the Stebonheath Twitter page.
Visit to Temperantia Lodge 2854
February 2024
This was a white table event open to Masonic partners. The Worshipful Master, who is an RAF Regiment veteran, gave a very interesting lecture on his time serving in Iraq.
The lodge ritual was paused for the lecture so that non masons could join us and hear it.
Joint OA and OV Curry Night
January 2024
On 24th January we held a post Christmas gathering / Curry Night at Dildar2 in Wheathampstead.
Twenty three Old Albanians, Old Verulamians and several guests enjoyed a great midweek night out.
The food was superb, service excellent and the company, well, that goes without saying. I am sure we'll be going again soon.
Visit to Singapore - Horsburgh Lodge 7533
December 2023
Old Albanian lodge was represented at a meeting of this relatively new lodge (founded in 2016). A good example of the widespread worldwide fraternity that is freemasonry.
Horsburgh Lodge is thriving and already has a track record of supporting charitable causes throughout Singapore.
2023 Lessons and Carol Service
December 2023
OA Lodge Members attended this annual Carol Service alongside members from Old Verulamians 7988 and Park Street 8556 Lodges.
A traditional Christmas service of six lessons with Carols at the delightful historic church of St Stephen's. The lessons were read by lodge members to a congregation of their friends and families. Carols sung with gusto, accompanied by the OV Lodge organist.
The event also donated nearly £300 to St Steven's Church.
Visit to Manor of Bosham Chapter 6297
October 2023
OA Lodge Members attended a Royal Arch Chapter meeting with
Manor of Bosham 6297.
A well attended meeting where we saw the workings of their order with the installation of one of their officers.
Visit to Berkhampstead Chapter No504
October 2023
OA Lodge Members attended a Royal Arch Chapter meeting with Berkhampstead 504.
A well attended meeting where we saw the "exultation" of a new companion to their order.
An interesting and enjoyable event.
Twinning with OV's
October 2023
OA Lodge "Twinned" with the Old Verulamians , also based in St Albans.
Our meetings are now bigger and better than ever!
Federation of School Lodges
August 2023
OA Lodge Members attended the FSL 75th Anniversary Meeting.
The event saw the gathering of nearly 50 school lodges from across England and Wales, with over 160 masons, friends, and family in attendance.