St John’s Lodge
Lodge Number: 601
Wellington, Telford
Address
The Masonic Hall
Constitution Hill Wellington, Telford TF1 3AY
Meeting Date
First Friday in month October to April (Except Jan)
Installation Date
December
Lodge Secretary
Contact the Lodge secretary
Lodge Profile
St John’s Lodge is the third oldest Lodge in the Masonic Province of Shropshire, and the oldest outside Shrewsbury, being warranted by the United Grand Lodge of England on 27 April 1852. Our regular lodge meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Constitution Hill, Wellington, TF1 3AY on the first Friday evening of October, November, December, February, March and April.
St John’s is a powerful Lodge name, as the two St Johns (the Baptist and the Evangelist) are highly regarded in symbolic Freemasonry, marking the two solstices and looking both forwards and back. Each year in December we Install a new Worshipful Master into the Chair of King Solomon, and both he and his predecessor wear items of jewelry unique to this Lodge, to commemorate Worshipful Brothers Anslow and Eyton, who gave great service to the Lodge over 150 years ago. This reminds us of our long and glorious history and our responsibility to continue their good work in our modern age and into the future.
Those who have researched “regular” Freemasonry will know that we are a society dedicated to moral improvement; of our members in particular, and society in general. Whilst all men are flawed, we pursue Virtue aided by the true “secrets” of Freemasonry. Our Grand Principles of brotherly love, relief and truth lead us to support each other and our families, but we extend that assistance to the fellowship of man (and women). As a society we are renowned for our charitable giving and St Johns Lodge is proud to play its part in this effort. We are not a religious or political organization; indeed, the discussion of politics and religion are forbidden at our meetings.
St Johns membership comprises individuals of a variety of backgrounds and ages. We have a strong presence from Telford’s engineering and manufacturing businesses, as well as the local farming community, construction, the service sector and the professions. We value our diversity and are proud to be considered a relaxed, welcoming, warm and friendly Lodge. We forge strong bonds by working together and supporting each other to achieve our best. We value effort over accomplishment and take pride in the sincerity as well as the quality of our work.
Our regular meetings usually begin at 6pm and after each meeting we share a meal (known as a Festive Board), where we socialise and enjoy good food, good company, good humour and a glass of beer or wine. We usually end at about 10pm (although some stay later). Our dress code is dark suit, white shirt, black or masonic tie, and black shoes.
Members are encouraged to attend all regular meetings and may choose to participate in various “workshops” and committees. In addition, we hold several social events each year including a ‘White Table’ evening for prospective members and their partners to gain an insight into Masonic life. We also hold a Ladies’ Night Party, to thank our Ladies for their support throughout the year, and a summer BBQ. Non-Masons are often invited to attend.
We are a small close-knit Lodge, but we are happy to receive enquiries from any man of 21 years or older, who is of good character and believes in a Supreme Being; regardless of his religion, ethnic or social background. However, we expect candidates for initiation to commit to regular attendance at Lodge, as well as a meaningful contribute to the life and work of the Lodge and Freemasonry in general. We would also welcome existing Freemasons who are looking to join a Shropshire Lodge - visit us to see if we are right for you. St John’s Lodge only admits male candidates; however we are happy to discuss Freemasonry with female candidates and to assist them in joining a Ladies’ Lodge.