‘Lodge of St. Peter & Harmony 600’

   

This just in: Another special interest lodge in England devoted to the brethren’s enjoyment of real ale and craft beer will be launched Wednesday, March 2. But Lodge of St. Peter & Harmony 600 is not a new lodge by any means.

Inspired by how the Masonic Craft Beer Society revivified Horus Lodge 3155 in London, the brethren here are incorporating their Goose & Gridiron social club into their lodge. Harmony Lodge 600 dates to February 4, 1852. Lodge of St. Peter 6509 was warranted May 7, 1947. These lodges amalgamated December 11, 2002, continuing Masonic tradition in Bradford, Yorkshire.

The lodge will meet on the first Wednesdays of March, June, July, and October as a working lodge—making Masons, conducting usual business, and hosting festive boards. It simply will have this focus on the study and appreciation of real ales and craft beers. The lodge’s bar will be stocked accordingly, and the brethren will host speakers from area breweries for their enlightenment.

On one special upcoming day, they will charter a steam train to “socialize, enjoy local beers, and have a fish and chips supper, all whilst traveling up and down the line on a historic steam hauled train.”

Bravo! Vivat!

     

‘Raise your glass to Horus Lodge’

     

With all the gods of ancient Egypt that were connected to the brewing and drinking of beer, it’s unexpected how the Masonic Craft Beer Society would inherit Horus Lodge, but that’s how it shook out.

Named, warranted, and consecrated in 1906, the lodge met in various London neighborhoods before settling into Great Queen Street in 1942, according to Lane’s Masonic Records. Numbered 3155, the lodge is among the founders of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge and also is a Hall Stone Lodge.

The MCBS announced yesterday that Horus 3155 is now the official lodge of the society. Two meetings a year, on third Saturdays in May (Installation) and October (Regular Meeting), at Freemason’s Hall.

Membership is open to brethren from outside the United Grand Lodge of England (providing, of course, your grand lodge is in amity). Dues and fees, including dining fees, are stated here.

Every meeting shall feature the wares of a different craft brewery. Maybe they’ll be able to arrange something with these guys in California.

Courtesy MCBS

Best wishes to you, brethren! Vivat!

     

‘A Craft lodge for craft beer lovers?’

     

UPDATE: Click here.

I think it’s safe to say some Freemasons occasionally express some curiosity about beer, yes? There are even those who diligently pursue a practical knowledge! Possibly an atavistic impulse from our tavern days.

Why, in my own understanding of Masonic theory, the talk of the sheaf of grain above the waterfall is an allusion to the alchemy of beer-brewing itself. (I’m still trying to confirm that with the grand lecturer.)

The Masonic Craft Beer Society, located in the United Kingdom, began during the bleakest days of the pandemic last year when five Masons found each other in social media, and bonded over their appreciation for beers and ales. Today, they are joined by thousands more, and there now is talk of possibly establishing a lodge.

Where might such a lodge be set to labor (and called to refreshment)? I don’t know, but the MCBS gives a physical address in Torquay (which is the site of a certain mythical inn).

Read all about it here.

The Brother Junior Warden may have his hands full.