Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies. The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies are to do with moral values. We believe that in applying these values to our lives we become better, more rounded characters.
This Lodge was founded in 1920 and continues in good strength today. We hosted the Millennium Festival of the Public School Lodges Council at the School, which was attended by some five hundred people who had an exceptional day in Chapel, Big School and in marquees on the Upper Hundred.
We meet three times a year in London and once at the School. We have about forty members of all ages and from all houses who all enjoy the fellowship and philosophy of Freemasonry. The principal focus of our charitable activities is the School (we give an annual 'Gap Year' Bursary) and young persons. The Worshipful Master is Roger Hedley-Jones and our Wardens are Dominic Haworth (FH 1995-2000) and Drummond Abrams (SH 1947-1950). Although Roger is not an OT (he went to Repton) he qualifies through his very close connection with the School for almost all his life. His father Vernon was a master at the school from 1944 to 1971, Housemaster of Manor House from 1956 to 1971, and on his retirement was Second Master. He was Master of the Lodge in 1963. Roger's son Timothy was in Smythe from 1981-1986.
All OTs and members of the school staff are eligible to join the OT Lodge.
If you are interested, whether already a Freemason or not, please contact the Secretary, David McClure Fisher (PS 1952-57), 1 Wargrave Hall, High Street, Wargrave, RG10 8DA (Tel: 0118 940 1421; email: david@mcclure-fisher.co.uk) for further details.
If any Tonbridgians going up to Oxford or Cambridge are interested in becoming Freemasons, there are Lodges connected with both universities. For details please contact the Secretary.