Every Festive Board tells a story. For 265 years, Lodge 281 St Johnston has gathered its Brethren around the table on the banks of the River Foyle, sharing food alongside fellowship. This year, that story found a new form: a cookbook. Why We Wrote It Recipes rarely get written down in a Lodge. They pass
From Temple to Table: The Story Behind Lodge 281’s Charity Cookbook Read Post »
Bro R Brown and W Bro T Milligan crossed the finish line in the recent half marathon, both under three hours, and raised valuable funds for BUMBLEance along the way. Lodge 281 could not be prouder. Thirteen miles is a serious test on its own. Add in months of training, early mornings, and
Half Marathon Heroes: Two Brothers, One Great Cause Read Post »
The much-loved Annual Hogg Roast Dinner & Entertainment Evening is returning to St. Johnston Masonic Hall on Friday 4th September 2026, promising another fantastic evening of great food, live music and good company. The event has proved extremely popular in previous years, and this year is already shaping up to be another busy night. In
Annual Hogg Roast Dinner & Entertainment Evening Returns to St. Johnston Read Post »
Thinking about joining a Masonic lodge but not sure what actually happens once you do? You’re not alone. Most men who approach Freemasonry have only a vague idea of what the first year looks like, and that uncertainty stops a lot of good men from ever asking the question. Here’s a straightforward look at what
What a New Member’s First Year Actually Looks Like Read Post »
Lodge 281 held its last communication of the season on Thursday the 25th of June. The brethren now go dark until after summer. Before the hall falls quiet, it’s worth a look back at the season that’s just closed. It was a busy one. A Morning That Set the Tone The season’s charity breakfast set
What Lodge 281 Got Done Before Going Dark Read Post »
The Hall Management Committee of St Johnston Masonic Lodge 281 are keeping the good times rolling this summer. Fresh off the success of June’s Steak BBQ and Dance, the next event is already locked in, and this one has a theme. Friday the 24th of July 2026. 7:30pm. Country and Western night at the hall.
Saddle Up: Lodge 281’s Country and Western Steak Night is Coming Read Post »
A Proper Night Out: Lodge 281’s Summer Steak BBQ and Dance Friday the 12th of June 2026 will be remembered as one of the best nights St Johnston Masonic Lodge 281 has hosted in recent years. The Summer Steak BBQ and Dance drew a full house to the Masonic Hall, and from the moment the
Full House, Full Plates: Lodge 281’s Summer Steak BBQ and Dance Read Post »
If you’ve spent any time at the coffee bar after a Lodge meeting recently, you’ve probably heard the jokes. Everyone asks the same thing: “So, where do you guys keep the secret treasure then?” or “Are you hiding theHoly Grail in the basement?” It’s all thanks to Dan Brown and his books. People love a
Separating the Craft from the Thriller: A Look at Dan Brown Read Post »
Some evenings are worth clearing your diary for. Friday 12th June is one of them. St Johnston Masonic Lodge 281 is hosting a Steak BBQ Night, and if you’re anywhere near St Johnston that evening, you should be there. Good Food, Live Music, Great Company The night kicks off at 8PM and runs till late.
A Proper Night Out: Lodge 281’s Steak BBQ Night, 12th June 2026 Read Post »
Lodge 281 Holds Its April Stated Communication at the Headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Ireland On Saturday, 25th April 2026, the Worshipful Master, Wardens, Officers, and Brethren of St John’s Masonic Lodge No. 281 St Johnston, Co. Donegal, made a journey that had not been undertaken in living memory. Together with their Wives and
This morning, Lodge 281 St Johnston opened its doors for one of the most rewarding events on our calendar. The annual charity breakfast brought the community together over a table of good food, good company, and a shared purpose. By the time the last cup of tea was poured, donations had reached close to £/€2000.
Nearly £/€2000 Raised at Our Annual Charity Breakfast Read Post »
There are evenings in the lodge room that go beyond the usual business of Freemasonry. Evenings where the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth stop being abstract ideals and become something entirely tangible. The recent cheque presentation to Pieta was one of those evenings. On 19th March 2026, Worshipful Brother Nigel Buchanan,
Lodge 281 St Johnston Presents €2,500 to Pieta in Support of Mental Health Services Read Post »
There’s a common misconception about Freemasonry. That it exists behind closed doors, concerned only with its own members and traditions. Walk into any meeting of Lodge 281 St Johnston, however, and you’ll quickly find a very different story. Freemasonry, at its heart, has always been about making good men better and making the communities around
Why Lodge 281 St Johnston Holds Public Events and Raises Money for Charity Read Post »
As we settle into 2026, I’m pleased to share what’s shaping up to be a wonderfully varied calendar of events for Lodge 281. Whether you’re a member planning your year ahead, a family member wondering what we get up to, or someone curious about what Masonic lodges actually do beyond our regular meetings, here’s what
Lodge 281’s 2026 Events Calendar: A Year of Fellowship, Charity, and Community Read Post »
An Invitation Across Lodges Last evening, I found myself driving to Harmony Lodge No. 63 for one of the most significant events in any Masonic lodge’s calendar: the installation of a new Worshipful Master. The invitation had arrived some weeks earlier from our very own Very Wors. Bro. Sam Waterworth, Secretary of Lodge 281, and
A Night at Harmony Lodge No. 63: Installation, Fellowship, and Irish Masonic Brotherhood Read Post »
