Good Morning Brethren & Companions, As Chairman of the Hall Management Committee, I would like to wish you all a very Happy, Peaceful, Prosperous, and above all a Healthy New Year. I would also like to thank you sincerely for all the support you have given over the past year for the different functions, events, […]
A Happy and Healthy New Year to All Read Post »
We often speak of a moral compass, and it is easy to picture it as something that points, something that tells us where to go. But in Freemasonry, the Compasses are not magnetic. They do not point north. They do not direct us outward. They are geometric. And that distinction matters. A magnetic compass seeks
The Geometric compass and the Moral bound Read Post »
To the Brethren who strive, even when the task is demanding. Those who bear their duties with quiet dignity, seeking neither applause nor acknowledgement. Those who choose the path of self-improvement, one day at a time, understanding that transformation is not a single revelation but the patient accumulation of choices made in the right direction.
Merry Christmas (Eve) From All Good Men of Lodge 281 Read Post »
The Brother who called his boss the wrong name for five years and owns a piece of football history Meet Rich Brown, a self-described curious soul from the Maiden City with a sense of humour sharp enough to defuse any tense situation. From sitting next to Alex Higgins at his first football match to owning
Friday’s Child: Rich Brown Read Post »
Last night’s Rickety Wheel event will go down as one of our most successful and memorable evenings yet. From the moment our doors opened, it was clear we were in for something special – a full house of enthusiastic guests, all eager to support the lodge and enjoy a fantastic night of community spirit and
A Night to Remember: Rickety Wheel Event Brings Community Together Read Post »
The Collision of Worlds Let me tell you what most people think when they hear “Freemasonry and technology” in the same sentence: they picture elderly gentlemen in aprons reluctantly learning to use email, perhaps grudgingly maintaining a website that looks like it was designed in 1997, all whilst clinging desperately to dusty traditions nobody understands
Freemasonry’s Digital Revolution: Ancient Wisdom Confronts the Algorithm Read Post »
The Question of Relevance “What’s the point of Freemasonry in 2025?” It’s a fair question. In an age where you can order dinner, find a date, and learn quantum physics all from your phone, what possible use is a three-hundred-year-old organisation with rituals, regalia, and rather a lot of ceremony? Isn’t it just an outdated
The Role of Freemasonry in Modern Society: Why Ancient Wisdom Still Matters Read Post »
As the winter nights draw in and the festive season approaches, there is no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by gathering with friends and neighbours for an evening of traditional music and community fellowship. The St. Johnston Masonic Hall Management Committee is delighted to announce that their Annual Community Carol Service is
Festive Spirit Returns to St. Johnston: Annual Community Carol Service Read Post »
6th November 2025 – The White Horse Hotel, Campsie, Londonderry There’s something profoundly moving about witnessing the peaceful transfer of authority within an ancient institution. On Thursday, 6th November 2025, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal gathered at the White Horse Hotel in Campsie for a stated communication that would mark both continuity
A Historic Evening: Provincial Grand Lodge Installation 2025 Read Post »
From Dublin Docks to Continental Courts: How Irish Freemasons Built Europe’s Most Influential Brotherhood Picture this: a cold evening in a French garrison town, 1745. An Irish officer enters an unfamiliar tavern, far from home, surrounded by strangers. He makes a peculiar gesture, offers an unusual handshake, and suddenly doors open. Within hours, he has
How Irish Freemasons Built Europe’s Most Influential Brotherhood Read Post »
The Crisis of Atomisation and the Ancient Solution Let me tell you something about modern Ireland that you already know but perhaps haven’t articulated clearly: we are more “connected” than ever before, yet we are desperately, catastrophically alone. We’ve got our smartphones, our social media feeds, our ability to communicate instantly with anyone anywhere.
The Festive Board: Order, Meaning, and Brotherhood Read Post »
Welcome Back: Building on the Personal In our previous blog, we explored the personal benefits of Irish Freemasonry—how membership transforms individuals through moral teaching, brotherhood, and skill development. We established that Freemasonry isn’t some shadowy conspiracy (disappointing, I know) but rather a fraternal organisation dedicated to making good men better. Now, let’s broaden our perspective.
Irish Freemasonry’s Legacy – Heritage, Charity, and Leadership Read Post »
A Rather Splendid Introduction to Irish Freemasonry Now, I realise that when most people hear the word “Freemasonry,” they immediately conjure up images of shadowy figures in peculiar aprons muttering incomprehensible oaths in darkened rooms. (Hollywood has rather a lot to answer for, I’m afraid.) But I’m here to tell you something rather more interesting
The Personal Benefits of Irish Freemasonry – What Membership Offers You Read Post »
This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting one of Ireland’s most historically significant Masonic buildings – the Freemasons’ Hall at 25 Bishop Street, Londonderry. What began as a simple fraternal visit became an extraordinary journey through nearly 1,500 years of religious and Masonic history, guided by knowledgeable brethren who brought each room’s unique
A Journey Through History: My Visit to the Bishop Street Freemasons’ Hall, Londonderry Read Post »
Friday, September 5th, 2025 – St Johnston Masonic Hall What an absolutely fantastic evening we had at our Hog Roast! The St Johnston Masonic Hall was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the wonderful spirit of community that makes our lodge so special. A Feast Fit for Kings The evening got off to a perfect start
A Night to Remember: Lodge 281’s Spectacular Hog Roast Read Post »
