The dedicated Lodge for Coldstream and surrounding area.
The Lodge
Lodge St John 280 remains the dedicated Lodge for Coldstream and the surrounding area. With good relationships with other Lodges in the Borders under the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders. Ultimately, in fealty with the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Headquartered in Edinburgh.
Scotland has much to be proud of as it was the origin of the Masonic Order and has reached the four corners of the habitable globe. St John’s has attracted members from not only the local area of Coldstream but further afield in England and even the Low Countries of Europe.
To be maintained we wish to welcome new members who have felt they needed something of value and supportive in their lives. There is a comprehensive masonic library, a learning programme and potential to contribute to the wider masonic influence for good in society and in our families.
Whilst not everyone is suited to membership, you will be made most welcome to seek us out and have informal chat with a brother Freemason. Partners are essential to our success and we would be please to welcome them into our socials and public events within Coldstream. So, make the most of your opportunities and come along seek us out and ask what you want. Bring the partner and perhaps find yourself a new direction into the fellowship of kindred minds.
The lodge meets from September to April on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
This is the What and Why Coldstream Freemasonry
From 1486 to now
Why do we have Freemasons in Coldstream?
There has been Freemasons in Coldstream for many years, indeed the oldest record of Freemasonry in Scotland goes back to around 1486. It is originally a Scottish idea going back to the building of St Nicholas Kirk in Aberdeen. It is reasonable that the many workmen involved were from all over the country and had some knowledge of the Craft to bring home to the Borders.
What are Freemasons doing?
It is not a short answer, but the key points are as follows. We gain knowledge of the Arts and Sciences throughout our masonic journey. This makes us develop ourselves to be of better service to our family, society, and each other.
We practice, what may be seen as short plays, these we call rituals. The content is a simple story of progress through life, learning to trust and appreciate that the world is a rich place of learning. On a deeper level we learn about ourselves and look to each other for ideas and fellowship on the way of knowledge.
There are many books about Freemasonry, but we do not promote rumours, secrets, or fanciful ideas. We leave this to those who don’t know anything. However, if we are asked with give an honest answer. It is best always to speak to one who really knows something.
We contribute to society in supporting others in need and not to forget our widows and orphans.
Who are you men?
We must point out that there are Women’s Lodges in the United Kingdom and are very successful. However, here in Coldstream we are a mans Lodge. May of us still work for a living, support local interest and live our lives amongst you. Those of us retired ‘Gentlemen’ are still active and appreciate the human contact and work with some energy in promoting this wonderful Order. An Order no doubt it is as from antiquity it has attracted Princes and Kings to its ranks. Our last King George VI was a Master Mason in the village near Balmoral.
Coldstream has attracted members from across the border in England and also from the Continent of Europe. We are quite a mixed group.
How do you find out more?
If you are really interested, you may approach a brother via the contact details on the web page. Or if you are reluctant to do so look up the books by Robert Lomas, Tony Baker, Christopher Hodapp, and Margaret Jacob to name a few. Lewis Masonic publishers and Amazon are good sources.
When do we meet and how often?
Usually, once a month in Duke Street. We do meet to practice our ceremonies and hold business meetings but for the most part once a month. The meetings take between 2 and 5 hours depending on the content. More will be explained if you contact us.
We also visit other Lodges as a large or small group. We have travelled as far as Pontefract and as near as the Lodge of the Scottish Borders. These are not compulsory. Nothing is but by personal choice and friendship.
What is Freemasonry
Our location
Contact us
Address
Coldstream, 2 Duke Street, Coldstream, TD12 4, United Kingdom
EMAIL
sec.stjohn280@gmail.com