A Personal Reflection on the UGLE Tour & New PGM Installation
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of touring the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) on the same day as the installation of the new Provincial Grand Master (PGM). This was a remarkable experience, as we were able to witness the grandeur of Freemasonry while also immersing ourselves in its rich history. The tour was conducted by Vinnie from UGLE and included about ten Fellowcraft (FC) and Entered Apprentice (EA) brethren.
Our journey began outside the museum, where we all gathered in anticipation of what lay ahead. The excitement among the brethren was palpable as we exchanged greetings and shared our expectations for the day. From there, we proceeded to the balcony overlooking the entrance to the Grand Temple. It was a spectacular sight to see the banners of the Buckinghamshire lodges and other provincial officers making their way into the Grand Temple for the installation ceremony. The sight of these historic banners and the dignified procession of officers emphasized the grandeur and deep-rooted traditions of our fraternity.
After taking in this impressive view, we commenced our official tour at the museum. The museum itself was an absolute treasure trove of Masonic history, filled with artifacts and documents that span centuries. Vinnie, our guide, provided a wealth of information, offering detailed explanations of various exhibits and answering all our questions with great enthusiasm. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of Freemasonry and how it has played a role in shaping history.
One of the most awe-inspiring pieces we encountered was the enormous ceremonial throne that was made in 1791 for the then-Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. The sheer size of the throne was staggering, reflecting the high stature of the Royal Grand Master it was made for. Seeing such a grand artifact in person truly deepened my appreciation for the longstanding traditions and regal connections within Freemasonry.
After an enriching time in the museum, Vinnie led us through the various rooms within UGLE. We began with our own Buckinghamshire Room, where we felt a sense of pride and belonging. It was inspiring to see a space dedicated to our province and its contributions to the Craft. Following that, we visited the Charity Room, which highlighted the incredible charitable work that Freemasonry has accomplished over the years. This room served as a reminder of one of our core principles—helping those in need.
Perhaps the most visually stunning of all the rooms we visited was the Egyptian Room. It was fascinating to see how different architectural and artistic influences have found their way into Masonic traditions and meeting places.
Overall, the tour was an enlightening experience. Every single brother present enjoyed the opportunity to explore UGLE, and we all left with a deeper appreciation for our fraternity’s history, traditions, and values. We are incredibly grateful to the Province for organizing such a remarkable experience and for considering us Fellowcraft and Entered Apprentice brethren in this event. It was not just a tour but an opportunity to connect with our Masonic heritage in a truly meaningful way.
I look forward to more such experiences that bring us closer to the heart of Freemasonry and allow us to appreciate its rich traditions even further. This tour was a day to remember, and I am sure it will remain a cherished memory for all of us who had the privilege of attending.
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
Our journey began outside the museum, where we all gathered in anticipation of what lay ahead. The excitement among the brethren was palpable as we exchanged greetings and shared our expectations for the day. From there, we proceeded to the balcony overlooking the entrance to the Grand Temple. It was a spectacular sight to see the banners of the Buckinghamshire lodges and other provincial officers making their way into the Grand Temple for the installation ceremony. The sight of these historic banners and the dignified procession of officers emphasized the grandeur and deep-rooted traditions of our fraternity.
After taking in this impressive view, we commenced our official tour at the museum. The museum itself was an absolute treasure trove of Masonic history, filled with artifacts and documents that span centuries. Vinnie, our guide, provided a wealth of information, offering detailed explanations of various exhibits and answering all our questions with great enthusiasm. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of Freemasonry and how it has played a role in shaping history.
One of the most awe-inspiring pieces we encountered was the enormous ceremonial throne that was made in 1791 for the then-Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. The sheer size of the throne was staggering, reflecting the high stature of the Royal Grand Master it was made for. Seeing such a grand artifact in person truly deepened my appreciation for the longstanding traditions and regal connections within Freemasonry.
After an enriching time in the museum, Vinnie led us through the various rooms within UGLE. We began with our own Buckinghamshire Room, where we felt a sense of pride and belonging. It was inspiring to see a space dedicated to our province and its contributions to the Craft. Following that, we visited the Charity Room, which highlighted the incredible charitable work that Freemasonry has accomplished over the years. This room served as a reminder of one of our core principles—helping those in need.
Perhaps the most visually stunning of all the rooms we visited was the Egyptian Room. It was fascinating to see how different architectural and artistic influences have found their way into Masonic traditions and meeting places.
Overall, the tour was an enlightening experience. Every single brother present enjoyed the opportunity to explore UGLE, and we all left with a deeper appreciation for our fraternity’s history, traditions, and values. We are incredibly grateful to the Province for organizing such a remarkable experience and for considering us Fellowcraft and Entered Apprentice brethren in this event. It was not just a tour but an opportunity to connect with our Masonic heritage in a truly meaningful way.
I look forward to more such experiences that bring us closer to the heart of Freemasonry and allow us to appreciate its rich traditions even further. This tour was a day to remember, and I am sure it will remain a cherished memory for all of us who had the privilege of attending.
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
