Ramsgate Masonic Centre will be opening its doors to the public on January 7 to provide an insight into the country’s oldest fraternity.
The Royal Navy Lodge is based at the masonic centre on the corner of St Luke’s Avenue/Hardres Street (opposite the children’s play area in Boundary Park). Its has some 40 members and includes people from a variety of professions including builders, lorry and taxi drivers, car specialists, public servants and self-employed / company directors.
Charity is a huge theme running through Royal Navy Lodge. Members support many local and national charities through either fundraising events or personal donations.
Freemasonry in England was formally established in England 1717, but there is evidence that unregulated Freemasonry existed many years before this date.
As an organisation it has survived 56 Prime Ministers, 12 Monarchs and countless wars. Today the Masons are one of the largest charity providers in the UK, after the national lottery.
Lodge member Nigel Mann said: “ For many years Freemasonry has perhaps been viewed by conspiracy theorists as a secret society that promotes nepotism amongst its members and seeks to influence the various institutions that govern our lives.
“The reality of course is completely different, no-one is trying to take over the world from an old church hall in Ramsgate .
“We hope our Open Day will help dispel some myths, show off the good work that we do, both charitably and pastorally – we find that the camaraderie within is a significant benefit to our members mental health – and may inspire others to make a New Year’s Resolution to do likewise.”
The Lodge will be open for visitors on January 7 from 11am to 3pm. Entrance is free but people are asked to book via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masonic-centre-open-day-tickets-413452646997
