Old Ben Lodge — Shropshire Masons

Lodge Number: 9461
Shrewsbury

Address
Freemasons’ Hall
Crewe Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HQ

Meeting Date

Fourth Saturday in January
Third Saturday in March
Second Saturday in May and October

Installation Date
May

Lodge Secretary
Contact our Lodge Secretary at https://airtable.com/shrOA07V7ak1Y5nE4.

Lodge Profile

The Newsvendors’ Benevolent Institution, the news industry’s own charitable organisation, was established in 1835 during the era of Charles Dickens, who served as its President from 1854 to 1870. The institution (now known as NewstAid Benevolent Fund) manages homes for the elderly members of the news trade, with one such residence located near Newport, Shropshire. Additionally, it provides financial assistance during periods of need. It is fitting that one of its most distinguished Presidents was Charles Dickens, whose renowned novel “A Christmas Carol” concludes with a message of benevolence, and whose story has been adapted into a cinematic adaptation set in Shrewsbury.

The moniker “Old Ben” is derived from a Cockney abbreviation for the institution and has become an enduring label.

Mike Adams, a member of the charitable organisation, became aware that several of its members were Freemasons and believed it would be appropriate to establish a new Craft Lodge. A meeting was convened at Lilleshall on March 18, 1991, where Dr. Gordon Telford Haysey was elected chairman. At this meeting, it was resolved to submit a petition for the formation of a new Lodge.

Initially, it was proposed that the proposed Lodge convene in London. However, as the majority of support emanated from the Provinces of Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, it was ultimately determined that the most convenient location for its meeting would be Shrewsbury, owing to its well-developed rail network.

Furthermore, it was resolved that the Lodge would meet on a Saturday. The inaugural Chair of the new Lodge was the then Dr. Haysey, and his Secretary until 2001 was Mike Adams. He was subsequently succeeded by Peter Everall, the lodge’s first initiate.

Old Ben Lodge was originally established as a lodge for men engaged in the sale and distribution of newspapers, whether wholesale or retail. Subsequently, it was deemed unnecessary to have to be in that business, and today, the sole connection that many of the Lodge members share is that they delivered newspapers house-to-house from a local shop during their youth. Presently, our membership comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from craftsmen to medical professionals.

The emblem of the Lodge depicts the Good Samaritan, one of the parables from the Bible, which was the badge of the Newsvendors Benevolent Institution.

Old Ben Lodge convenes four times each year at Freemasons’ Hall in Crewe Street, on the fourth Saturday of January, the third Saturday of March, the second Saturday of May, and October. Meetings typically commence at 10:00 AM, during which business and ceremonies are conducted. These are followed by a luncheon (known as a Festive Board) from approximately 12:00 PM. Proceedings are usually concluded by about 2:00 PM. These arrangements have proven successful for those who are unable to attend meetings on weekday evenings, and we have occasionally held a breakfast meeting. Upon admission, members are permitted and encouraged to visit other lodges in Shropshire and beyond and to participate in social activities with their spouses, partners, and friends. A progression through the various offices of the lodge culminates in the position of Worshipful Master, although this is not obligatory, and members may progress at their own convenience.

Above are members of Old Ben enjoying a post-meeting dinner known as the Festive Board. On the right is our first initiate, Peter Everall.

Membership of Freemasonry is open to all men who profess a belief in a Supreme Being. However, it is a fundamental principle that religion and politics should not be discussed at Masonic meetings.

While our primary objective is to derive enjoyment from our membership as a hobby, it is crucial to remember that Freemasonry is one of the worlds’ oldest and largest fraternal organisations, known for its emphasis on moral and ethical teachings, who come together to engage in social activities, with Charity and Community service as our core DNA. Our Lodges engage in charitable activities, supporting various causes locally and nationally and provide aid to those in need. Local examples of this include donations to Old Ben Homes, Severn Hospice and Severn Community Charity. Prospective members must consider this aspect and be prepared to contribute to this aspect of the organisation.

For further information please contact us at https://shorturl.at/itkq3 or email the Secretary at oldbensec@gmail.com

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