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Formed in 1915, the aims and objectives of the Somerset Masters' Lodge which
have evolved over many years, are intended to: "Encourage interest in all
aspects of Freemasonry, by arranging visits from a wide range of distinguished
guest speakers, by promoting discussions, debate, and Masonic research, as well
as encouraging the production of papers on all kinds of Masonic subjects. To
also provide opportunities for bringing together Masters in Office, Past
Masters, Rulers of the Craft in Somerset as well as officers of the Province,
enabling all to regularly meet in an informal and relaxed atmosphere".
The lodge publishes annually its "Transactions", a booklet distributed free to
all members. This provides a wealth of detailed articles of Masonic interest,
history and research on all aspects of Freemasonry, lodges, rituals, and
significant Masonic events, as well as providing a record of the lodge's
activities during the year.
A unique, but important feature of the Somerset Masters' Lodge is that of offering
a regular opportunity for Masters in Office and Past Masters from throughout the
Province to come together, allowing them to continue and renew those many
acquaintances acquired during their year of office. The lodge also enables
members to meet informally with Provincial Rulers of Somerset Freemasonry,
senior Provincial Officers and those who administer the Province, facilitating
an excellent means of getting to know each other, thereby encouraging greater
mutual exchange of views and information.
Being an Installed Masters Lodge, it does not of course initiate candidates, and
only the senior offices of the lodge are progressive. To promote it's aim of
bringing Masters in office, past Masters and senior officers of the Province
together, the lodge has adopted the custom of generally appointing in
alternate years, a Past Master to progress to the chair who is
considered to have made a significant contribution to the lodge, and/or to
Somerset Freemasonry in general, or has shown exceptional support including a
sustained period of regular attendance. In each intervening year, a Senior
Officer or Ruler of the Province is usually appointed to progress to the
chair, so that a mix of some of the most distinguished brethren from throughout
the Province receive the ultimate honour of taking the chair of the Somerset
Masters lodge.
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Building upon it's established role, the lodge will in future be holding it's
meetings at various locations throughout the Province, and some will be by day
and others in the evening, which it is intended will enable even more renewed
friendships to be fostered, and even greater participation in it's activities.
Regular meetings are currently held twice a year in February and
October, with an additional summer meeting, this year (2003) held in May. The
Installation of the Master and investiture of officers takes place in February,
when traditionally the Master presents a Masonic paper on a topic of his choice.
The October meeting includes elections for the forthcoming year, which are
usually followed by a presentation, which might be for example by an invited
speaker or by a visiting demonstration team. Each year, the Worshipful Master
arranges a summer outing to which all members, their families and guests are
welcome.
The recently inaugurated May meeting - "The Installed Masters
Meeting", is an occasion when Masters in Office throughout the Province are
invited and formally welcomed as guests of honour. A presentation from the
winner of the annual Kenneth Kinnersley Lecture is received, followed by an
address by the Provincial Grand Master on "The State of the Craft". Time
permitting we end with a short discussion period. Prior to the Festive Board, an
informal period provides an opportunity for Provincial Officers and all present
to meet and to get to know one another.
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There are two kinds of membership. "The Correspondence Circle" is
open to Masters, past Masters and also Master Masons. They receive summonses,
may attend lodge meetings, take part in discussions and debates on Masonic
papers and presentations, receive annually a copy of the "Transactions"
publication, and (by arrangement with the WM) introduce papers on Masonic
subjects themselves. These members are not able to vote, take part in management
of the lodge or hold office, for which it is necessary to transfer to "full
membership". No joining fee is required and the subscription is only £12.50 per
year. The joining procedure is extremely simple, election being unnecessary, and
requiring only the sponsorship of any member, or your own lodge Secretary or W.
Master.
"Full membership" - Those taking office of any kind in the lodge
must transfer from C.C. membership, which is also available to those who prefer
it as an alternative to C.C. This requires the usual formalities necessary upon
becoming a joining member of a lodge, and there is a joining fee of £2 and
annual subscription of £25. 00.
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