Welcome to Andover Combined Services Lodge
In the Masonic Province of Hampshire & Isle of Wight
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About Us
Who are we?
What is Freemasonry?
Who are we?
Andover Combined Services Lodge is one of 5 Lodges who meet at the Keystone Hall in East Street, Andover.
Originally founded in 1969, the Andover Combined Services Lodge has a mixed membership consisting of serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and like-minded civilians. This mix of members means that the lodge has a military et
Andover Combined Services Lodge is one of 5 Lodges who meet at the Keystone Hall in East Street, Andover.
Originally founded in 1969, the Andover Combined Services Lodge has a mixed membership consisting of serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and like-minded civilians. This mix of members means that the lodge has a military ethos, but without being overly regimental.
The Lodge meets formerly 7 times a year (March, April, May, September, October, November and December) Our meetings always consist of a ceremony, followed by a dinner which usually finishes by 10.30pm.
Andover Combined Services Lodge’s busy social calendar recognises the importance that wives, partners, friends and families play, and we have several evenings throughout the year where we encourage them to also attend, including dinner nights (usually with dancing), Christmas dinner and a Burns Night. Other lodges in the Centre and across the country also have similar events and members of Andover Combined Services Lodge, and their family and friends can attend those events too – we really do aim to build lifelong friendships!
Our History
What is Freemasonry?
Who are we?
Freemasonry arrived in Andover with the establishment of Saint Hubert Lodge No. 1373, which was consecrated on the 30th December 1871. The Royal Gloucester Lodge No. 130 of Southampton sponsored the Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master, William Beach, who also happened to be the M.P. for North Hampshire, submitted the petition to Grand
Freemasonry arrived in Andover with the establishment of Saint Hubert Lodge No. 1373, which was consecrated on the 30th December 1871. The Royal Gloucester Lodge No. 130 of Southampton sponsored the Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master, William Beach, who also happened to be the M.P. for North Hampshire, submitted the petition to Grand Lodge. As Freemasonry flourished in Andover, Saint Hubert Lodge sponsored Anton Lodge No. 6953, which was consecrated on the 28th February 1950 and subsequently Norman Gate Lodge No. 8116, was consecrated on the 22nd November 1966 becoming a daughter Lodge of Anton. Ariel Lodge No. 8166, which was consecrated on the 16th May 1967, is connected with the Panmure group of Lodges due to its connections with the Army and is a later ‘generation’ of Lodges associated with Panmure Lodge No. 723 of Aldershot.
The genesis for Andover Combined Services Lodge came about from discussions between Brothers, Tinsley and Adams, to form a Lodge especially for serving and ex-serving members of HM Armed Forces to address two main problem areas:
· The difficulties faced by servicemen stationed in and around Andover in becoming a member of any Lodge, and;
· The length of time it took for them to progress in Masonry due to interruptions because of career postings.
In due course, Norman Gate agreed to sponsor the new Lodge, Andover Combined Services Lodge No. 8300, however, it is considered to be a ‘standalone’ or 'Services’ Lodge. The choice of ‘Combined’ rather than ‘United’ in the Lodge title is intended to reflect the individuality of the Services; the duty to the Sovereign and Country, which is the underlying foundation no matter which Service a Brother is a member of, may have belonged to, and places all the Services on an equal footing of importance. Also, in times of need the Services and Masonry follow a similar line of principles, God, Sovereign, Country and Brother.
It was agreed that the Officers of the new Lodge would be appointed into progressive Offices in strict order of seniority according to their date of Initiation and that every Officer appointed who was subsequently posted would, on his return to the Lodge, be considered for appointment to the next higher Office. Although membership is now open to all gentlemen considered suitable, in reflecting the aims of the Founders, preference is still given to Members of and Former Members of the Armed Forces of the Crown.
Following several meetings in 1969 a petition for the new Lodge was submitted and a Warrant issued on the 10thSeptember that year. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, P. H. R. Evans, duly consecrated the Lodge on Tuesday 4th November 1969 assisted by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master A. L. E. Ormond, in what must have been a colourful ceremony in the Andover Guildhall which was attended by 177 Brethren; it was followed by a Consecration Dinner at the Rothsay Hotel Weyhill. Of note, Mess Dress and miniature medals may still be worn by entitled Brethren on nights of Installation.
[1] Taken from The Provincial ‘Freemasonry in Hampshire and Isle of Wight’ 1991 by F D Laugharne, PPGReg
Grand Lodge 1717 – 1967. University Press Oxford 1967
What is Freemasonry?
What is Freemasonry?
Why Become a Freemason?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest non political, multi-faith, charitable, fraternal societies of men who are concerned with social, moral and spiritual values. Members are expected to be of good character and to maintain an honest and moral approach to their lives. Self-knowledge and a respect for others is taught through participa
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest non political, multi-faith, charitable, fraternal societies of men who are concerned with social, moral and spiritual values. Members are expected to be of good character and to maintain an honest and moral approach to their lives. Self-knowledge and a respect for others is taught through participation in a progression of two-part dramas which follow ancient forms and use the traditional customs and tools of the Stonemason as symbolic guides.
There are as many reasons for becoming a Freemason as there are members, everyone is different. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances, for others it’s about being able to help deserving causes but for most, it is an enjoyable hobby in the company of similarly minded people drawn from every walk of life.
Why Become a Freemason?
Want to know more about joining?
Why Become a Freemason?
Throughout 300 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
Want to know more about joining?
Want to know more about joining?
Want to know more about joining?
First off it’s not secret. It is really very simple.
All you need to do is email our Lodge Membership Officer using the link at the bottom of this section.
He will help guide you through your first enquiry towards becoming a member of our Lodge.
Typically, he will arrange to meet you locally, to get to know a bit more and to answer any que
First off it’s not secret. It is really very simple.
All you need to do is email our Lodge Membership Officer using the link at the bottom of this section.
He will help guide you through your first enquiry towards becoming a member of our Lodge.
Typically, he will arrange to meet you locally, to get to know a bit more and to answer any questions you may have.
The next stage is often an invitation to one of our Lodge Social Evenings where you can meet more members of the Lodge and see who we are, what we do and how you feel about it. If you think we’re the kind of people you would like to join, then the next step is equally straight forward. As with most organisations there is an application form to complete and once this has been processed, there will be a short meeting with a few members of the Lodge.
If accepted, the Lodge Secretary will then write to you with a date for you to join.