As part of our recruitment initiative it was agreed that we should try and publicise the lodge to mark 200 years since it's initial warrant was issued on 8th March 1810.

Using information from our historian, the lodge's Assistant Director of Ceremonies contact the Herald Express to ask if they would run an article on this historic event. It was noted that there was going to be a public coffee morning on Saturday 6th March 2010 for members of the public to view the lodge and find out more about freemasonry in general. The article was printed in that Thursday's Herald Express and you can read a copy of the actual article here - Public invited to celebrate Masons' 200th anniversary.

On the Saturday morning several brethren gathered at the lodge to prepare the refreshements and information. At this point nobody knew if the event would be well attended or just a gathering of several brethren drinking coffee.

During the course of the morning we had approximately 60 - 70 attendees, including the Provincial Grand Master and his wife, several visiting brethren, members from St John's Lodge and a good number of the general public who were curious about freemasonry. Guided tours of the temple were given along with explanations about freemasonry and its charitable aspects.

One couple saw the sign, advertising the coffee morning, outside the lodge and made a point to attend as they walk past the lodge on a very regular basis and never knew what it was. Most people were impressed by the lodge and how large the building was compared to its deceptively small facade from the street.

Everybody who assisted enjoyed themselves and potentially we have a joining member and a candidate.

Read the original Herald Express article.