2nd Friday in February, March, April, May,
June, September, October, November
Beginning of Business year
Installation Meeting in March
Location
Address: The Cloisters, Barrington
Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3TH UK
The Tree of Life
Lodge Arbor Vitae is the Mother Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for
Men and Women, having left the Order of International Co-Freemasonry by
unanimous choice it carries that honour. Although there has always been a
Lodge for men and women in Letchworth for many years, the new
beginning brings a new emphasis and marks the Lodge as a young, enthusiastic
Lodge desirous of proving its teaching of freemasonry to the community at
large. Arbor Vitae holds an open meeting each year at which illustrations of
the masonic working and study can be seen. The members of the Lodge are
always ready to discuss freemasonry with serious minded persons who wish to
consider joining. A book of information on the precepts of the Order can be
obtained from the Grand Secretary who will assist candidates to meet with
senior members of the Lodge.
In 2013 Arbor Vitae Lodge will be celebrating 100 years in Letchworth
AN OPEN DAY _SUMMER 2008
The Lodge held an Open day at 2:30 pm in the summer (July)
Held at Vasanta Hall, Gernon Walk Letchworth Herts.
with talks by two members on the Masonic subjects (more details to follow
shortly) followed by a Question and Answer session.
The first talk was entitled 'The developing awareness of spiritual
evolvement' .The second talk is on the topic 'Masonry Today'.
In 2007 Michael and Hillary were married at a quiet ceremony. One Brother
was posted to Dhubai and a number of brethren were initiated/ passed on
behalf of Norwich Pioneer Lodge. .
A STALL AT THE SUMMER FAIR 2009
The Lodge held an Open Stall in the summer ( at the old
Rose Gardens Letchworth) where many interested visitors enquired about
Freemasonry.
ACTIVITY IN 2010
The Lodge was delighted to have seen their fellow brother Nicholas Ferrari
the Deputy Grand Master elected and Installed as the Grand Master of the
Order. There were no special events as the Lodge was under a cloud seeking new
premises with the impending end of the current leasehold tenure.
RELOCATION TO THE CLOISTERS 2011
Arbor Vitae Lodge have carried on their Masonic work in Letchworth Garden
City for 99 years under two jurisdictions and celebrate 10 years under the
Grand Lodge of Men and Women. It seems right that due to the landlord being
unwilling to extend the 99 years lease, the Lodge has moved to ‘The Cloisters’
an enchanting Arts and Crafts building created at the foundation of the garden
city in 1907 by Mrs Annie Lawrence a benefactress of new thought in education
and a theosophist among her many interests. The Cloisters is now devoted to
Masonic activities for Hertfordshire and the temple is an outstanding example
with over 1,500 members passing through its doors every year. The Cloisters is
hosting a Masonic ‘Open Day’ on 10th and 11th September 2011 with the main day
being Sunday 11th for visitors to explore the building and meet the many who
are Lodge members there. There will be an opportunity to express interest in
membership for those who find the activities there a friendly and welcome
opportunity to know more about ‘the craft’ said to have survived for thousands
of years taking legacy from the Egyptian and Greek mysteries among others.
The Lodge is pleased to have the frequent use of the newly furbished small
temple which was consecrated on 28th May by the ceremonial team of Grand
Officers and hope to enjoy many more years among other brethren of like mind.
On 28th May 2011 the Grand Officers and ceremonial team descended upon
Letchworth Garden City to Consecrate the small temple to formalise the move of
Arbor Vitae Lodge to ‘The Cloisters’ Masonic centre.
Arbor Vitae No.1 moved in March when the first Installation of the
Worshipful Master in the new location took place, in the Larger Grand Temple
attended by many visitors from the Order after which a splendid banquet was
enjoyed in the refectory which accommodates some 250 people.
The area has a strong historical thread of Masonic thought being on the
outskirts of Baldock built by the Knights Templar with a gift of Land from
William the Conqueror's Norman lord of Hertfordshire in the 11th Century. The
new location of the Lodge enjoys the merit of being an early 1907 Arts and
Crafts building of unique design and is invested with much symbolism by its
architect and its owner. The facilities are generously provided with male and
female cloakrooms, refectory, bar, temples and lodges of instruction rooms and
a substantial car park. Historically the building has been occupied by a
school of philosophy, adult teaching training centre, the war department, a
nursing home, and now a Masonic centre.
A STALL AT THE CLOISTERS OPEN DAY - 10-11th September 2011
Lodge Arbor Vitae No.1 and the many Lodges meeting at 'The Cloisters' will
be hosting an open day for public entry, when there will be an opportunity to
view the very interesting building and the temples. There will be stalls where
one can meet and discuss your questions with the members. There will also be a
tombola, and other light attractions. Visitors will be very welcome.
The Cloisters, Barrington Rd off Cloisters Road Letchworth
Herts SG6 3TH
LOCATION MAP
A map for visitor direction is shown below, Barrington Rd is at the top of
Cloisters Road off the Hitchin Road Letchworth SG6 3TH leaving at Junction 9 on the A1M. The
railway station is
10 minutes walk away in the town centre.
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