What is a Lodge?
The term ‘Lodge’ has two meanings in Freemasonry. Firstly, it is used to describe the place where meetings are held.
The second use of the term ‘Lodge’ refers to individual groups of Freemasons. A national structure evolved for the control of these Lodges and this has become known as the ‘Grand Lodge’.
All regular Grand Lodges are lineal descendants of what are known as the ‘Mother Grand Lodges’ - the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the Grand Lodge of Scotland - all three of which were established in the early seventeen hundreds.
Originally, the word Lodge referred to the temporary buildings erected by Masons alongside their construction projects. These were used by the craftsmen as places to rest, eat, plan the project, receive their wages, and socialise. Training and education would also have taken place in the Lodges.
What happens at Lodge Meetings?
As in any organisation, the meeting is first called to order. The ceremony of opening the Lodge is quite formal and draws on elements of the very foundations of Masonry. It serves to remind Freemasons of the virtues they seek to live by.
Once this is complete, minutes and correspondence are read, projects are planned, and other business taken care of, very much like any other organisation.
When new members are being received or are being advanced through the degrees of Craft Masonry, formal ceremonies are again used to teach Freemasons important moral lessons. Following the formal closing of the Lodge, it is usual for some socialising to take place, often over supper.