Newton Lodge No. 1661
Newton Lodge was established on 24th May 1877, making it the 8th oldest in the Province of Nottinghamshire and the oldest surviving lodge meeting in Newark. It is named after its founder William Newton, a local solicitor who eventually became Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire. The lodge has the original banner depicting the coat of arms of the Borough of Newark-on-Trent.
Newton has 36 members, aged from 30’s and upwards, from a wide range of occupations and interests. Importantly the lodge has its own traditional ritual which pre-dates the Emulation ritual practised in many English lodges. This distinction is enthusiastically maintained, and can be a refreshing experience to visitors and joining members alike.
There are 6 regular meetings each year, starting with the Installation of the Worshipful Master on the 5th Thursday in September (or the 1st Thursday in October if September has only 4) at 5:30pm. Other regular meetings start at 6:30pm on the last Tuesday in October, November, January, February and March.
Each regular lodge meeting is followed by social drink and then a meal in the dining room. This comprises 2 or 3 courses (usually with wine) and is enjoyed by everyone as Newark Hall is renowned for the quality of the meals. The night concludes with a traditional masonic end to the evening.
Our Lodge of Instruction or practice meetings, are arranged for the Wednesday prior to the regular meeting, with occasional ad-hoc meetings arranged to practice when necessary. In 1981 members of Newton Lodge sponsored St John’s Lodge № 8972 and the close links are maintained at the regular Joint Festivals.
Freemasons are amongst the largest donators to outside charities in the UK - in the last 5 years, donations from Freemasons have enabled £90million to be distributed to charities, organisations, and individuals to help improve their quality of life.
Charitable giving is practised at our regular meetings and social events. This includes the Joint Festival meeting with St John’s Lodge, usually held in April, to raise funds for local charities, which have included the hospice in Newark and The Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
Members are encouraged to attend regular lodge meetings, if their situation allows, in order to practice the ritual, and achieve their full potential with a daily advancement in masonic knowledge.
Visiting other lodges is an important part of being a freemason. Visitors are always welcome to our meetings and return visits are frequently arranged; indeed, many have become joining members to develop and extend our mutual masonic experiences.
Where a member has the interest, Newton Lodge will also support the Nottingham Masonic: Bowling; Golf; Music; and Caravaners Associations.
Social events held in Newark Masonic Hall:
These are organised by lodge members throughout the year and these are open to all masons, family and friends. These include:
Formal “Black-Tie dinners” arranged as a Ladies Festival by the various Worshipful Master of lodges and their Lady;
A Burns Night – usually organised by a lodge meeting at Newark;
Quiz Night - Co-hosted by Fleming Mark Lodge and the Hall Ways & Means Committee;
Regular Sunday Lunches – held 6 times a year;
Race Nights - now an established event near to Valentine’s Day;
Monthly Ladies Luncheon Club on Fridays;
Walking Treasure Hunt around Newark;
“Going to the Dogs” – an organised visit to Nottingham Dog Track;
Other social events are also organised by the Nottinghamshire Provincial Grand Lodge, including a Christmas Carol Service and stewarding of various charity events.
Another masonic order also arranges a very popular annual gala week-end away - these are open to all masons, family and friends.
Candidate Profile:
Newton Lodge is a friendly lodge with members from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations, we would be honoured for you consider joining our lodge, either as a new or joining member. The first step is to arrange an initial meeting to introduce yourself to members of the lodge, where the lodge members can explain the costs and time commitments involved and answer any concerns.
Membership costs for 2021 are: Joining Fee £29; normal annual subscription: £130 (adjusted in joining year). At each regular lodge meeting there is an offertory, with a charge to dine of between £13 - £17, plus a raffle - for which prizes are always very welcome!
Once you become a Freemason, there is a range of other masonic orders which become available to you - should you wish to develop yourself further.
Remember: Your family and work come first - Freemasonry can be a very rewarding hobby.
First 100 years Newton Lodge No 1661
W Bro Ady Crampton has kindly digitised a book charting the first 100 years of the Newton lodge and Masonry in Newark.
The book was written compiled by By L. H. HORDLE
"It is my hope that in a hundred years from now, some Brother as yet unborn will derive as much pleasure and interest in delving through the Lodge records for the second century as I have found in the first."
We hope this will be of interest to members of the current Newton lodge, as well as other Newark masons and future masons.