The United Service Lodge No 4068 was founded in 1920 by service personnel returning from The Great War to uphold camaraderie and create an opportunity to share so much more than the memories of conflict.
We are one of the only Lodges in Nottinghamshire that meets weekly, enabling us to rehearse our ceremonies, hold committee meetings, openly discuss matters concerning the welfare of the lodge, it’s members and their families.
Based at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of September through to March each year.
It was the ending of the 1st World War 1914-18 that prompted the birth of the United Service Lodge of Nottinghamshire No 4068. The initial idea to form the Lodge was discussed by a small group of Nottinghamshire masons at an Army Demobilisation Camp at Swaffam at the beginning of 1919.
On October 31st 1919, the first formal committee meeting of the Founders was held at the Masonic Hall Goldsmith St Nottingham and was presided over by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Rev H T Hayman who was proposed as the first WM of the Lodge should it’s formation receive the approval of Grand Lodge. His portrait hangs in the Ionic Temple at Goldsmith Street.
The Warrant of the Lodge was granted by Grand Lodge on January 28th 1920. The design of the Lodge Banner and Founders jewel were resolved as soon as the Warrant had been issued: To that end His Grace the Duke of Portland approached HRH The Prince of Wales and was granted a private audience with him, the result being that HRH granted a Special Private Dispensation that the Lodge could have as its motto ‘Ich Dein’ (I serve) – normally reserved just for the use of the Prince and his immediate household.
Moreover, it was agreed that the Lodge Emblem and Founders’ Jewels could be adorned with the Prince of Wales feathers and the motto beneath. The Founders jewel includes both features in its design.
In the mid-1960s, National Service came to an end, thereby having a significant effect on the pool of possible candidates. Restricted to those who had served in the armed forces, and their sons.
The restrictions were revised to include sons of Freemasons in general and this was further revised to remove the restrictions completely. Nevertheless, it continues to be a feature of this Lodge to a higher than usual proportion of sons following fathers into the Lodge, and we currently have at least six Lewises* amongst our membership including Bros Gordon Foster, Arthur Horobin, John Rourke, David Fisher, Nick Knott-Simey, Richard Darby and Phil Parker.
*a ‘Lewis’ is a term used to describe the son of a Freemason
At the regular meeting in November 1973 it was reported that the Lodge Committee had given notice that a new ‘Chapter’ was to be formed. This is a type of Lodge our brethren can join after passing their third degree and is slightly different to ‘Craft’ Freemasonry, with different regalia.
In 2020, our lodge celebrated our centenary, although due to the Covid pandemic, we were unable to meet in person for some considerable time.
After being able to return to formal meetings in late 2021, we were honoured to be joined by the RW Provincial Grand Master and a delegation of Provincial Grand Lodge offers in receiving our Centenary Warrant.
You may notice some of our brethren adorning a light blue jewel which celebrates this.
...And still going strong! With a regular influx of new members, we hope to continue another 100 years!
Accessible to all via road, bus and rail (and ample parking)
Our members come from all walks of life: RAF pilots to Chefs, Builders to Salesman. You'll find no snobbery here!
Amongst are members are serving and retired policemen, army officers so is a great place to share stories
There are no real 'perks' to being a Freemason, but if we can help each other out, we will.
We're the best excuse for a midweek drink (we meet every Wednesday).
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world with no political or religious affiliations, having thrived for over 300 years, with over 8 million members worldwide. Throughout England and Wales and its districts overseas, there are over 200,000 Freemasons in 8000 lodges, who donated over £50 million to charity in 2020 alone. Membership is open to any man over the age of 18, irrespective of race or religion, clear of a criminal record and a belief in a supreme being, allowing members of different religions to sit together in Lodge and share a common prayer while each worships his supreme being in his own way. Every Freemason will have their own reason for enjoying The Order, be it friendship, socialising, the ability to help worthy causes, being part of one of the oldest and largest fraternal organisations, but for all, whatever religion, race or demographic, we all meet on an equal footing to share a wonderful hobby.
Keep upto date with latest events
Interested in joining or finding out more about our charitable causes?
25 Goldsmith St, Nottingham NG1 5LB
0115 947 3829
*by prior arrangement