Tom Currie shares insights into his journey from Lancaster to London, highlighting his role as a Metropolitan Grand Steward and his passion for mentoring younger Freemasons. Discover his tips on engaging new members and the importance of active involvement in the organisation.
In a world often defined by divisions, Freemasonry stands as a unique and timeless institution, uniting individuals from all walks of life. At its core, Freemasonry is all about fostering friendship, service, and personal growth.
In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tom Currie, a dedicated Freemason with over 15 years of experience. Tom’s journey began in Lancaster and has since taken him to London, where he has become an active member within Freemasonry. As a self-employed walking tour guide with a deep passion for London’s history, Tom brings a unique perspective to Freemasonry. In our conversation, he shares insights into his previous role as a Metropolitan Grand Steward, the rewards of his journey in Freemasonry, and valuable advice for engaging and retaining young members. Come along as we dive into Tom Currie’s journey in Freemasonry.
Can you please introduce yourself?
Tom: My name is Tom Currie, and I’m 38 years old. I was born in Liverpool, moved to Preston when I was 12, and later moved to Lancaster for university. I joined Freemasonry in October of 2009, and it has been a significant part of my life for over 15 years. I’m a self-employed walking tour guide, and my true passion lies in sharing London's rich history through guided walking tours, which is more than just a job - it's my vocation.
When did you first hear about Freemasonry?
Tom: I joined Freemasonry shortly after graduating from university, while still living in Lancaster. The father of a school friend, who is a Freemason, introduced me to the Craft. Instead of joining my old school's Lodge in Preston, I was advised to join locally in Lancaster for easier commitment. My Mother Lodge is City of Lancaster Lodge No.281, where I was initiated, passed and raised in the three degrees.
In 2011 I moved to London. Initially, I planned to continue attending meetings in Lancaster, but the Thursday evening schedule made it impractical. After about a year, I was referred to Gray's Inn Lodge No.4938, a Universities Scheme Lodge like my Mother Lodge. There was already a connection between the two Lodges, which eased the transition.
I quickly became active in Gray's Inn Lodge, taking on prominent roles soon after I joined. I progressed through the ranks, becoming the Worshipful Master in 2015, and am now Secretary and Director of Ceremonies. My dedication to Freemasonry was recognised in 2023 when I was appointed as a Metropolitan Grand Steward, a year-long position.
What does the role of Metropolitan Grand Steward involve, and what are your main responsibilities?
Tom: I completed my year as a Metropolitan Grand Steward in March 2024 and have now taken on the role of a visiting officer.
The official responsibilities of a Metropolitan Grand Steward primarily involve supporting the guest of honour at significant meetings, such as Centenary Celebrations or Certificate Presentations. We are part of the entourage, participating in Processions and Recessions. We also assist at major Metropolitan Grand Lodge events and participate in the Installation of our successors.
However, our unofficial role is arguably more crucial. As relatively young Freemasons ourselves, we serve as a bridge between junior Freemasons and senior officials. Many newer members might feel intimidated approaching high-ranking officers like Metropolitan Grand Inspectors. Our presence, often seated among the junior Freemasons at the Festive Board rather than at the top table, helps break down these perceived barriers.
We engage with new members, explaining Metropolitan Grand Lodge's functions and discussing potential next steps in their journeys. This informal mentoring and networking is, in my view, the most valuable aspect of the role.
While the ceremonial aspects are important, I believe our greatest impact comes from these interactions with junior Freemasons, encouraging their continued involvement and growth in Freemasonry.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of being a Freemason?
Tom: Firstly, the charitable aspect is very important to me. At the start of our year in office, the twenty 2023 Metropolitan Grand Stewards set an ambitious fundraising target of £20,000 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the foundation of Metropolitan Grand Lodge. Thanks to everybody’s efforts and generosity of time and energy, we not only met our goal but exceeded it, raising over £25,000 between the twenty of us.
One fundraising event was a sponsored twenty-mile walk from Twickenham Masonic Centre to Freemasons’ Hall in support of the Air Ambulance Appeal, which was the brainchild of my 2023 Met Grand Steward colleague Grant Bailey. This initiative raised an impressive total of £115,000, of which an incredibly generous £100,000 came directly from the Province of Middlesex's charity funds.
In July I assisted in organising a Sunday lunch fundraiser – ‘Chomping for Choppers’ - at a wine bar in Leicester Square, owned by the passionate and dedicated Will Clayton, another 2023 Met Grand Steward colleague. Will was an incredible driving force behind our fundraising efforts.
Secondly, in my own Lodge, I find great satisfaction in seeing younger Freemasons become actively involved and truly appreciating Freemasonry. We hold monthly social events, primarily at Freemasons’ Hall or in nearby pubs, to which we invite prospective Candidates well in advance of their Initiation.
This approach allows them to get acquainted with everyone in the Lodge and feel comfortable. As a result, when they're finally Initiated, they enter a room full of familiar faces rather than strangers.
It's incredibly rewarding to witness these new Initiates enthusiastically embracing Freemasonry, eagerly participating in Ceremonies and social events. This engagement is crucial for our Lodge's growth and member retention. Seeing the Lodge flourish with active, passionate members is undoubtedly one of the most gratifying aspect of my experience within my own Lodge.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining Freemasonry and why should they join?
Tom: Freemasonry is unlike any other organisation. While other groups focused on specific sports, political views, or religions often create echo chambers, Freemasonry brings together individuals from incredibly diverse backgrounds.
In Freemasonry, you have the chance to meet people you might never encounter in your daily life. Despite our diverse backgrounds - including different political affiliations, religions, and socioeconomic statuses - we all share a common passion for Freemasonry itself. Whether it's the social aspect, charitable work, or moral teachings, we are united by a similar outlook on life.
What's remarkable is how Freemasonry allows people from all walks of life to come together as equals. You might find yourself interacting with someone from a completely different social stratum, yet within the Lodge, you're considered Brothers. This diversity significantly broadens your horizons.
What advice would you give to Lodge Officers to engage and retain young members more effectively for the future?
Tom: As an officer of the Lodge, it's crucial to implement a retention program to keep Junior Freemasons engaged and connected. If your Lodge only meets four times a year, it's easy for new members to feel disconnected and forget the names of their fellow Freemasons from one meeting to the next. To combat this, it's essential to maintain constant contact and establish social activities within the Lodge.
Additionally, I am a strong advocate for the use of Solomon as an integral part of the Freemasonry journey. Encouraging members to regularly spend a small amount of time on Solomon, broken down into manageable modules, can significantly enhance their understanding and appreciation of Freemasonry. I strongly urge new candidates to engage with Solomon and complete the programme with the guidance of their Mentor.
In conclusion, by actively engaging new candidates socially, and involving them in Solomon to better understand the tenets of the Craft, we can increase their appreciation and understanding of Freemasonry, leading to better retention and a stronger, more connected Lodge.
Tom Currie’s journey through Freemasonry reveals a path not just of personal growth, but of profound community, mentorship, and charitable service. His insights into the organisation highlight the unique value Freemasonry offers to its members—bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to build bonds based on shared values and a commitment to something greater than themselves. Whether it’s guiding new members, fostering lifelong connections, or contributing to charitable causes, Tom’s story illustrates how Freemasonry continues to thrive in today’s world.
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