The formation of modern Freemasonry began with the first meeting of the Grand Lodge of England on 24 June 1717. This historic event, held at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St. Paul's Churchyard, brought together four existing London Lodges, where they elected Anthony Sayer as the first Grand Master. This gathering marked the creation of the Premier Grand Lodge of England and is widely regarded as the birth of modern Freemasonry.
Thirty-four years later, on 17 July 1751, a significant division occurred within the fraternity. A group of Masons, believing that the Premier Grand Lodge had deviated from the traditional practices of Freemasonry, established the Antient Grand Lodge. These two lodges coexisted separately until they united on 27 December 1813, forming the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). This historic union is recognized in the Book of Constitutions’ Preliminary Declaration, which states:
"By the solemn Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of Free-Masons of England in December 1813, it was declared and pronounced that pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch."
Since this union, Quarterly Communication has been held, with the minimum qualification for attendance being that of a Master Mason. However, the Pro Grand Master has emphasised the importance of involving all members of the fraternity to achieve the objectives set forth in the Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond.
In line with this goal, a historic gathering has been authorised for the first time in Freemasonry’s 307-year history. On 31 May 2025, more than 1,000 Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, Master Masons, and Past Masters who have not yet received a Metropolitan, Provincial, or District rank will convene in the Grand Temple. This gathering represents a significant step towards engaging all levels of Freemasonry and ensuring that even those in the early stages of their Masonic journey are included in the fraternity’s future.
As part of this effort, Light Blues Clubs—groups for newer Freemasons—have been invited to submit presentations showcasing how they are supporting the pillars of the Strategy. These presentations will highlight the vital role that newer members play in shaping the future of the fraternity. Submissions are due by 1 February 2025.
The meeting will take place as an emergency gathering of Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10000. It will feature the grandeur typically seen in a meeting of Grand Lodge, complete with ceremonial pageantry led by the Grand Director of Ceremonies. The active Grand Lodge Officers, along with Metropolitan, Provincial, and District Grand Masters, will process into the Grand Temple, with the Pro Grand Master taking the gavel.
In addition to the presentations from Light Blues, representatives of the Committee of General Purposes for the Royal Arch will also speak, reinforcing the message that Freemasonry is a unified journey, encompassing both Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch. The presentation will underline the essential role the Royal Arch plays in completing "Pure Antient Freemasonry".
The Pro Grand Master will address attendees, emphasising the importance of Light Blues to the Constitution and outlining the support that will be provided by both Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter in the future.
To ensure broad participation, Metropolitan, Provincial, and District Grand Masters have been allocated reserve tickets for any Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft within their jurisdiction who wishes to attend but was unable to secure a ballot ticket. The results of the ballot will be announced in January 2025 and successful applicants will have three weeks to confirm their attendance before their ticket is reissued to someone else.
This momentous Light Blues Communication underscores the fraternity’s commitment to embracing all Freemasons, ensuring that Freemasonry remains a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking organisation for generations to come.
Find out more here: Light Blues Communication - Emergency Meeting Announcement
