The Wider Masonic Family

Beyond the Aberystwyth Masonic Lodge

Freemasonry is a lifelong journey. Beyond the Craft Lodge, members can explore a wide range of recognised Masonic Orders, each offering new lessons, traditions, and opportunities for personal growth.

These Orders enrich the Masonic experience and allow every Mason to shape a path that suits their interests, curiosity, and commitment. Each Order builds upon the foundations of the Craft, offering new perspectives, deeper symbolism, and lasting fraternal bonds.

Social & Networking

The Mackworth Club

West Wales Mackworth Club

The West Wales Mackworth Club is the social and networking club for newer Freemasons across the Province who have not yet passed through the Chair. It provides a relaxed, friendly space where members can meet, share experiences, and enjoy Freemasonry beyond the formal Lodge room. The club organises social events, visits, talks, and informal gatherings that help newer Masons build confidence, make friends, and feel part of the wider Masonic community. It's a welcoming bridge between early membership and future progression, offering support, camaraderie, and plenty of enjoyable occasions throughout the year.

Lodges, Chapters, Orders and Colleges

Saint Padarn Masonic Lodge (Aberystwyth Masonic Hall)

Saint Padarn Masonic Lodge No 5472 shares the same Aberystwyth Masonic Hall and is also the University Masonic Scheme Lodge. Saint Padarn provides a welcoming environment where members deepen their understanding of Freemasonry and contribute positively to the community through shared tradition and service. Both the Aberystwyth and St Padarn Lodges work closely together, sharing the running of the social club and are regular visitors to each others Lodges. Many local Mason are members of both Lodges.

Contact & Details

Third Thursday in October (Installation), November, January, February; Third Wednesday in March; Third Thursday in April and May
6 Market St, Aberystwyth SY23 1DL
saintpadarnlodge.org
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Royal Arch (Aberystwyth Masonic Hall)

The Royal Arch is described by UGLE as "the completion of pure Ancient Masonry" and is the first natural progression for a Master Mason. It reveals the spiritual heart of the Craft, exploring themes of loss, discovery, and enlightenment. Through rich symbolism and ceremony, it unites the moral teachings of Craft Masonry with deeper spiritual understanding, offering renewal, insight, and a profound sense of completion within the Masonic journey.

Mark Master Masons

The Mark Degree is one of the most popular and enjoyable of the side degrees. It builds on the Fellow Craft degree, focusing on the importance of honest work, skill, and the recognition of merit. With a warm, friendly atmosphere and memorable ceremonies, it is often described as the happiest degree in Freemasonry and is a natural and rewarding step for any Master Mason.

Royal Ark Mariners

The Royal Ark Mariners is closely linked to the Mark Degree and draws its symbolism from the story of Noah and the Ark. It reflects on themes of faith, preservation, and divine providence. Lodges of Royal Ark Mariners are attached to Mark Lodges, making it a natural companion degree for those who have taken the Mark.

Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix)

The Ancient and Accepted Rite, also known as the Rose Croix, offers a deeply philosophical and spiritual journey through 33 degrees. In England and Wales, most members work the 18th degree (Rose Croix) and the 30th degree. It explores themes of mortality, resurrection, and the search for truth, providing a profound and reflective dimension to the Masonic experience.

Knights Templar

The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta — commonly known as the Knights Templar — is a Christian Order open to Master Masons who profess the Christian faith. It draws on the traditions of the medieval crusading knights and offers a chivalric and devotional dimension to Freemasonry.

Royal and Select Masters (Cryptic Degrees)

The Cryptic Degrees — Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master — are sometimes described as the hidden link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. They explore the construction of King Solomon's Temple and the preservation of its secrets, adding depth and context to the earlier degrees of Freemasonry.

Order of the Secret Monitor

A scholarly and philosophical Order for Master Masons, exploring mystical, spiritual, and esoteric traditions that influence Masonic thought. It encourages study, contemplation, and the pursuit of wisdom through Rosicrucian philosophy.

Allied Masonic Degrees

The Allied Masonic Degrees bring together a collection of degrees that do not fit neatly into other Orders. They include the St Lawrence the Martyr, the Knight of Constantinople, the Grand High Priest, and others. Councils are small and informal, offering a relaxed and sociable environment for those who enjoy exploring the breadth of Masonic tradition.

Order of the Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star is open to both men and women and is one of the largest Masonic-affiliated organisations in the world. It is based on teachings from the Bible and emphasises charity, truth, and loving kindness. It provides an opportunity for Masons and their families to share in Masonic values together.

Curious About the Wider Masonic Family?

Whether you are already a Mason looking to explore further, or simply curious about what lies beyond the Craft Lodge, we would be happy to talk. Get in touch and we can arrange an informal conversation.

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