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Our History
Freemasons have been meeting in Weymouth for nearly three centuries. In that time there have been several lodges, meeting in several different locations around the town.
For many years it was customary for lodges to adopt the name of the venue they met in, typically a local hostelry. Thus, the Three Crowns Lodge met at the Three Crowns Inn, Babbidges Square for the first time in 1736 paving the way for Freemasonry in Weymouth. George II was on the throne in this year and the Prime Minister was Robert Walpole. In case you're wondering where Babbidges Square is (or indeed was), in the 1732 Original Survey and Rental Book of the Parish of Melcombe Regis, it is described as being "bounded in the East on St. Mary Street, in the West on St. Thomas Street, leading to the bridge and in the South on the quay".
The lodge of All Souls was originally founded in Tiverton on 02nd November 1767 and transferred to Weymouth in 1804 with the first meeting held on 16th June. Work on our current building commenced in 1815, the same year as the Battle of Waterloo. The building was dedicated the following year, 20th May 1816 by which point George II had changed to George III and use of the pillory (or "stocks" as they are more commonly known) was restricted to being a punishment for perjury only.
Since that time gas lighting was added (and has since been upgraded to electric!), a banqueting hall added in 1876, kitchens added in 1888 and a brand new bar, built in memory of one of our members opened in 2018.
What Happens At Our Meetings?
Possibly THE most asked question!
A typical evening would involve members arriving, greeting each other and perhaps grabbing a drink at the bar and catching up with friends. As a black-tie lodge, our members adhere to a formal dress code, which includes a dinner suit with a black bow tie. Additionally, we incorporate various regalia items during our lodge meetings, such as a Masonic apron.
The lodge meeting itself runs to an agenda which contains various administrative items followed by us working one of our ceremonies within the lodge with a new or existing member. Of course there really is only one way to find out what this involves, join us.
With the meeting concluded we remove our regalia and make our way to the banqueting hall, where we dine together before saying our goodbyes and making our way home.
Our Members
All Souls, in common with many Masonic lodges is proud to have gentlemen aged in their 20's through their 80's regularly attending meetings to enjoy Freemasonry along with the individual benefits and the fellowship it brings. In 2021 we were pleased to welcome a gentleman who had wanted to join Freemasonry for many decades of his life. At 86 he proved that it's never too late.
Our members come from all backgrounds, all meeting to share their passion for "the Craft" and all that it has to offer. If you are interested in joining us, visit our Join Us page to find out more about our values and how you can let us know you're interested.
So, who are we and why are we Freemasons?
People join Freemasonry for all sorts of reasons. Below, some of our members explain why they joined and what being a Freemason means to them.
Alan
As someone who is ex-Royal Signals I love the ceremony, ritual and the camaraderie you find during dining together (it is the only thing close to the mess!).
Also, where else could you sit next to a twenty-something, fifty-something and an eighty-something and all have things in common?
Kevin
When we moved to Weymouth in 2014 we knew very few people.
I had been a Freemason in Essex so I made contact with the local lodge (All Souls). Myself and my wife Sandra were contacted by the then master of the lodge. He invited us down to his beach-hut and we had a great afternoon with him and his wife.
Through the Lodge our Social circle has grown and with that we have met many new friends. We have also enjoyed a lot of social events, raising money for local charities. We now feel very much part of the community.
Bill
Prior to leaving the Royal Navy after 30 plus years service, I searched for an organisation or activity with which to replace the fellowship and service to others which the RN had provided. A close friend, a Freemason, suggested that I join him. After meeting other Masons and attending Masonic social events, I became a Freemason and have enjoyed every minute of my membership.
The principles of mutual support within Masonry, the support of others in need in society at large, the ceremonial of formal meetings and the enjoyment of social events and charitable fund raising I have found to be both enjoyable and fulfilling.
I believe that Freemasonry has taught me to be a more responsible and compassionate individual and citizen.
Family & Friends
As a Freemason, you are encouraged to learn from the meanings contained within our ceremonies and take these out into the wider world to your family, friends and everybody else you may meet.
In addition to our regular meetings, there are also many social events. We enjoy our regular meetings but also the more informal but equally fun and enjoyable social events giving us, our families and our friends the opportunity to forge new friendships whilst raising money for charity.
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