Have regalia, will travel: One man’s journey into a new dimension of Freemasonry

A Lodge with dues payable to neither Grand Lodge nor Province; no fixed meeting place; and no Provincial honours – could there be such a thing?

This is not a fever dream; it’s a reality for more than 200 Mark Master Masons who’ve been meeting three times a year since October 2021 as members of Freemasons Without Borders Lodge No. 2031.

Chris Fletcher from Brigg – who’s a member in Leicestershire & Rutland and Derbyshire as well as Lincolnshire – was a founder, and has just returned from the latest meeting which took him to Paris.

He says: “Freemasons Without Borders was consecrated to foster closer connections within the masonic fraternity. We’re an unattached Lodge using Mark Masons Hall as our administrative base, so there’s no need for Provincial dues, nor pressure on any Province to provide support or honours. We meet three times every year: once in London for installation and two other ‘away’ meetings.”

The twelfth gathering took place in Paris. “That was conveniently close for travel, and I have family there so that made accommodation affordable,” he says.

Travelling by Eurostar, Chris was in Paris by Friday evening ready for the Saturday morning meeting at the HQ of French Freemasonry, France’s Grande Loge Nationale Française. “The venue is strikingly modern, with the main temple downstairs. Since many attendees travel significant distances initial conversations often revolve around travel logistics. Oh, and the purchase of the new lodge tie!

“It wasn’t uncommon to have three advancement candidates. This time one hailed from Turkey, another from Romania, and the third from the Isle of Man. Our officers are truly international, but because we follow the standard ritual, the ceremony felt familiar and maintained a high calibre — especially important with numerous Right Worshipful brethren present, and even the Assistant Grand Master of France observing. Tom Quinn, PGM for London, is one of the Lodge’s Past Masters and head of the Grand Master’s Lodge of Instruction, so he was keeping an eye on the ritual!”

After the meeting, spouses and partners joined members for a traditional French festive board featuring vol-au-vent, filet de bœuf with morel mushroom sauce, and Ananas Rôti à la Vanille et au Rhum. “Afterwards, members were free to explore Paris, but I was able to spend quality time with family,” said Chris.

“Visiting in this way gives the whole experience an added layer, illustrating that although Freemasons come from various countries and cultures, our shared values unite us.”

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 31st in Fuengirola, Spain, followed by the installation at MMH on Saturday, June 6th.

• Does membership of the Freemasons Without Borders MMM Lodge appeal to you? Drop Chris an email to Chris: chris@chrisfletcher.com

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