Consecration Date
9th February 1948
Meeting Dates
- 2nd Monday in February (Installation)
- 2nd Monday in April
- 2nd Monday in June
- 2nd Monday in October
- 2nd Monday in December
Meeting Time
18:00 (6:00pm)
The Lodge today
Hitchin Lodge has the particular benefit of a wide age range in its membership. Yes, we have the experience of having members who are in their 60’s & 70’s to help guide the Lodge but we also have over 40% of our current membership who range from their 30’s to their 50’s, working men who provide much of the energy and desire still to progress in their masonry. To accommodate these younger members, we regularly start at a later time than some lodges in order to make it easier for working members to attend our meetings.
The current membership is geographically diverse with members coming together from various parts of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. A recent survey identified that the make-up is principally of Professional Occupations. Interests outside of freemasonry coalesce around Country Sports, Walking & Travelling. In addition to these there is interest in Classic Cars, Video Gaming & Philately. We even have our own ‘In-House’ DJ.
Our history
In 1948 16 Past Masters and 7 members of another local lodge were the founder members of Hitchin Lodge No 6561. It is not possible to state with certainty the reason for their decision, but it is likely that the air of hope & optimism, following the end of the Second World War, lead some of the Great and the Good of Hitchin’s civic society to desire their own Lodge as a statement for the town. Bankers, Solicitors, Surveyors, Shopkeepers & a School Headmaster were among the Founders of Hitchin Lodge.
In the community
Our community involvement has centred around charitable donations to a number of national and local causes. Charities supported in recent years have included Lister and Harefield Hospitals, The Garden House Hospice, The British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, The Brain Tumour Trust. The Herts. Community fund, we supported the Provincial Food Bank Appeal and have become Friends of Prince Michael of Kent Court. We are looking to support more local charities as a way to foster improved contacts with our local communities.
Testimonials
Bro Rico Christofides, Joined 24th April 2023
I joined Hitchin lodge as the General Manager of the Cloisters Masonic Centre felt that I would get on with the members of Hitchin lodge and that the day they meet (Mondays) is a convenient day for me as I DJ on the weekends and work as a mortgage broker in the week. I had regular meetings with the Lodge members at the bar and felt I would get on with everyone prior to officially joining.
Hitchin Lodge is very welcoming and friendly Lodge to be in. As I am now a Master Mason, I have very much enjoyed the ceremonies and really appreciate the time and effort the brethren have put in with all the ceremonies.
Whilst we do take pride of how we conduct ourselves in and out of the ceremonies and lodge meetings, we make sure we have fun along the way in everything we do. It has been great getting to know everyone and especially hearing the wisdom and knowledge of dare I say it the experienced & older members.
No question has felt too stupid to ask and everyone has been approachable. Being a new light blue, I have had the confidence to take part in both the meetings and ceremonies, knowing that I have the help of my brethren if needed.
I only wish I joined freemasonry sooner.
Bro Mircea Padurar, Joined 8th April 2024
I joined freemasonry out of curiosity, I first applied online just before Covid. I was contacted by a member of Catuvellauni Lodge after 2 years because of Covid, after several meetings at the pub with him and a few other members of Catuvellauni, I joined their lodge which was an amazing lodge. Unfortunately, their handed in their warrant due to low membership, I was introduced to the Hitchin Lodge which is also an amazing lodge as well with amazing brethren, I am now a Master Mason and looking forward to continue my journey in freemasonry, it is challenging sometimes because of my busy work schedule but I am working on it and do my best to attend most of the meetings and hopefully all of them soon.
Other info
We are a very friendly, open and relaxed group of freemasons from mixture of backgrounds who take our traditions seriously whilst having fun at the same time.
Contact details
Mike Daly – Secretary Hitchin Lodge No.6561
hitchin6561@hotmail.com