Universities Scheme
Introduction
Tradition and continuity are two of the values which characterise the relationship between Freemasonry and universities. It was nearly 200 years ago that the first university Lodge, Apollo University Lodge, was founded at Oxford, with Isaac Newton University Lodge following soon afterwards at Cambridge. Since then many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges, and they provided the inspiration for the Universities Scheme. This was set up at the beginning of 2005 with the objective: ‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.
There are now over 55 other Lodges pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course. Their membership consists of undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, ranging in age from 18 upwards. All under-25s benefit from the recent decision by Grand Lodge to halve their dues in order to make Freemasonry as accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
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Grenville Lodge
Grenville Lodge is a Buckinghamshire Lodge, and has the proud distinction of being accepted as the 52nd member of the Universities Scheme. This means that undergraduates, graduates and all members of staff at Buckingham or other Universities in the area will be most welcome to approach us about becoming Freemasons.
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Any graduates that were initiated while at Universities in other towns or cities are welcome to apply to become Joining Members if they come to live and/or work in Buckinghamshire or the surrounding area, after leaving University. We give special attention to our younger members and are keen to help them to develop their interest in Freemasonry and to derive the maximum enjoyment from their membership.
We know from the longer established university lodges, in Oxford and Cambridge that students – whether undergraduates or postgraduates – enjoy Freemasonry to the full. Through the Universities Scheme, we hope that university members from all over the country will be able to gain the same inspiration, fulfillment and enjoyment.
David Williamson (Assistant Grand Master)
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