The stunning Freemasons Hall in Leicestershire, England (pronounced "Lester") opened its doors to the public on November 13th for an annual open house. Built as two houses in the 19th century, the Masons purchased the properties in 1909 and combined them into the large Masonic hall that is home to many lodges. The plain white facade hides a stunning interior. The vaulted-ceilinged Holmes Lodge Room is truly breathtaking.
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| Holmes Lodge Room |
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| Holmes Lodge Room |
The story appeared on the LeicestershireLive website HERE.
In addition to the main lodge room, there are several others throughout the building used by the many blue lodges in the Leicestershire and Rutland area.
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| Corah Lodge Room |
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| Morley Lodge Room |
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| Oliver Lodge Room |
If you have a Facebook account, you can see a video tour at this link. The 30 minute video includes the lodge room and the hall's outstanding Masonic museum.
(Images from LeicestershireMercury.co.uk)
The proper setting for the degrees has a lasting influence on the candidate. The loss of so many important and imposing temples in the United States contributes to our decline in membership as well as being due to diminished numbers, doubling the problem. The suburban lodge that looks like a fast food joint is unlikely to interest the professional and established prospects of the old days. The Moose and Elks and Eagles and other animal crackers often have better homes. And the lack of approved ventilation in the virus era is going to accelerate the closings.
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