Supporting Our Deaf Brethren: A Special Initiation in North Wales

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

IT'S YOUR ARENA
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Some time ago, Polytechnic Lodge No 2847 had the honour of initiating a profoundly deaf Brother (previously reported in Arena). In preparation, the Lodge developed a specially adapted version of the Initiation ritual; carefully crafted to be inclusive, respectful, and true to the spirit of Freemasonry. This adapted ritual received the full approval of Metropolitan Grand Lodge and marked a proud moment in our Lodge’s commitment to accessibility and brotherly love.

Recently, we were approached by St Catherine’s Lodge No 8577 in Wrexham, North Wales, who shared that they too had a profoundly deaf candidate – Brother Andy Hopwood – ready for Initiation. Seeking guidance, they reached out to us for support in making this important event as meaningful and inclusive as possible.

We were delighted to assist our Brethren in North Wales. The Polytechnic Lodge was proud to share our adapted ritual and offer any help we could to ensure Brother Andy’s initiation would be both ceremonially faithful and personally profound.

To witness this special occasion, Worshipful Brother Ron Wainer PGStdB and Brother Adrian Badea of Polytechnic Lodge travelled to Wrexham. There, they were honoured to attend and witness the initiation of Brother Andy, a ceremony that was not only flawlessly conducted by St Catherine’s Lodge but deeply emotional and inspiring for all present.

We are grateful to have played a small part in such a moving moment in Brother Andy’s Masonic journey. It was truly a delight and privilege to support our Brethren in St Catherine’s Lodge and to reaffirm, once again, that the principles of Freemasonry – Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth – transcend all barriers.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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