With the culmination of the National Football League (NFL) and the razzmatazz of Superbowl LVIII just behind us, it won’t have gone unnoticed, even in our sceptred isle, that American Sports loom large in the consciousness of many UK residents and, by extension, many of our Masonic Brethren.

The glamour offered up by the likes of Taylor Swift further enhances the profile of what is arguably the biggest event in the annual sporting calendar worldwide. But the NFL is not alone: Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) also have millions of fans. Many of us have made the trip across the pond to the USA, while many of our American cousins who find themselves here are happy to share the excitement of matches with us when shown across all formats.

Brethren, we have an opportunity!

The Metropolitan Grand Master is happy for us to explore the possibility of an ‘American Sports Lodge’ to add to the portfolio of Special Interest Lodges (SILs) – and the Stoke Newington Lodge No 2552 is going to make this happen!

Consecrated in 1895, the Stoke Newington Lodge has enjoyed a rich history but is currently looking to bolster its membership to ensure a long and prosperous future and we hope you will feel able to assist.

Once the arrangements have been formalised, the Lodge will embark on a programme designed to take full advantage of the social opportunities thrown up by the American sports calendar as fixtures and friends visit London throughout the year. We will equally look to support the British contingent of fans of all American sports with fund raising and other support for various events that can be enjoyed across the British Isles and beyond.

As a ‘themed’ Lodge, we will of course look to embrace every aspect of a major sports event, with appropriate menus and opportunities to attend fixtures as and when they arise. 

It is also a specific aim of the Lodge to ensure that American Brethren visiting the UK will have in Stoke Newington a ‘Lodge to call home’ and, similarly, Brethren travelling West to the USA will have the opportunity to visit Lodges stateside; a bucket list filler for many English Masons!

We can’t promise Taylor Swift, cheerleaders or California heat… but we can guarantee camaraderie, enjoyment and top-end Freemasonry all under the banner of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge.

To register your interest please contact our Secretary, W Bro Gary Duce, at stokenewington2552@btinternet.com. We will keep you in the loop as we plan and promote the ‘new’ Stoke Newington Lodge.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 54 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 54 here.