Freemason Dr Alexander Rhys Awarded OBE

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

Many congratulations to W Bro Dr Alexander Rhys, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List 2026, for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community.

Bro Dr Rhys was initiated, passed and raised in St Alphege Lodge 4095 at the age of 21 as part of the Universities Scheme; and previously served as Assistant Secretary of the Universities Scheme. He holds both London Grand Rank and London Grand Chapter Rank, having served as Metropolitan Grand Steward in both the Craft and Chapter. He is also a Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon in the Province of Somerset.

Dr Rhys currently serves as CEO of two organisations: the Infection Prevention Society, a professional membership organisation with over 2,050 members working to reduce healthcare-associated infections, and It Gets Better UK, a charity he founded in 2017 that has reached over 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people through crisis intervention and support programmes.

"I'm deeply honoured by this recognition," said Dr Rhys. "The principles of Freemasonry – brotherly love, relief, and truth – have guided my approach to both my healthcare work and my advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people. Whether working to protect patients from infections or supporting young people in crisis, I've been driven by a commitment to serve others and act with integrity."

Dr Rhys's healthcare career includes leading the regulatory education arrangements that enabled the emergency deployment of 43,000 student nurses during the COVID pandemic across all four UK nations. It Gets Better UK, which he founded as part of a global movement, has twice been named one of the top 10 charities of the year at the British LGBT Awards. Dr Rhys has also been recognised as one of the top 10 outstanding contributors to LGBT life at the same awards.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 60 here.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here: