St. Botolph’s Lodge 588

Founded in 1851

St Botolphs Lodge No 588 was founded in 1851 at Boston and was named after the revered Benedictine Monk, St Botolph – Patron Saint of Travellers – who was granted land for a monastery on the site of Boston (Botolph’s Town).

In 1851 Boston already had a well-established and popular Lodge – the Lodge of Harmony. It is perhaps not surprising therefore, that soon after its formation, St Botolphs Lodge seemed to get into difficulties with membership. An application was made to the Grand Master to transfer the Warrant of the Lodge to the Bristol Arms Hotel in Sleaford (now Bristol Arcade).

After the final meeting in Boston on 21 October 1856, the Lodge moved to Sleaford and membership steadily grew – often with several candidates being initiated on an evening. The Lodge was established as a ‘Town’ Lodge, welcoming new members whatever their background or profession.

This has continued throughout the years and the Lodge boasts an extremely healthy membership of all ages and professions; it is currently over 70 members. The Lodge meets at the Freemasons Hall Watergate Sleaford NG34 7PG , on the second Thursday of each month (with the exceptions of June, July and August) Apart from the January Installation meeting, regular meetings start at 6.30pm and are usually concluded by 10.00pm. Our meetings are well attended, efficient and conducted in a warm, friendly manner with a high standard of ritual. The members enjoy working together and we encourage all our members to take part in our meetings. We are committed to sharing out the work and supporting our new members in learning and development of Freemasonry. The Lodge has a well-established mentoring programme to assist members understand and enjoy their Freemasonry.
The Lodge provides the secretariat for the Goodwill Lodge of Instruction No 588 where members can increase their understanding of Freemasonry. After every meeting there is a meal or festive board which has a very convivial and lively atmosphere. The Lodge has an enviable reputation for its festive boards – especially at Christmas – and always welcomes lots of visitors from different Lodges. As Patron Saint of Travellers, St Botolph would approve of the way the Lodge looks after its visitors who travel long distances to attend its meetings. The Lodge is also committed to “family first” holding several social events during the year.

The Lodge, throughout its history has been committed to charity. Each year the Lodge supports local charities, as well as supporting both the Freemasons Charitable Foundation and the Province of Lincolnshire charitable projects. During the Covid-19 Pandemic the Lodge has supported meals for vulnerable people and the Scrubs for Scrubs campaign.

The Lodge is a thriving lodge with a wide age range. Its members hail from all walks of society Its cultural backgrounds diverse professions. The ideal candidate will enjoy life, have a sense of humour, and have charitable aspirations. He will be willing and able to attend the meetings of the Lodge and afford the membership fee and contribute to charitable giving if possible. All ages are welcome – there is a growing number of younger members joining the lodge. Members are expected to wear a dark suit, white shirt, black or Craft tie and black shoes at all meetings. Members consider the Lodge to be a valuable and enjoyable part of their leisure time.

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For more Information

If you find you would be interested in joining St. Botolph’s Lodge please contact our Membership Officer.

W. Bro. Andy Wells

E: stbotolphs.membership@sleafordfreemasons.co.uk

Get in Touch

For more information or to ask any questions, please contact us.