Approved by the United Grand Lodge of England

About Alcuin Lodge

History of the Lodge

Alcuin Lodge was consecrated on 29th May, 1946 in the De Grey Rooms (opposite the Kings Manor and the Art Gallery) in Exhibition Square, York. The Consecrating Officer was the Marquess of Zetland the Provincial Grand Master assisted by Sir William Crosthwaite the Assistant Provincial Grand master and attended by one hundred and fifty guests. The eighteen Founder members were in attendance, the first Worshipful master being W. Bro. Albert Temple.

Agricola Lodge, the main sponsor of the new lodge, met at Castlegate House in York and so it was that Alcuin Lodge began to use the same fine Georgian premises.

A Palladian style Grade 1 listed building, Castlegate House was designed by the eminent local architect John Carr as a private dwelling. It is our Masonic home where we enjoy our monthly meetings followed by an evening meal in the splendid dining room.

Now sixty years old and still enjoying the use of the historic premises in Castlegate we in Alcuin Lodge have a fine tradition for Masonic excellence, charitable giving together with an annual calendar of social events involving family and friends both Masonic and non Masonic.

Alcuin Lodge has an associated Chapter, Alcuin Royal Arch Chapter, consecrated 26th April 1961.

Alcuin

Alcuin was an Englishman from York, born into a noble family about 735, and educated by a pupil of Bede. Having become a deacon, he was made head of the cathedral school at York around 770. In 781 he was asked by the Emperor Charlemagne to become his minister of education. He accepted, and established schools at many cathedrals and monasteries, and promoted learning in every way he could.

Alcuin established scriptoria, dedicated to the copying and preservation of ancient manuscripts, both pagan and Christian.

That we have as much as we do of the writings of classical Roman authors is largely due to Alcuin and his scribes. (He is credited with the invention of cursive script in which the letters are connected for greater speed of writing).

To Alcuin, backed by Charlemagne, belongs much of the credit for the revision and organisation of the Latin liturgy, the preservation of many of the ancient prayers, and the development of plainchant. Unfortunately, the East, which regarded the Emperor at Byzantium as the sole Emperor, resented Charlemagne's assumption of the title of Holy Roman Emperor, and this hardened their opposition to the aforesaid doctrine, thus contributing to the rift between East and West.

Charity - The heart of Freemasonry

Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities. Since 1981, more than £30 million has been given to non-Masonic charitable causes.

Masonic charity is exercised at every level, individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province provides support to local causes. Last year alone the four charities allocated £23m in charitable support to their many beneficiaries.

Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main Masonic charity organisations, they are:

The Grand Charity

The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

The New Masonic Samaritan Fund

Meetings

All meetings are held at Castlegate House, Castlegate, York, YO1 9RP (MAP). Masonic visitors are welcome at all times. Those wishing to dine should book in advance.