About the Lodge
Newton Lodge has a membership aged from 30’s and upwards, from a wide range of occupations and interests.
There are 6 regular meetings each year, starting with the Installation of the Worshipful Master on the 5th Thursday in September (or the 1st Thursday in October if September has only 4) at 5:30pm. Other regular meetings start at 6:30pm on the last Tuesday in October, November, January, February and March.
Each regular lodge meeting is followed by social drink and then a meal in the dining room. This comprises 2 or 3 courses (usually with wine) and is enjoyed by everyone as Newark Hall is renowned for the quality of the meals. The night concludes with a traditional masonic end to the evening.
Our Lodge of Instruction or practice meetings, are arranged for the Wednesday prior to the regular meeting, with occasional ad-hoc meetings arranged to practice when necessary. In 1981 members of Newton Lodge sponsored St John’s Lodge № 8972 and the close links are maintained at the regular Joint Festivals.
Freemasons are amongst the largest donators to outside charities in the UK - in the last 5 years, donations from Freemasons have enabled £90million to be distributed to charities, organisations, and individuals to help improve their quality of life.
Charitable giving is practised at our regular meetings and social events. This includes the Joint Festival meeting with St John’s Lodge, usually held in April, to raise funds for local charities, which have included the hospice in Newark and The Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
Members are encouraged to attend regular lodge meetings, if their situation allows, in order to practice the ritual, and achieve their full potential with a daily advancement in masonic knowledge.
Visiting other lodges is an important part of being a freemason. Visitors are always welcome to our meetings and return visits are frequently arranged; indeed, many have become joining members to develop and extend our mutual masonic experiences.
Where a member has the interest, Newton Lodge will also support the Nottingham Masonic: Bowling; Golf; Music; and Caravaners Associations.
Social events held in Newark Masonic Hall:
These are organised by lodge members throughout the year and these are open to all Masons, family and friends. These include:
• Formal “Black-Tie dinners” arranged as a Ladies Festival by the various Worshipful Master of lodges and their Lady;
• A Burns Night – usually organised by a lodge meeting at Newark;
Quiz Night - Co-hosted by Fleming Mark Lodge and the Hall Ways & Means Committee;
• Regular Sunday Lunches – held 6 times a year;
• Race Nights - now an established event near to Valentine’s Day;
Monthly Ladies Luncheon Club on Fridays;
• Walking Treasure Hunt around Newark;
• “Going to the Dogs” – an organised visit to Nottingham Dog Track;
Other social events are also organised by the Nottinghamshire Provincial Grand Lodge, including a Christmas Carol Service and stewarding of various charity events.
Another masonic order also arranges a very popular annual gala week-end away - these are open to all masons, family and friends.
Lodge History
The Newton Lodge, No. 1661 kept the banner of Freemasonry flying in Newark on its own from 1877 to 1910 and has the original banner depicting the coat of arms of the Borough of Newark-on-Trent. It is it the 8th oldest Lodge in the Province of Nottinghamshire and the oldest surviving Lodge meeting in Newark
After the demise of the old Corinthian Lodge, upholders of the fraternity in the town wishing to bridge the resulting hiatus of over 40 years were obliged to travel to the established Lodges in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. In 1876 Major William Newton, an influential resident and Past Master of the Royal Sussex Lodge No. 402 (Nottingham) petitioned for the reestablishment of a Lodge in Newark.
The Grand Lodge Charter for the Newton Lodge No. 1661 was issued on 13th December 1876 and the first meetings were held at the Newark Town Hall later moving to a large room rented of the Newark Savings Bank Trustees.
On 19th August 1878, a proposition was moved that they should be removed to more capacious premises such as the Billiard Club. Nothing came of this, and the members turned their attention to improving the comforts of the room at the Savings Bank.
On 10th November 1893, the Secretary announced that the first floor over the former Ridge's Shop in the Market Place had been taken at an annual rental of £15.
Twenty-five years after its foundation, the Newton Lodge achieved a long cherished ambition for a Club of its own, when in 1902 the premises were registered as the Newark Masonic Club. The ideal of a permanent home for Masonry in the town was never far from the thoughts of the members who seized with alacrity the opportunity to purchase a private house, "The Towers", in The Avenue, Newark.
The Lodge met for the last time in the Market Place on 30th May 1939. Arrangements were well advanced for the Dedication of the new Hall in The Avenue on 31st October 1939 where it still meets today
Ideal Candidate
Newton Lodge is a friendly lodge with members from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations, we would be honoured for you consider joining our lodge, either as a new or joining member. The first step is to arrange an initial meeting to introduce yourself to members of the lodge, where the lodge members can explain the costs and time commitments involved and answer any concerns.
Once you become a Freemason, there is a range of other masonic orders which become available to you - should you wish to develop yourself further.
Remember: Your family and work come first - Freemasonry can be a very rewarding hobby.