Lodge John Williams No 148 has been granted authority by the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT to work the Craft degrees of the Rectified Scottish Rite (RER or Rite Écossais Rectifié).
The RER adopted its current structure in 1778. It arose out of the remnants of Baron von Hund’s ‘Rite of Strict Observance’ (c.1754). A masonic convention held at Kohlo (now Bruny, Poland) in 1772 decided to reorganise that Rite and it subsequently became imbued with the Martinist philosophy of Jean-Baptiste Willermoz (c1730–1824), as he was the principal author of the rituals.
Our RER-influenced Lodge places emphasis on promoting a strong sense of community by fostering fraternity, benevolence, charity, and the spirit of service in its members.
What Makes Lodge John Williams unique?
Lodge John Williams’ members are permitted to wear the unique regalia of the rite, which includes tricorn hats, gloves and masonic ceremonial swords. Further, the layout of the lodge is also slightly different, with both wardens sitting west as per the Moderns Lodge of England prior to unification in 1813 as well as various Scottish workings. Interestingly, the ritual does not require deacons, instead the Director of Ceremonies undertakes most of the floor work.
Unlike most lodges within NSW and ACT, where ritual is memorised, RER ritual is read in a solemn manner to ensure conformity to the ritual. This is the standard practice in the majority of lodges in the non-English speaking masonic world. Lastly, although not practiced at Lodge John Williams, there are three more degrees within the RER, all governed by the Great Priory of Belgium.
Local history of Lodge John Williams
The Lodge was named after RW Bro John Williams, who at that time was District Grand Master of the colony of New South Wales under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and served in that office for sixteen years. Born at Ballymena, County Antrim Northern Ireland in 1819, he emigrated to New South Wales arriving on 30 October 1839.
Lodge John Williams is the oldest Lodge in the Randwick and Eastern Suburbs area. The Lodge was first formed under the United Grand Lodge of England and was number 2161 of that Constitution
with the first meeting of the Lodge held on 20 March 1886 in the Council Chambers, Randwick. RW Bro John Williams was present and presided over 19 Foundation members and the Installation of the Foundation Worshipful Master.
Both Lodge Randwick-Coogee No 47 NSWC and Lodge John Williams No 2161 EC met at the Masonic Temple at Randwick Town Hall Council Chambers from 4 May 1886 until 22 April 1891. During that period, Lodge Randwick- Coogee No 47 surrendered its Charter and amalgamated with John Williams on 19 December 1888.
On 15 September 1886 a warrant was received establishing the Lodge as Lodge John Williams No 2161 of the English Constitution. This Warrant is signed by the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, Grand Master, who later became His Majesty King Edward VII. Before this the Lodge had been working under a dispensation issued by RW Bro John Williams which was returned to the District Grand Secretary on receipt of the official warrant.
At a meeting on 18 September 1888 the Articles of Union between English, Scottish and NSW constitutions were read, and His Excellency, RW Bro Lord Carrington PC GCMG was installed as the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales.
Meetings of the amalgamated lodges, John Williams and Randwick- Coogee were resumed in the Town Hall at Randwick on 27 May 1891 and continued there until 1 August 1921.
From the 10 March 1979, Lodge John Williams along with Lodge Randwick-Coogee, Lodge Coogee No 322, Lodge Doncaster No 443, and Lodge Booralee No 202, fell under the governance of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT. In December 1979 Lodge John Williams moved to the newly formed Eastern Suburbs Masonic Centre, 199 Anzac Parade, Kensington where they held their first meeting on 18 February 1980 and continue to meet to this day.
To witness Lodge John Williams’ unique ritual please Eastern Suburbs Masonic Centre, Kensington opposite the Doncaster Hotel. The Lodge meets on the first Friday of the month.