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Members of Abbey and Opgang Lodges on a visit to Warwick Castle, May
1999 |
The concept and ideal of Masonry Universal is nurtured in many Freemasons’ hearts. Certainly in the hearts of members of Abbey Lodge. In December 1989, around a festive board table after a typically well directed and performed ceremonial meeting, W.Bro. Michael Sarosi threw an idea around suggesting it may be a rewarding experience to twin with a lodge somewhere in the European Union.
To the great credit of all the diners at the table, the immediate reactions were … " a good idea" …. "lets go with it" ….. "about time we tried something like this" ….. Near unanimity for a new idea from a group of dyed-in-wool masons with ages ranging from 40 to 70 years must be saying something positive for Abbey Lodge.
Masonry is not only rich in symbolic and allegorical rituals but also in written and unwritten rules of membership and masonic etiquette. A splendid, long and detailed learning curve for a new mason. However, in February 1990, Bro. Mike Sarosi had to formally propose the idea in open lodge of hosting a visit from masons outside of the UK. A full and enthusiastic show of hands gave the proposal the go-ahead.
The rules required that permission to proceed needed the approvals of Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire and Grand Lodge at Great Queen Street, London. This was soon enough granted and requests were passed down the line to the National Grand Lodge of France and the Grand East of the Netherlands inviting lodges who were interested to make contact with Abbey Lodge.
Abbey received some tentative responses but in April 1991 a firm contact was made by Lodge Opgang No.173 of the Grand East of the Netherlands. Lodge Opgang were keen to form a fraternal relationship.
Without delay Abbey Lodge sent a formal invitation to Lodge Opgang to visit Abingdon the following year.
By now it was appropriate that the organising brethren dealt directly with each other. Working committees were quickly formed. Abbey Lodge suggested to Lodge Opgang that Abbey’s meeting on 2nd Thursday in April 1992 would be the most practical. Lodge Opgang accepted the date.
Because of the great distance involved in travelling, Abbey brethren realised at the outset that this would be masons visiting masons first and foremost, with the lodge meeting itself being a bonus thrown in. Abbey brethren offered to set aside and provide three days and nights of hospitality, formal and informal. Tours, ancient & modern, were organised around Abingdon and Oxford. Abbey’s treasurer and the brethren in the personal capacities dug deep into their pockets to provide a memorable visit.
Lodge Opgang members duly arrived, with wives and friends. 15 visitors in all. University lecturer, doctor, auctioneer, ex Royal Dutch Airforce pilot, shipwright, policeman and others from all walks of life. Very typical of a lodge membership.
Personal friendships were quickly cemented. Return visits were arranged and soon thereafter the two lodges were visiting each other every second year. Abbey and Opgang brethren have been able to share in each others’ traditions, histories, art, music and culture. A rewarding and fulfilling experience highly recommended to visitors to our web page who may be considering twinning with an overseas lodge or indeed to visitors considering becoming a Freemason.
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Abbey and Opgang Lodge members and wives at a barbecue in W Bro Mike
Sarosi's garden, May 1999 |