Freemasonry is often described as a universal language, and we are frequently reminded of the joy of visiting, but every now and then an occasion arises that truly reminds us what those words mean in practice. A recent visit to Devonshire by brethren from Germany is one such occasion, a week filled with friendship, laughter, ritual, history, and the strengthening of bonds that space both countries and generations.
Britannia Lodge No. 843 is a Lodge which meets under the Grand Lodge of British Freemasonry in Germany, one of the 5 constituent Grand Lodges which make up the United Grand Lodges of Germany. Its meeting place is in Bielefeld, in NRW in the North West of Germany. Many of its members, and indeed those of the wider GLBFG, have connections to the military, and there are many members here in Devonshire that are also or have also been members out there. They practice the same ritual (mostly in English, but also in German and other languages) following Emulation ritual and wearing almost identical regalia.
One such members is the Province’s own Communication Officer, Philip Mason. Philip’s father was initiated into Britannia 843 in the 80s, and his younger brother was initiated into the lodge in 2017. During the installation meeting in late 2025, a plan started to form for some members to travel to Devon for Philip’s own installation into The Lodge of Good Intention No. 6927 which meets in Barnstaple. Eventually it was agreed that as well as the installation meeting, visits to other lodges in the Province would be arranged.
From the moment the German Brethren arrived in North Devon, it was evident that this would not simply be a formal visit, but a genuine reunion of friends and family. Some of the local Brethren joined the visitors at a local curry house and conversations flowed as freely as the Gurkha beer.
Among the brethren making the visit were W Bro Oliver Mason, President of the Board of Grand Stewards for GLBFG, the Immediate Past Master of Britannia Lodge 843 and also the Worshipful Master of the Keys of Münster Lodge No. 881; W Bro Ash Turley, the Grand Pursuivant of GLBFG and the Worshipful Master of Doric Lodge No. 886; Bro Paul Durkin, Britannia 843’s Senior Warden; Bro Ron Holmes, 843’s Junior Warden; Bro Jan Störtländer, 843’s Inner Guard; Bro Karl Mason also joined from Vienna and W Bro John Mason from London.
The Installation Meeting of The Lodge of Good Intention No. 6927 was a tremendous first meeting for them. Over 70 brethren attended Barnstaple’s Masonic Hall to see W Bro Mike Bevan install W Bro Philip Mason, the Provincial Grand Communication Officer, into the chair of the Lodge, including the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and many others. The well rehearsed ceremony went without a hitch and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. The brethren then retired to the Barnstaple Hotel for a splendid festive board.
The following day, after a breakfast at one of Barnstaple’s cafes, the visiting brethren travelled down to Exeter to witness a 3rd degree ceremony at Old Helean Lodge, based at Gandy Street. The lodge is an old school lodge who follow the Lodge 39 ritual of one of their fellow lodges in Exeter. Once again, an excellent display of ceremony was witnessed by the visitors, topped only by the delicious Festive Board which followed.
On the last full day of the trip, of course starting off with a full English again, there was a trip to Plymouth to visit their namesake, Britannia Lodge No. 4099. Both lodges have had a connection for many years, with Britannia 843 being granted permission from the MW The Grand Master of UGLE to have direct contact with 4099 to promote brotherly love between the 2 lodges. Indeed, the ancient minutes began with a description of just such a communication which had occurred 50 years prior. It was unclear if a response to that communication had ever been received, but as they were all there in person now they were sure any clarification would be provided. There ceremonial again featured a 3rd degree, ideal as Bro Jan had only recently witnessed his own ceremony so he was able to truly appreciate this part of the meeting. During the greetings from the visitors, Britannia 843 presented Britannia 4099 with a pennant showing the Lodge’s crest, and 4099 presented 843 with a blue plaque commemorating the visit. The brethren then enjoyed yet another magnificent Festive Board at the Masonic Hall in Plymouth.
All of the Brethren of Britannia 843 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Devon, and already the seeds of future trips are being sown. It is unclear whether it was the camaraderie, the ceremonial, the history of the buildings, or the fact that 843 went home with so many raffle prizes that has caused that enthusiasm, but we are glad it has.
To our Germany Brethren, thank you for making the journey to Devon and enjoying Devonshire Freemasonry with us.
