It was nearly 200 years ago that the first university Lodge, Apollo University Lodge, was founded at Oxford, with Isaac Newton University Lodge following soon afterwards at Cambridge.
Since then many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges, and they provided the inspiration for the Universities Scheme.
The scheme was set up at the beginning of 2005 with the objective: ‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.
There are now over 75 other Lodges pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course. Their membership consists of undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, ranging in age from 18 upwards. All under-25s benefit from the decision by Grand Lodge to halve their dues in order to make Freemasonry as accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
The Scheme is headed by Sir David Wootton, who explains: “We know from these long-established university lodges that students – whether undergraduates or postgraduates – enjoy Freemasonry to the full. Through the Universities Scheme, we hope that university members from all over the country will be able to gain the same inspiration, fulfilment and enjoyment.”
Within Sussex there are two University Scheme Lodges covering the Chichester and Brighton areas.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Freemason through the Universities Scheme, please visit the Universities Scheme website for further information.
Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.
For many, Freemasonry is about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes and charities. It’s a unique institution with a truly global membership.
Sussex Freemasons support those in need in our Sussex communities, from food banks to Scout groups, from dementia care to hospice support.
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