Mourne Masonic Lodge No. 696 Annalong.

The Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mourne Masonic Lodge No. 696 welcome you to their website.

 

Lodge 696 is warranted on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in the Province of Down.

 

We hope you enjoy your visit here and look forward to you visiting us on a regular basis.

 

 

The accompanying Memorial for a Warrant.

The accompanying Memorial for a Warrant was laid before Lodge 144, Lodge No. 142, Lodge 377 at their stated communications held on 26th day of March 1945, 13th day of March 1945 and on the 17th day of April respectively.

 

When it was resolved that the same be recommended to the favourable consideration of Grand Lodge.

Annalong Fish Night.

The Lodges' October communication plays host to the annual "Annalong Fish Night".

 

This is a spectacular feast of seafood that is donated by the members of the Lodge. "Annalong Fish Night".

 

This event has become well renowned in the local Masonic calendar and is looked forward to with great anticipation by members and visitors alike.

 

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

"Freemasonry" is one of the world's oldest secular fraternities with some 35,000 members in Ireland. It is a society concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught these precepts by a series of ancient forms, using the customs and tools of the stonemason as allegorical guides.   The various levels of Freemasonry
   
  At its basic level, known as ‘the Craft’, Freemasonry has three degrees, beginning with the degree of ‘Entered Apprentice' representing the apprentice of the working stonemason who learned how to use the tools of the trade. After a period, he advances first to the degree of ‘Fellow (of the) Craft' and finally to that of ‘Master Mason'.
 
   
What happens at Lodge meetings?
 
As in any organisation, the meeting is first called to order and the ceremony of opening the Lodge is quite formal and draws on elements of the very foundations of Masonry. It serves to remind Freemasons of the virtues they seek to live by.
Once this is complete, minutes and correspondence are read, projects are planned, and other business taken care of, very much like any other organisation. When new members are being received or are being advanced through the degrees of Craft Masonry, formal ceremonies are again used to teach Freemasons important moral lessons.
   
  Freemasons are expected to adhere to three principles:
   
  1) Brotherly Love: Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding towards his fellow human beings.
 
 
   
  2) Relief: Freemasons are taught to practise charity and
to care, not only for their own members but for the community as a whole, by both charitable giving and by voluntary effort.
   
Following the formal closing of the Lodge, it is usual for some socialising to take place, often over supper.  
   
    3) Truth: Freemasonry strives for truth and requires
high moral standards of its members.