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Lodge history
Enactors of one of the oldest
masonic traditions
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.
Members of Lodge John Williams sporting their unique regalia
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
