Wicklow Militia Lodge #877 Arklow
Wicklow Militia Lodge #877 is located in Ferrybank, Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month (excluding June, July) at 7:30PM.
If you are interested in finding out more, hit the "Contact Us" button below and send us a message and we will be in touch.
About Freemasonry
It is commonly believed that the Masonic fraternity evolved out of a guild of stone-masons dating from the middle-ages.
As the centuries passed, many people in society became members of those masonic guilds and by the early enlightenment era, Freemasonry had become a purely social and fraternal institution which preserved the traditions and practices of those original guilds.
Despite common opinion, Freemasonry is not a political or religious organisation.
In fact those two topics are not to be discussed at any Masonic meeting.
Freemasonry enables men from different parts of society to meet together as equals, regardless of religious background, political leaning, class or any other social category.
Members of the Freemasons therefore quickly make close friends and acquaintances from many different walks of life.
Freemasons meet together in individual units called Lodges. Lodge meetings are fundamentally private assemblies where the business of a Lodge takes place.
While there are traditions and formalities within the Fraternity, much of a Lodge meeting is taken up with simple business such as minutes, correspondence and other items that would usually be found on the agenda of a Committee.
Becoming a Freemason
Many people assume that to become a Freemason, one must be invited to join.
This is not correct.
In fact, while members might encourage their friends to join, they do not typically recruit or invite candidates for membership.
A person who is interested in joining is encouraged to simply ask a member.
Even if you don’t know a member and wish to join, use the "Contact Us" link above and we will be in touch.
History of Arklow Freemasons
The Grand Lodge of Ireland was the first Masonic body to begin issuing Warrants to Military Lodges, and it was this practice that brought Freemasonry to the town of Arklow. On the 2nd January 1800 a Warrant bearing the number 877 was issued giving permission to three members of the Wicklow Militia to hold a Lodge of Freemasons. At that period the depot of the Regiment was based in Wicklow, but two years later they moved to Arklow where they continued to meet as a Military Lodge. The Militia was disbanded in 1815 whereupon 877 became a civil Lodge and has continued as such ever since. It is still working under its original Warrant which is the last of the old Military Warrants still having its first title.
During its early years the monthly meetings were held in the Arklow Court House and they appear to have been welcome tenants. However, towards the end of the nineteenth century the Brethren of 877 felt an ever increasing desire to build a Hall of their own. Many discussions and negotiations took place and various sites were examined. Finally in 1903 the present Hall was built on a site at Ferrybank. The total cost of the new building amounted to 415 pounds. After some debate it was decided to name the new Hall "Abercorn" after the then Grand Master, The Duke of Abercorn
For reasons unknown, it was not formally opened until a special meeting held on 21st August 1907. Prior to this meeting the Brethren had enjoyed a hearty luncheon consisting of six crammed fowl, a large ham, two large roasts of beef with tomatoes, mixed salad, hot potatoes, jellies and tarts, together with a plentiful supply beer.
Over the years the Lodge dining room has been used for many non-Masonic activities, some of which have been a useful source of income. These have included committee meetings, bridge parties, a men's reading room, billiards, and yoga. Currently it is in regular use by a local Play School.
FAQS
What are the requirements of becoming a Freemason?
The Freemasons are open to men over the age of 21 who are of “good character” and who believe in a supreme being.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Masonry is definitely not a religion. It teaches us moral lessons and help us be more moral people.
What religion do I need to be to join?
All religions are welcome, as long as the belief in a supreme being is part of that religion.
Are Freemasons a secret society?
We are not a secret organisation, the time and dates of our meetings are published. Our Grand Lodge accounts are published and our charities are fully compliant with the charity commissions, North and South.
What do Freemasons do?
Most Lodge business consists of simple business such as minutes, correspondence and other items that would usually be found on the agenda of a Committee.
However Freemasonry prides itself on it's charity work. The Irish Freemasons raise €2 million every year for charity. Seventy per cent of that goes to members in need, the rest to non-masonic causes.
Freemasonry in Ireland has raised six-figure sums for organisations such as the Samaritans, the LauraLynn foundation and Belfast hospice.
Every young child who visits an accident and emergency department gets a teddy bear through the Freemasons TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) programme, which began in 2001.
Are Freemasons part of the Orange Order?
While the Orange Order share the same terminology such as the concept of “lodges”, “worshipful masters” and “brethren”, the Freemasons existed before the Orange Order, and the order borrowed their terminology, not the other way around.
I heard something about goats?
Now we wouldn't want to give away all of our secrets ;)
...
P.S. there are no goats.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to reach out to us through the "Contact Us" button and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
How to Find Us
Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race. - George Washington
