Founded at the height of the Victorian era to be the Masonic home of the Empire in London. Over the century that followed it received Colonial Premiers, Indian Maharajas, a Japanese Ambassador, a Sultan, and members of the British Royal Family — and produced from its own membership the Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. A Hall Stone Lodge. Listed in the Nazi Black Book. A founding lodge of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. Still meeting today.
A Lodge Built for an Empire
The Foundation, 1885
Empire Lodge No. 2108 was warranted on 13 August 1885 and consecrated on 24 November 1885, in London, at the height of the Victorian imperial period. It was consecrated by Very Worshipful Brother Colonel Shadwell H. Clerke, the then Grand Secretary, before the ten Joining Members and the Founders.
The Lodge grew directly from the Empire Club, a social venture established to provide facilities for intercourse between Colonials visiting Great Britain and those resident at home. When the Club ultimately failed, the Lodge survived and carried its spirit intact.
"Calculated to draw colonists into closer connection and sympathy with home matters."
— The Earl of Carnarvon, Pro Grand Master, 1885
The Founding Purpose
The avowed purpose was to strengthen the bonds uniting the Dominions with the Mother Country — bringing Brethren from Overseas into close relationship with Freemasonry in the Metropolis of the Empire. Hardly a regular meeting took place without distinguished visitors from the Dominions beyond the Seas.
The Lodge met initially at the Royal Adelaide Gallery, King William Street, Strand. After each meeting, Members adjourned to the old Empire Theatre in Leicester Square, where two boxes had been reserved. Empire Lodge combined Masonic purpose with genuine hospitality, and the two were never wholly separate.
Founders of Distinction
Among the Founders were figures of considerable weight. Sir Francis Philip Cunliffe-Owen K.C.M.G. served as first Worshipful Master. Sir William N. W. Hewitt K.C.B. — whose Victoria Cross, awarded in 1854, was not initially recorded beside his name — was personally decorated by Queen Victoria at the Hyde Park Review of June 1857.
Lennox Browne, the Lodge's first Secretary, presented to the Grand Lodge of England the salt dish still used at the consecration of every London Lodge to this day, bearing the inscription: "Presented to the Grand Lodge of England by Bro. Lennox Browne, F.R.C.S., First Secretary of Empire Lodge No. 2108, Nov. 24th 1885."
Hall Stone Lodge
Empire Lodge is among the Hall Stone Lodges — those which contributed to the Masonic Million Memorial Fund and whose number is permanently recorded on the great marble plaque at Freemasons' Hall. The Masonic War Medal 1914–1918, worn by the Worshipful Master during his year in office, is a direct connection to that sacrifice.
The Black Book
During the Second World War, Nazi intelligence compiled the Sonderfahndungsliste G.B. — identifying institutions to be suppressed in the event of a German invasion. Empire Lodge was explicitly listed among those associated with Royal Family connections and establishment influence.
Empire Lodge was sufficiently important to be noticed by those who wished to destroy the structures of British life.
Beyond the Lodge
Empire Lodge did not merely attract distinguished men. It attracted men who shaped institutions. The roll of corporate, diplomatic, military, and civic connections that passed through its membership reflects the breadth of the British establishment at its most active.
Rio Tinto Zinc — The Hon. E.L. Baillieu served as Director of one of the world's largest mining companies.
ANZ Banking Group — Baillieu held a directorship of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group.
National Mutual Life Assurance of Australasia — Baillieu served as Chairman of the London branch.
London Stock Exchange — Baillieu was a Member of the Exchange throughout his professional career.
City of London Livery Companies — Cart de Lafontaine was a member of eleven Livery Companies and served as Master of seven.
Sheriff of the City of London — Cart de Lafontaine served as Sheriff in 1914.
Commonwealth Lodges' Association (CLA) — Empire Lodge is a member of the Commonwealth Lodges' Association, formed in 1972 to link UGLE Lodges with a connection to the Commonwealth, promoting inter-lodge visitation and charitable work.
Imperial Japanese Embassy, London — Viscount Hayashi served as Minister and Ambassador to the Court of St James's. He was Worshipful Master of Empire Lodge when the Russo-Japanese War broke out in 1904.
State of Johore — H.H. The Sultan of Johore, sovereign ruler, was initiated in 1906 — among the first Malay rulers received into English Freemasonry.
City of London Corporation — Sir Maurice Jenks served as Lord Mayor of London 1931–32, holding the Mastership of Empire Lodge simultaneously. His Installation was held at the Mansion House by dispensation.
South Kensington Museum — Sir Francis Philip Cunliffe-Owen, the Lodge's first Worshipful Master, served as Director. He organised the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886, attended by Empire Lodge's royal patrons.
The Parachute Regiment — Major-General Beckett commanded the 2nd Battalion 1958–60 and held honorary membership of Parachute Regiment Lodge No. 9315.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst & Staff College Camberley — Beckett served on the instructing staff of both institutions, shaping a generation of British Army officers.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution — James Arthur Terry, P.M. of Empire Lodge, served as Chairman of the RMBI for over twenty-eight years.
Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 — Cart de Lafontaine served as Worshipful Master in 1929 of the premier lodge of Masonic research, and delivered the Prestonian Lecture in 1930 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Royal Society of Literature — Cart de Lafontaine was elected a Fellow. He was also a Governor of the Foundling Hospital and Director of the French Hospital at Victoria Park.
These connections were not incidental. Empire Lodge was founded precisely to be a meeting point for men of the Empire — in commerce, in diplomacy, in arms, and in public life. The corporate and civic associations of its members reflect a Lodge that sat at the centre of British institutional life for over a century — and many more besides.
That tradition continues today. Empire Lodge is a genuinely diverse Lodge whose membership spans the professions: lawyers, dentists, pilots, bankers, accountants, commodity traders, and IT professionals, with strong connections to the City of London and the Livery Companies that have anchored civic and commercial life in the capital for centuries. Empire Lodge is a member of the Commonwealth Lodges' Association — formed in 1972 to link UGLE Lodges with a Commonwealth connection, promoting inter-lodge visitation and charitable work.
The Lodge that welcomed Colonial Premiers, Ambassadors, and a Sultan in its early years welcomes Brethren from all walks of life today — whatever their profession, wherever they are from.
In the DNA of Empire Lodge
From its very first year, Empire Lodge has understood that Freemasonry's purpose extends beyond the lodge room. Charity and service to others are not obligations — they are convictions, carried by its members into their communities and their professions.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD
Empire Lodge's record of charitable commitment begins with its foundation. The Masonic Million Memorial Fund — which rebuilt Freemasons' Hall as a permanent memorial to the 3,000 Freemasons who died in the Great War — counted Empire Lodge among its Hall Stone contributors. That plaque at Great Queen Street is a permanent record of what the Lodge gave.
James Arthur Terry, Past Master of Empire Lodge, served as Chairman of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for over twenty-eight years — one of the longest tenures in that institution's history. The RMBI provides residential and nursing care to Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike across England and Wales.
At the 1985 Centenary, members donated £20,000 to establish the Empire Lodge Travelling Fellowship — supporting Masonic education and connection across the world.
THE LODGE TODAY
That spirit continues. Brethren of Empire Lodge actively support charitable causes and serve their communities — through time, through professional expertise, and through giving. Empire Lodge supports the London Freemasons' Charity, which awards grants to charities serving London communities, through its members' giving and fundraising.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) — one of the country's largest charities, providing around £20 million in support each year — is supported by Empire Lodge through its members' giving. The MCF funds hospices, medical research, early years support, dementia care, and disaster relief worldwide.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution continues to be supported — Empire Lodge's connection to that institution spans the Lodge's entire history, from its earliest members to the present day.
BEYOND THE CHEQUE
The brethren of Empire Lodge give more than money. Members volunteer their time and professional expertise — serving on charitable boards, advising organisations, and contributing to their communities in ways that reflect the diversity of the Lodge's membership across law, medicine, finance, aviation, and technology.
"To cultivate and preserve those feelings which bind Englishmen, in whatever clime they may be labouring, to the Mother Country."
— Spoken at the Consecration, 24 November 1885 · Not improved upon since
A Record of Consequence
Distinguished Members
24 July 1986
Opening of Prince George Duke of Kent Court, RMBI Home
Named at the express wish of H.R.H. the late Princess Marina
Pictured at the opening: H.R.H. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent — Grand Master — shaking hands with W.Bro. Squadron Leader D. Alun Lloyd D.F.C., D.F.M.; facing the camera, R.W.Bro. James A. Terry, Chairman of the RMBI; and at W.Bro. Lloyd's right, V.W.Bro. the Hon. Edward L. Baillieu, Grand Director of Ceremonies — initiated in Empire Lodge No. 2108 in 1946, Past Master 1958.
This photograph, preserved in the Museum of Freemasonry, London, captures three men with direct connections to Empire Lodge No. 2108 assembled in the presence of the Grand Master — a record of the Lodge's standing at the highest levels of English Freemasonry.
The Reception of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
as Past Grand Master, 1 December 1869
Museum of Freemasonry, London · c. 1870
SIGNED PORTRAIT · H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES
GRAND LODGE REGALIA · 1927
SIGNATURE: Edward
H.R.H. The Prince of WalesProvincial Grand Master for Surrey · 1927
This signed portrait — signed Edward in his own hand — was presented at the 129th Anniversary Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, 18 May 1927. He is shown in full Grand Lodge regalia as Provincial Grand Master for Surrey, in the chair as Chairman of the Festival.
Eight years later, on 27 November 1935, the same Prince of Wales attended Empire Lodge's Golden Jubilee meeting — the Lodge he would have known through its brethren and through Freemasonry's highest circles.
He abdicated in December 1936. He signed the photograph as Edward — the signature of a man who would briefly be King Edward VIII before becoming the Duke of Windsor.
"Chairman: R.W.Bro. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales K.G., P.G.W., Vice Patron of the Institution, Provincial Grand Master for Surrey. Presented to Bro. C.E. Boote in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as Steward when the record amount of £201,046.9.2 was collected by 17,031 Stewards."
INSCRIPTION ON THE PRESENTED PHOTOGRAPH · 18 MAY 1927
Recorded at Freemasons' Hall
The Masonic Million Memorial Fund was established to rebuild Freemasons' Hall as a permanent memorial to the 3,000 Freemasons who gave their lives on active service in the Great War. Empire Lodge contributed substantially to that effort, and is recorded among the Hall Stone Lodges — its number permanently inscribed on the great marble plaque at Great Queen Street, visible to every visitor today.
The Masonic War Medal 1914–1918 is worn by the Worshipful Master during his year in office with full Masonic regalia — a direct and personal connection to the sacrifice the Hall was built to honour. Empire Lodge's number is literally set in stone.
- Warranted under the United Grand Lodge of England
- Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London
- Constitutional descent from Lodge of Amity No. 171 (1784)
- Four daughter lodges founded, 1891–1951
- Empire Chapter No. 2108 — Royal Arch, warranted 1888, active
2003
A Founding Lodge of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge
The Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London was inaugurated on 1 October 2003 by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, Grand Master of UGLE, at the Royal Albert Hall. It was established to govern all lodges meeting within a ten-mile radius of Freemasons' Hall, bringing London's Freemasonry under a dedicated metropolitan structure for the first time.
Empire Lodge No. 2108 is a founding lodge of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. Warranted in 1885 and meeting continuously in London for over a century before the MGL's establishment, Empire Lodge was one of the lodges that formed the Metropolitan Grand Lodge at its inauguration in 2003 — adding 118 years of unbroken London Masonic history to the new body from its very first day.
The Metropolitan Grand Lodge is the largest Masonic province in the world, with around 40,000 Freemasons across more than 1,250 lodges — and the only metropolitan body of its kind under the United Grand Lodge of England. For the history of London Freemasonry, visit londonmasons.org.uk.
Empire Chapter No. 2108
Warranted 1888 · Active Today
Empire Chapter No. 2108 was warranted on 2 May 1888 and consecrated on 9 January 1889 — three years after the Lodge itself. It carries the same number and the same spirit: international in membership, serious in purpose, continuous in service.
Empire Chapter came within sight of closure in 2023. Ten Companions stepped forward. Their decision preserved 135 years of Royal Arch Masonry under this number. Since then, five further Brethren have been Exalted — and the Chapter they helped to save continues to grow.
Royal Arch Masonry is, under the English Constitution, the completion of a Freemason's journey in the Craft — and a natural step for those who wish to explore further. The Chapter meets under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England.
I.P.Z. JEWEL · EMPIRE CHAPTER No. 2108
The Immediate Past Zerubbabel jewel of Empire Chapter No. 2108. The lower disc bears the Royal Arch triangle and crown set with rubies and emerald. The Lodge's heraldic arms — crown, crossed swords, anchor, and sailing ship — repeat the design of the 1885 Founding Members' Jewel. The motto on the scroll reads Coelum Non Regem — the Lodge motto, unchanged in 140 years.
Our Origins & Our Legacy
Constitutional descent as recorded in UGLE Chart 171, compiled by W.Bro. J.G. Amos.
Empire Chapter No. 2108 — warranted 2 May 1888, consecrated 9 January 1889. Royal Arch. Active today.
Visiting Brethren
Empire Lodge has welcomed visiting Brethren from across the world since 1885. The Lodge follows UGLE's protocol for visitors from recognised foreign constitutions with particular care, in keeping with its international tradition.
- Visits accepted from members of Constitutions recognised by UGLE only.
- An invitation from a subscribing Lodge member, present on the night and vouching personally, is required — or introduction via the UGLE Secretariat through the Metropolitan Grand Lodge office.
- The Worshipful Master welcomes visitors at his discretion, and advance notice through the Secretary is always appreciated.
- A visiting Brother wears the regalia of his own Constitution, unless also a subscribing member of a UGLE Lodge — in which case English regalia only.
- Documentation should be submitted to the Metropolitan Grand Lodge office in advance for verification.
- Masonic courtesies follow the customs of the host Lodge. The Worshipful Master's guidance is followed throughout the evening.
The Loyal Toast
What It Is and Why It Endures
The Loyal Toast is the traditional toast to the reigning monarch, given at every Masonic Festive Board across the English Constitution. It is a constitutional act, not a social courtesy. Its power lies entirely in its brevity.
No other toast may precede it. It is the anchor point of the ceremonial order: only after the Loyal Toast may other toasts be proposed, speeches begin, or the evening continue.
The Rules of Precedence
THE FESTIVE BOARD · EMPIRE LODGE No. 2108
"Loyalty without sycophancy. Tradition without extravagance. Unity without politics. In an age of long speeches and complex ceremonies, the Loyal Toast remains one of the most elegant traditions in British public life."
The Lodge Today
Empire Lodge No. 2108 continues to meet in London under the Metropolitan Grand Lodge. Its founding purpose — to bring together Brethren of international background under the principles of English Freemasonry — remains unchanged from 1885.
Empire Chapter came within sight of closure in 2023. Ten Companions stepped forward and preserved 135 years of Royal Arch Masonry under this number. Since then, five further Brethren have been Exalted — and the Chapter they helped to save continues to grow.
Two jewels connect the Lodge to its 1885 origins. The Founding Members' Jewel — bearing the Lodge arms with crown, swords, anchor, and sailing ship, and the motto Coelum Non Regem — was struck for the first Worshipful Master and remains the Lodge's most historic object. The Past Master's Jewel, worn by every Past Master, carries the Lodge name and number on the suspension bar. The Founder's Jewel of Algernon Barnett, member for seventy years, is worn by each successive Worshipful Master at Installation: an unbroken link to November 1885.
JEWEL · 1885
JEWEL
Empire Lodge is a proud member of the Commonwealth Lodges' Association — an organisation linking UGLE Lodges with a Commonwealth connection, promoting inter-lodge visitation and charitable work since 1972. It is a natural home for a Lodge built, in 1885, to be the Masonic meeting point for the Empire in London.
COMMONWEALTH LODGES' ASSOCIATION →
Brethren of good standing from all backgrounds are welcome. Empire Lodge maintains the tradition of open hospitality to visiting Masons that characterised it from its very first meeting.
KEY FACTS
Visit Empire Lodge
Empire Lodge has welcomed visiting Brethren from across the world since 1885. If you are a Master Mason in good standing and wish to attend a meeting, or a candidate seeking information, we are pleased to hear from you. Visiting Brethren from Foreign Constitutions are asked to note the UGLE protocol and contact the Secretary in advance.
Empire Lodge is a Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England and admits men. Women who are interested in Freemasonry are warmly encouraged to explore the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons or the Order of Women Freemasons — two Grand Lodges recognised in their own right.
Empire Lodge is a member of the Commonwealth Lodges' Association — linking UGLE Lodges with a Commonwealth connection since 1972.
INTEGRITY
Honest and fair in all things
FRIENDSHIP
Brotherhood across all backgrounds
RESPECT
For others and ourselves
CHARITY
Service to our communities
Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds, races, religions and cultures. If you are interested in joining or finding out more, contact the Secretary — there is no obligation.