The Lodge & Chapter 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 Lodge is in a period of considered renewal, guided by a ten-year plan focused on officer succession, sustainable membership growth, and ritual excellence. Eight new members joined at the May 2026 Installation, with a full officer line-up from day one. The Lodge works Emulation ritual and is building toward its 150th anniversary in 2035.
LODGE MEETING DATES — EVENING MEETINGS
First Tuesday in March · Third Thursday in May (Installation) · Fourth Wednesday in September · Fourth Wednesday in November
Lodge of Instruction (Emulation working) meets every Tuesday evening at Freemasons' Hall.
Empire Chapter No. 2108 — the Lodge's paired Royal Arch 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 Companions have been Exalted, including a double exaltation, and the Chapter continues to grow. All ceremony is conducted independently by the Chapter's own officers, working Aldersgate ritual, to a high standard.
CHAPTER CONVOCATION DATES — EVENING MEETINGS
Fourth Wednesday in January · Third Wednesday in April (Installation) · Fourth Tuesday in October
Chapter of Instruction (Aldersgate working) meets every Thursday evening at Freemasons' Hall. · Chapter enquiries: contact the Scribe E at secretary@empire2108.org
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
Discover Freemasonry
What Freemasonry is, what membership involves, and how to take the first step — answered honestly.