City Gate Lodge has a base membership of Security Professionals and those involved with the Livery Movement in the City of London. We draw our members from a wide range of professional security backgrounds and welcome expressions of interest in membership from existing Masons as well as prospective Candidates for Initiation.
City Gate Lodge has strived to be innovative and forward thinking, stretching the boundaries of traditional Masonic thinking. We have introduced procedures which raised eyebrows with some at the time but are now considered good practice. We even had a Fellowcraft do a little bit of an Initiation as part of our policy of splitting up work and involving as many as possible in the ritual.
The Lodge has Initiated 13 Candidates and accepted 20 Joining Members. We have become quite adept at multiple ceremonies and in July 2018 managed a quadruple Initiation, clearly showcasing team working.
The Lodge is proud of the high quality of its ritual, which it has demonstrated consistently. We work closely with other Livery Lodges to undertake our ceremonies, and work to strengthen our links with other Livery Lodges in the City. We pride ourselves on giving our new members an experience which benefits their understanding of the wider Masonic world.
Three members of the Lodge have had the privilege of active office in MetGL as MetJGW, and we benefit from a high proportion of Grand Officers within our ranks. Eight members have been granted that honour in our ten years.
We are addressing the nationwide difficulties experienced with declining Masonic membership with a very active plan, which includes injecting young blood into our rather top-heavy management structure. We intend to take the Lodge forward for another ten years. To make the Lodge one for its younger members to enjoy so that City Gate can celebrate future anniversaries. It will not be easy, but we will do it.
The Lodge will not dilute its core objectives. To provide an experience in the Temple that both members and guests can enjoy, to maintain an overtly friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and to dine well. We have earned a good reputation in those areas and above all for being excellent company. That is the best compliment a Lodge can have.
City Gate Lodge will thrive maintaining those principles.
G. Seaby
2023
