New Style Polytechnic Lodge of Instruction 2024
To cater for the wishes of the majority of Brethren the Polytechnic Lodge of Instruction is now divided into two types of rehearsals. By popular demand, the Polytechnic Lodge of Instruction additionally meets on certain dates (below) in block sessions by Zoom video conferencing.
At the first Zoom rehearsal before a meeting, members are encouraged, if they feel the need, to recite the ritual by reading from the book. This has been found to boost the confidence of those members who are new to ritual or need further stimulating encouragement. The second Zoom rehearsal allows the use of ritual books where the member feels it is appropriate. There follows after Zoom rehearsals the standard live Lodge of Instruction rehearsals at Freemasons Hall. The live rehearsals are usually followed by a couple of pints in the bar afterwards.
The Polytechnic Lodge of Instruction is fully recognised by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.
Master Mason Brother Irfan Mithagre said, “Travelling into London to attend the Lodge of Instruction was an impossibility for me but I wanted to deliver high-quality ritual. The LOI by Zoom was just the solution for me.” Our newest Master Mason, Brother Adrian Badea said, “Being able to rehearse the ritual from the comfort of my own home after dinner, and to have the ritual book handy to refresh my memory works well for me.”
W. Bro. Ron Wainer SLGR, the Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction said “Both the Zoom rehearsals and the live Lodge of Instruction meetings are key to the guarantee of a good meeting of which the members can be proud and which hopefully will give pleasure to our visitors. The purpose of any Lodge of Instruction is to provide an opportunity for the younger Brethren to become versed in the ritual and symbolism of Freemasonry.”
All Officers of The Polytechnic Lodge are asked to attend the Zoom and/or live Polytechnic Lodge of Instruction or any other Lodge of Instruction closer to their home or work. Ideally, this should be a Lodge of Instruction that rehearses the Emulation Ritual.
The Worshipful Master of the Polytechnic Lodge said, “Acceptance of an office in The Polytechnic Lodge is considered a pledge of the strict performance of duties thereof with a requirement to attend the Lodge of Instruction.” The invitation towards any visitor to attend our live LOI is the same as that for our main meetings and we would be pleased to welcome you to our informal and relaxed proceedings. Rehearsals by way of Zoom video conferencing are restricted to members of the Polytechnic Lodge only.
The following ceremonies will be rehearsed and perfected on the below dates to match the work at the next regular lodge meeting:-
| DATE | METHOD | DEGREE | REGULAR MEETING |
| Tuesday 16th January 2024 | Zoom | Initiation | Saturday 3rd Feb 2024 |
| Tuesday 23rd January 2024 | Zoom | Initiation | Saturday 3rd Feb 2024 |
| Tuesday 30th January 2024 | Live FMH | Initiation | Saturday 3rd Feb 2024 |
| Tuesday 04th March 2024 | Zoom | Initiation & Passing | Saturday 23rd March 2024 |
| Tuesday 11th March 2024 | Zoom | Initiation & Passing | Saturday 23rd March 2024 |
| Tuesday 18th March 2024 | Live FMH | Initiation & Passing | Saturday 23rd March 2024 |
| Tuesday 17th September 2024 | Zoom | Installation | Saturday 5th October 2024 |
| Tuesday 24th September 2024 | Zoom | Installation | Saturday 5th October 2024 |
| Tuesday 01st October 2024 | Live FMH | Installation | Saturday 5th October 2024 |
| Tuesday 29th October 2024 | Zoom | Raising | Saturday 16th November 2024 |
| Tuesday 5th November 2024 | Zoom | Raising | Saturday 16th November 2024 |
| Tuesday 12th November 2024 | Live FMH | Raising | Saturday 16th November 2024 |
