United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)
United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) : Cradle of Modern Freemasonry
Introduction
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), founded in 1813, is the inheritor of the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, which was the oldest Masonic obedience in the world and can be considered the cradle of modern Freemasonry. It plays a central role in the history and development of Freemasonry across the globe, setting the standards of regularity and recognition that guide many Grand Lodges today.
History
The Moderns and the Ancients
According to tradition, four Lodges met at the Goose and Grill Tavern in London on 24 June 1717 to form the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, more commonly known as the Grand Lodge of London and referred to as the "Modern" Grand Lodge. Recent historical research suggests that this foundation dates from 1721 and was the work of a single lodge. In any case, it was the first Grand Lodge and the beginning of modern Freemasonry. It was followed by the Grand Lodges of Ireland (1725) and Scotland (1736).
But the new Grand Lodge had modified the ancient rituals and aroused the opposition of many English lodges, which in 1751 formed a rival Grand Lodge, known as the "Ancient" Grand Lodge, because it claimed to preserve the ancient practices of Freemasonry. The Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland then ceased to recognise the Premier Grand Lodge of London and associated themselves with that of the "Ancients".
It was not until 1813 that the two English Grand Lodges decided that their differences were irrelevant and decided to unite and form the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Evolution and Expansion
In the 18th century, the Grand Lodge of London played a decisive role in structuring Freemasonry, notably with the publication of the Anderson Constitutions in 1723, which formalised the rules and principles of modern Freemasonry.
From the 1725s, it began to spread Freemasonry throughout Europe. It also created many lodges in America, but on this continent, the Grand Lodge of the "Ancients", as well as the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland, had the predominance.
Since the Union of 1813, the UGLE has also been at the heart of the expansion of Masonry's expansion worldwide, especially throughout the British Empire, thus exporting English Masonic traditions.
Principles and Values
Regularity and Recognition
The UGLE is strictly attached to the principles of Masonic regularity, which include belief in a Supreme Being, the prohibition of political and religious discussions in the lodge, the refusal of the presence of women and the practice of recognised rituals.
Having definitively established its criteria of regularity in 1929, it considers itself to be the reference authority in matters of regularity, and its recognition is often sought by other obediences.
Universality and Fraternity
Though founded on traditional principles, UGLE promotes the universality of Freemasonry, emphasizing the fraternity that should unite all Masons beyond their cultural, religious, or ethnic differences. It actively engages in charitable and educational works, thus reflecting Masonic values in society.
Organization and Functioning
Structure and Governance
The UGLE is composed of Lodges within its jurisdiction, divided by Province, not only in England and Wales, but also in certain overseas territories. It is headed by a Grand Master, currently the Duke of Kent, and its operations are governed by internal laws and regulations.
Ritual Practices
UGLE exclusively practices the three Craft Masonry degrees : Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. It maintains strict observance of rituals, considered essential for the transmission of Masonic principles.
Recognition and International Relations
Authority and Influence
As the mother obedience of Freemasonry, UGLE holds significant moral and historical authority. It maintains relationships of mutual recognition with many regular grand lodges worldwide, playing a central role in international Masonic dialogue and cooperation.
Contribution to the Global Masonic
Landscape UGLE actively contributes to the development of global Freemasonry by sharing its expertise, supporting new obediences in their path to regularity, and promoting the universal values of Freemasonry.
Conclusion
The United Grand Lodge of England is a fundamental institution in the history of Freemasonry, whose influence is felt well beyond its national borders. By maintaining a balance between tradition and adaptation to modern times, UGLE continues to symbolize the ideals of fraternity, morality, and personal development that are at the heart of Masonic practice.
