All freemasons are welcome to the Walnut Tree Lodge of Instruction.

The Walnut Tree Lodge of Instruction (LoI) is currently held on Wednesday evenings between 7:30 and about 8:30pm from September to June, at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre. We meet on an informal basis and practise the various rituals so that at our ‘actual’ meetings we feel confident and well rehearsed. There are always experienced brethren present to guide and instruct the newer brethren as necessary. The LoI is key to the guarantee of a good meeting for which the members can be proud and hopefully gives pleasure to our visitors.

The purpose of the LoI is to provide an opportunity for the newer Brethren to become versed in the ritual and symbolism of Freemasonry. Also to be able to practise the ritual in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The meetings are usually overseen by the Preceptor who is an experienced member of the Lodge.

The rehearsal of a ceremony normally takes place with the officers of the regular Lodge occupying the positions they either hold or expect to fill next year. Other brethren are also given the opportunity to partake in any of the offices. This gives them a chance to practise a ceremony in an office which is unfamiliar to them. There are also opportunities for any brothers to practise any additional ritual or signs should they so desire; time permitting.

Although, of course, the ceremonies are always practised in earnest to make sure we give all our best at the actual meetings, LoI could not be classified as a totally serious event and there is always some fun times and banter.