Consecration 1921
David Garrick Lodge No. 4243
Named in honour of the great actor and theatre manager David Garrick, who was born in Hereford but is forever associated with Stratford-upon-Avon, our lodge has been a proud part of this historic town since 1921.
Our Lodge Banner
Our Lodge Banner
The banner of David Garrick Lodge No. 4243 is a richly embroidered emblem that unites Masonic tradition. Crafted in light blue with gold and silver detailing, it bears the lodge's name and number beneath the radiant All Seeing Eye, flanked by a globe and a crescent moon with stars, symbolising enlightenment and universality.
At its centre is the Garrick Theatre (1769), representing the lodge's namesake and the art of drama, framed by trees, water, and birds to evoke harmony and creativity. Below, the black and white chequered floor signifies the duality of human experience, while the two pillars stand for strength and stability.
The skull and laurel wreath remind members of mortality and honour, and the Square and Compasses affirm moral integrity and balance. The date 1921 marks the lodge's founding, and the decorative shield at the base completes the composition, making the banner a dignified visual expression of the lodge's history, symbolism, and enduring fraternal spirit.
Meetings
When do we meet?
Formal Meetings
At the Masonic Temple. Held on the third Thursday, at 18:00, of each month from October to April — 7 times per year.
Lodge of Instruction (LoI)
At the Masonic Temple. Where we rehearse what we do at the formal meetings. Held most Thursdays at 7:30pm (September to April).
Social meetings
We meet at a local establishment on a regular basis (Thursday) from April to September, plus other social events arranged throughout the year.
Our story
A lodge with deep roots
The David Garrick Lodge 4243 was formed in 1921 out of The Swan of Avon Lodge 2133 following an influx of new members during and after the Great War. The Swan of Avon Lodge was at that time meeting in the Union Club which was not big enough to accommodate the nearly 70 members wishing to attend meetings.
The name 'David Garrick' was one of a number considered and was unanimously adopted by the founders in reference to the great actor of Shakespearean plays, and a benefactor to Shakespeare's town by inaugurating the first Commemorative Festival in 1769, and by making presentations of the poet's portrait and statue. The Lodge banner illustrates this event and the date.
Over more than 80 years, our lodge has welcomed hundreds of men from Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area. We are proud of our history and look forward to welcoming many more members in the years to come.
David Garrick
Our namesake
David Garrick (1717–1779) was one of the most celebrated actors and theatre managers of the 18th century. He was a close friend of Samuel Johnson and a leading figure in the cultural life of his age.
Garrick is particularly associated with Stratford-upon-Avon through his famous Shakespeare Jubilee of 1769, which he organised to celebrate the bicentenary of Shakespeare's birth and which helped establish the town as a centre of literary pilgrimage.
It is fitting that our lodge, rooted in this historic town, should bear his name.
Governance
Province & UGLE
We are part of the Province of Warwickshire, under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge of England — the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas.
The lodge
What is a masonic lodge?
Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet together. A Freemason's lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the lodge they wish to be part of.
Lodge has many interpretations. We offer the word "lodge" really has two meanings to a Freemason. It is both a place where masonic meetings are held, and a collective term for the members who meet there.
In our view the purpose of a lodge is to make Master Masons (MM's). A man may call himself a Master Mason once the lessons of the Third Degree have been imparted.
There are three degrees (steps) to becoming a Master Mason which could be completed over a 12-month period. These three degrees (steps), Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Royal Arch can be described like plays, each with several acts. Each play / act has many "actors", each with their own lines to learn.
Meetings
What happens at a masonic lodge meeting?
Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers — a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony.
Our ceremonies are based around three principles that are still taught in our ceremonies today: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.
True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among our members, our meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together after the meeting at a Festive Board.
Ceremonies
What are the ceremonies?
When the Ancient and Modern Grand Lodges came together to form the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 they declared that 'Pure Antient Masonry' consists of three degrees — the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason including the Royal Arch.
This declaration still stands at the front of our Book of Constitutions and means there are four parts to a Freemason's journey. For historical reasons, the first three are governed by UGLE, while the Royal Arch is governed by the Supreme Grand Chapter of England — but in real terms we are one organisation.
Entered Apprentice
The initial stage where a candidate is introduced to Masonic principles, moral teachings, and the fraternity's traditions, symbolizing the beginning of personal and ethical development.
Fellow Craft
The second degree emphasizes intellectual growth, self-improvement, and deeper understanding of Masonic symbolism.
Master Mason
The third degree represents maturity, mastery of Masonic teachings, and full membership in the fraternity, granting the right to participate fully in lodge activities. These three degrees form the essential path for all Freemasons and are universally recognized in standard lodges.
Royal Arch
In the Royal Arch, you complete this journey and recover the true secrets of a Master Mason through a spectacular, colourful, and dramatic ceremony you will remember forever.
Royal Arch
When can I join Royal Arch?
As previously mentioned, there are 3 degrees (steps) in freemasonry, including the Royal Arch. You are eligible to join the Royal Arch from 4 weeks after having been made a Master Mason. Every Master Mason should aspire to continue their journey from Initiation in the Craft to Exaltation in the Royal Arch. It is purely a voluntary order to join but is highly recommended and completes your masonic journey.
Normally a Royal Arch forum is called a Chapter which meets around 3 times per year. In a very similar format to that of a lodge meeting but the 'play' builds upon your three degrees and can be considered completely different.
There are subscriptions to pay but considerably less than lodge fees. Our lodge has a Royal Arch representative who will only be too pleased to discuss this with you at the right time.
Dress code
Is there a dress code?
Like many organisations in our life, organisations implement dress codes to promote professionalism, unity, brand identity, and workplace equality. Freemasonry is no different. As a member of a masonic lodge, you are expected to adhere to a certain dress code. The dress code is important not only for the sake of tradition but also for the image and reputation of the Lodge and Freemasonry in general. When everyone is dressed in a similar fashion, it creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
As a general rule the formal dress code is we are generally expected to wear a dark suit, white shirt, black shoes, and a tie, with ceremonial regalia added according to rank and lodge customs.
For an informal meeting or forum or venue then normal day to day casual attire.
Support
Support during your masonic journey
A Lodge of Instruction (LoI) is the educational heart of a Masonic lodge. It provides a supportive place to practise ritual, explore symbolism, prepare for office and build confidence — effectively serving as the lodge's training school.
It offers a structured setting where members rehearse ritual, develop their skills and deepen their understanding of Freemasonry, including the correct words, movements and ceremonial actions.
It is fully understood that individuals might be apprehensive about joining Freemasonry and wonder if all the stories that are often circulated in the media are true or not. Let us assure you that there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties.
Don't forget every freemason has made the same journey that you are about to embark upon, and we will support you at your every step via your Proposer and Seconder and overall, by a Personal Mentor.
The introduction of new members brings enhanced enjoyment to us all. New members can bring fresh perspectives, new interests, and lasting friendships. The way in which we build awareness and engagement with prospective members and then introduce them into the lodge is extremely important to ensure that they have the best experience and enjoyment on their journey in Freemasonry. A good initial experience of Freemasonry will lead to long term membership, growth, a thriving lodge, and a secure future.
We do this via three key roles: Lodge / Personal Mentor, Lodge Membership Officer, and online learning via Solomon (an online learning resource to promote and aid learning, and your development in Freemasonry).
Lodge of Instruction
What actually happens at a Lodge of Instruction?
Lodge of Instruction (LoI's) are invaluable and a key part of our fraternity for:
Newer Masons — Building confidence and understanding before taking part in ceremonies.
Experienced Masons — Refining ritual delivery and supporting others through mentoring.
The lodge as a whole — Helping ceremonies be performed with dignity, accuracy and meaning.
The key benefits for attending Lodge of Instruction are:
Ritual practice — Members rehearse the formal ceremonies, learning accurate delivery of ritual language and gestures.
Officer training — Those progressing through lodge offices practise their roles under guidance from experienced brethren.
Mentoring — Senior members coach newer Masons, helping them gain confidence and understanding.
Social bonding — LoIs also strengthen fellowship.
Costs
What are the Costs?
As with any 'club' there are ongoing annual dues and one-off joining fees to pay — like joining a golf, gym, tennis or art club.
This lodge's financial year runs from 1st December to 30th November. The annual dues are payable in advance on 1st November. In 2025 the annual dues were £200. Our Treasurer sets the annual fees which is approved by the members in 'open' lodge. Like all costs you can expect annual dues will increase with inflation.
Any candidate who joins after the November meeting will pay a pro rata fee for the year.
For 2025 the annual dues covered the cost of the following:
Dues and charity contribution to the United Grand Lodge of England
Dues to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire
Per capita to the masonic temple for the use of the temple, bar etc
A shared percentage of the costs of running the lodge
In addition to the annual dues there is the cost of dining at a Festive Board after each of our meetings. In 2025 the cost per meeting was £30, including wine at the seven regular meetings.
1921
Year consecrated
No. 4243
Lodge number
Warwickshire
Province
80+
Years of service
Become part of our story
We are always welcoming new members. If you would like to find out more about joining David Garrick Lodge, please get in touch or read our guide to joining.