Universities Scheme

Tradition and continuity are two of the values which characterise the relationship between Freemasonry and Universities.

It is 200 years since Apollo University Lodge at Oxford was founded as the first University Lodge.  Isaac Newton University Lodge followed soon afterwards at Cambridge. Since then, many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges, and they provided the inspiration for the Universities Scheme which was set up at the beginning of 2005 with the objective:

‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.

There are now over 80 other Lodges in England and Wales and another four Overseas pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course. Their membership consists of undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, ranging in age from 18 upwards.

You can find out more about the Scheme by visiting the Scheme website at www.universitiesscheme.com and by viewing the below video.

The Scheme president is the Assistant Grand Master Sir David Wootton and it is supported by the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Durham, RW Bro John Arthur. WBro Clinton Leeks OBE has overall responsibility for the scheme in our Province.

Three Lodges within the Province of Durham currently participate in the scheme. They are Universities Lodge in Durham, Mowbray Lodge in Sunderland and Lodge of Fraternity in Stockton.

Undergraduates, Graduates, Researchers, Academics and Lecturers who are interested in learning more about Freemasonry are all welcome to contact the respective Lodges directly by following the above links. In the first instance we will connect with you so that we can explain in more detail the work of our Lodges and of Freemasonry in general.

Please also take the opportunity to view our website to gain an understanding of the work of the Freemasons in the Province of Durham.