Collingwood Lodges

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest Fraternity in the World.

Members are called “Freemasons” who meet in “Lodges”.

The term “Lodge” is simply a collective noun for a formal group of regularly meeting Freemasons.

They normally meet under license from their peaked body and are hence known as “Warranted Lodges”. Lodge Evolution 931 and Devotion 723 are warranted lodges.

Lodge Devotion 723 and Lodge Evolution 931 are what is colloquially referred to as “Craft Lodges”

“The Craft” is a substitute term for “Ancient Free and Accepted Masons” or “Freemasons” for short. The concept reflected in the term, is a man working at his “craft”. In ancient times that craft was operative stonemasonry. As those operative masons formed what is known as “Speculative” (thinking) Freemasonry the term has carried on into modern (post 1717 A.D.) times to reflect a man working on self improvement through learning and crafting his character. Being a better man by improving and “crafting” ones character and actions are central concepts in modern Freemasonry.

Today, there are over 300 lodges in Victoria working under our peak body known as “Grand Lodge”.

Grand Lodge’s official name is UNITED GRAND LODGE of Antient Free and Accepted Masons Of VICTORIA. This is commonly reduced to the acronym “U.G.L.V.”– often the periods are removed and U.G.L.V. is written UGLV. Grand Lodge is also often referred to “United Grand Lodge of Victoria”, “Grand Lodge Victoria” or simply “Grand Lodge” or GL. There is a page on Grand Lodge here

Each Masonic Lodge working in Victoria under Grand Lodge is issued with a Warrant (License) to bring new members into Freemasonry. This legitimizes Masonic membership and allows Victorian Freemasons to visit other Masonic Lodges working interstate and in many countries in the world on the European, North and South American, Asian and African continents.

Freemasonry has a diverse membership of men of men from 18 years and older. The oldest known member is over 100 years old. Freemasons come from diverse social, economic, religious and cultural backgrounds. It is an organization which values good conduct, charitable efforts, courtesy and self development. It values a man’s character and intentions above his bank balance, address, profession and social connections. In Freemasonry, diverse men unite as equals in fraternal brotherhood and friendship for self-development and friendship - sharing common values and life’s experiences.

Lodge Devotion 723 and Lodge Evolution 931 both meet at Gipps St Abbotsford and are groups of diverse men working on self improvement and helping those around them.