We are a three hundred year old social network with a serious purpose. We are a highly convivial organisation concerned with the promotion of friendship, our own moral, intellectual and social development and the wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work. The principles of Freemasonry encourage an ethical approach to life: we think about the welfare of others and we aim to be honest, courteous and fair in all our dealings with everyone. We are urged to regard the interests of our family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also emphasises and practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

We believe in tolerance and equality and in the importance of integrity in all of our dealings with others. We are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry as long as we don't use our membership to create an advantage for ourselves. There are over two hundred thousand Freemasons in England and Wales meeting in nearly 8,000 Lodges under the authority of The United Grand Lodge of England. Worldwide, there are nearly 6 million Freemasons.

In our masonic province (the county-based organisation that includes South Oxfordshire and Berkshire), men are joining masonic lodges at a rate of about 10 per month.

Just in case this all sounds too earnest, we must also emphasise the social nature of Lodge membership. We are extremely sociable and Lodge meetings are both convivial and rewarding. Many life-long friendships are made and sustained in our lodges. We enjoy helping others and enjoy our masonry! We are people just like you and people you'll like.

Our Charitable Work
Freemasonry is not primarily a charitable organisation. Our charitable activities are the result of individual members applying the principles of masonry in their everyday lives. Over the years members of Portcullis Lodge have a proud record of supporting both masonic and non-masonic good causes. In a recent campaign to support The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in its work of elderly care, the Lodge raised over £25,000. This money came from Freemasons. We do not make street collections nor do we solicit funds from non-masonic sources. Freemasonry is not limited to wealthy individuals however. We each give according to our means, in complete confidence. There is no pressure or compulsion to donate. We are more concerned with a man's character than his material assets.

The Lodge continues to support The Berkshire Masonic Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund; The Berkshire Masonic Charity supports worthy local causes and the Lodge recently donated £1000 to help with its valuable work in our community.

The Freemasons' Grand Charity has made grants of over £1,000,000 since 2007 to support air ambulances throughout the country. Just one example of masonry acting for the benefit of all in our community

Who Are We?
Membership is open to all thoughtful men of good character and integrity who believe in a Supreme Being. There are no other requirements apart from a willingness to learn and to contribute to the rich life of the lodge. Members come from all walks of life and all types of ethnic, social, economic and educational backgrounds, occupations and religions.

Under The United Grand Lodge of England, Lodges are organised into county areas called Provinces. In The Province of Berkshire there are 93 Lodges. Portcullis Lodge is one of three Lodges meeting and working in Wallingford. Every Lodge has its own schedule of meetings at which the members and their guests advance their knowledge of Freemasonry and enjoy each other's company by sharing a meal together. Portcullis is a Craft Lodge working Emulation ceremonies.

The United Grand Lodge of England publishes its rules, known as the 'Book of Constitutions'. It likewise publishes lists of lodges and their meeting places. These publications are in the public domain and can be downloaded or purchased from the United Grand Lodge in London.

Portcullis Lodge
Portcullis Lodge was founded in 1948 and is a medium sized Lodge having about 35 members coming from many different walks of life, trades and professions and ranging in age from early thirties upwards. We meet seven times a year at the Wallingford Masonic Hall.

If you are a mason in good standing, you will be made welcome as a visitor to our Lodge. Please contact our secretary to make the usual arrangements.

If you are not already a mason, we have more information here.