The central celebration of 300 years of Freemasonry was held in London on 31 October 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall, organized by the United Grand Lodge of England.
A delegation of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia, led by the Grand Master, Brother Ranko Vujačić, had the honour of attending this historic event, which was attended by almost 4,000 Freemasons from all over the world.
Three hundred years ago, four Lodges of the day gathered at the “Goose and Gridiron” tavern in the churchyard of St Paul’s in London, on 24 June, St John’s Day 1717, to form the first Grand Lodge in the world.
The celebration at the Royal Albert Hall represented the culmination of numerous events during the year marking the 300th anniversary. The gala event featured addresses by the highest representatives of the UGLE and distinguished Freemasons from around the world, together with a musical and stage programme that symbolically presented the entire history and heritage of modern Freemasonry.
Among the many guests were the Grand Master of the UGLE, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent; His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent; His Royal Highness Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; His Excellency John A. Kufuor, and others.
The event was broadcast live to the central Masonic Temple in Covent Garden in London, as well as over the internet — and the broadcast was watched in many Grand Lodges around the world. After the celebration, some 2,000 guests proceeded to a ceremonial dinner in the Battersea Evolution hall in Battersea Park.
On this occasion, Brigadier Willie Shackell, Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), remarked:
“2017 is a year in which we look with joy upon our past, but also upon our future. Over these 300 years we have followed our tradition and built friendship, openness and charitable work, and this celebration represents a highlighting of all the values that are dear to us. We are extremely pleased to be in the company of so many Freemasons from all over the world, who have come to celebrate our 300th anniversary together. I feel that our role in society could not be stronger, and I look forward to our journey through the next 300 years.”
