The Masons / Druids Lodge

[JackLemon]

Can anyone help me out with an idea of where to go for historical records for the above? I have found a relative that was the Secretary of the 'Loyal Order Druids Retreat Lodge'.

There are also details 'U.A.OD 638'.

I am assuming that the Druids became the Masons art some point in time but yes I know.. I shouldn't assume. Still being relatively new at this sort of thing I would really apreciate some help if anyone in the U.K is able.

Thanks heaps.

Paul

[behindthefrogs]

There should be no relationship between Druid and Masonic practices.  The ceremonies of the masons are said to find their origins with the masons who built the Temple for King Solomon. 

David

[nanny jan]

Could it have been some sort of "friendly society"?


Nanny Jan

[stanmapstone]

As far as I am aware the "Druids" have no connection to the Masonic Lodge, also known as Freemasonry.
The United Ancient Order of Druids, is a secret benefit society founded in London in 1781, and now has numerous lodges called groves in the United Kingdom, America, the Colonies, etc.
I don't know if this has any connection to the 'Loyal Order Druids Retreat Lodge' What date was your relative the Secretary?
Stan

[RJ_Paton]

A 19th century set of Rules of the Ancient Order of Druids claims that the United Ancient Order of Druids was a breakaway in 1834 from the original Ancient Order said to have been 'revived' in 1781 by Hurle and others. It is clear from these Rules that a major revision occurred within the Ancient Order in 1849. A 1916 article in the UK Rechabite Magazine records that the Order of Druids was an 1858 breakaway from the UAOD at a time when there was also, besides the Ancient Order, a Modern Order, a Loyal Order, a Bolton Unity of Druids and 'the Druids under the Grove.'

from this it may be that your UA OD 638 is something along the lines of United Ancient Order Druids lodge (or possibly member ) number 638

[JackLemon]

I am a little surprised that they aren't connected with the Freemasons but my limited knowledge on the matter doesn't help..maybe it is a 'friendly' society.. Hmmm... Thank you for the message  

The date I have is October 1926 and the name
Bros; J F Leaman. (Brother Leaman?) He was the Secretary for 40 years. (Its on a bureau that is in the family but of which little is known.)

[JackLemon]

Thank you Falkryn.. More to ponder.. I will look into that posibility tomorrow.. Alas it's my bedtime now so keep well and thank you all for your thoughts.

[stanmapstone]

In 1945 there were the Order of Druids Friendly Society and the United Ancient Order of Druids Friendly Society.


Stan

[JackLemon]

Thanks Stan.. It certainly looks like you'vr hit the target. Now it's time for me to go see what I can find out.