150 years for the Royal Naval College and United Services Lodge
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A memorable milestone for The Royal Naval College & United Services Lodge No 1593. The 20th February meeting at Freemasons’ Hall marked 150 years since the Lodge was first consecrated.
The evening was conducted under the Mastership of W Bro D. R. Holmes, who presided over a splendid meeting befitting such an occasion. In attendance were W Bro Sanjiv Gohill PSGD, MetGInsp, his EO, W Bro Jake Mossom, two Stewards, and the Lodge’s VO W Bro Jason Read. The meeting also formed part of the Catalyst Scheme, with the RAF Lodge supporting RNC & US Lodge and introducing a new initiate – a clear example of the scheme working exactly as intended.
Notable guests included the Chairmen of both the Connaught Club and Kent Club, along with a sizeable contingent from the RAF Lodge, adding to the sense of celebration. In a moment of striking symmetry, the 150th meeting was held in the same temple – The Buckingham Room – as the Lodge’s 100th. Present on both occasions was W Bro Jon Haddy SLGR, the current Secretary and the only surviving member from that earlier milestone, providing a living link to the Lodge’s past.
The celebrations continued at the RAF Club for the Festive Board, bringing the evening to a warm and fitting close in honour of 150 years of tradition, service, and brotherhood.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.
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