 TUESDAY 28th APRIL 2026 Welcome to First Rising – the official newsletter for members of United Grand Lodge of England. NEWS FROM GRAND LODGE Contemporary Freemasonry: Living and Communicating Freemasonry in the 21st Century At a recent meeting of senior leaders, the Pro Grand Master, MW Bro Jonathan Spence, DL, spoke of the importance of fulfilling our strategy for living and communicating Freemasonry in the 21st Century. This message was reinforced by The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, who has set out both the opportunity before us and the responsibility we collectively share: “There is now a real opportunity for us to re-establish the reputation of Freemasonry as an important and active contributor to our civic society and in terms which will resonate in the current era.” Freemasonry has made considerable progress over many years, yet a clear gap still remains between how we understand our organisation and how it is seen by others. Misunderstanding persists, and too often our purpose and contribution are not fully recognised. At the same time, if we take the opportunity to engage with them, there is a large and open-minded section of the public who are willing to listen and to form a more balanced view. For us as members, this creates a clear and shared task. We must be confident in explaining what Freemasonry is, what it stands for and, equally importantly, what it is not. We must ensure that the way we describe ourselves is clear, relevant and easily understood, avoiding language that can be misinterpreted. We must also be more visible in showcasing our work and demonstrating the positive impact we make, particularly through our charitable work and our contribution to our local communities. This is not solely a communications exercise. It is about how we live Freemasonry day to day. Each of us has a role to play in presenting Freemasonry through our actions, our conduct, and our engagement with others; even when it is difficult. The strength of our reputation will increasingly be shaped by the example set by our members. We will support this by continuing to modernise how we communicate, by sharing our story more proactively, and by strengthening our presence within the communities we serve. We will also continue to develop a more agile and responsive organisation; one that listens, adapts and enables Lodges to play their full part in delivering our strategy on the ground. This work is not about changing our values or traditions. Rather, it is about ensuring that they are properly understood in a modern context. By doing so, we reinforce our relevance and secure our place within today’s society. The Grand Master is clear that: “The next stage of implementing the Strategy requires resilience, consistency, adaptability and endurance.” That next stage is now. It calls for a collective effort, sustained over time, with clarity and consistency. By working together and taking personal responsibility for how we live and communicate Freemasonry, we can ensure that it continues to thrive and to make a meaningful contribution to society for many years to come. Adrian Marsh Grand Secretary and Grand Scribe E PORTAL IS LIVE – MANAGE YOUR MASONIC JOURNEY Portal is our new membership app designed to make Freemasonry more accessible — anytime, anywhere. Manage your details, explore events, and connect with other Brethren. 👉 Sign up on desktop 👉 Or sign up on your phone AMENDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND UNSUBSCRIBING You can change your First Rising contact email address here and unsubscribe here .Facebook Twitter Website Instagram Copyright © 2026 United Grand Lodge of England You are receiving this because you are a Freemason under the United Grand Lodge of England. 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Lodge & Chapter of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of England, Province of Middlesex, Cole Court Masonic Centre