A lodge is born
Consecrated in March, with W. Bro. G. W. Batt as the first Master.
Our heritage
Many arts. One kindred spirit.
From our theatrical roots to the lodge we know today, ours is a story of creativity, fellowship and continuity.
London · March 1939
The beginning
of our story.
Kindred Arts Lodge was consecrated in March 1939, sponsored by Chelsea Lodge, whose charter was granted to members of the musical, theatrical and vaudeville professions and those closely allied to them.
Some Chelsea members found it difficult to attend meetings which opened in the morning and resumed in the late afternoon. A new lodge offered a practical solution—and a new home for their shared interests.
W. Bro. H. J. Fink PGStB, an American citizen and one of the driving forces behind the lodge’s formation, became its first Senior Warden. He also designed the crest which still expresses the lodge’s character today.
Our family tree reaches back to Lion and Lamb Lodge No. 192, across seven generations of lodges.
Explore the lodge archivesA living tradition
Learning together
Our Lodge of Instruction is established, continuing a tradition of rehearsal and encouragement.
The story continues
Meetings, shared learning and friendship keep the spirit of Kindred Arts alive.
Our identity
The story
within our crest.
Each element honours an art, a profession or a founder. At its centre stands the Mother of the Arts.
Palette & wheel
The arts meet engineering and the mechanical professions, including that of our first Treasurer, W. Bro. L. T. Baxter.
The notebook
The reporter’s notebook marked “News” recalls founder W. Bro. H. J. Fink.
The lyre
Music is represented by the lyre, particularly the contribution of Teddy Brown, vaudeville artiste and our first Organist.
The barrister’s wig
A tribute to the legal profession and founder Bro. Paisner.
Shovel & money
The banker’s symbols represent W. Bro. G. W. Batt, our first Master and a Past Master of Chelsea Lodge.
The masks
The theatrical interests of our founders and the lodge’s connection to Chelsea Lodge.
Expression · Accuracy · Understanding
The art of Logic Ritual
In 1881, Freemasons from the theatrical profession began meeting on Sunday mornings to practise ceremonies, since their work prevented them attending the usual weekday evening instruction.
Their expressive approach, combined with a concern for biblical, grammatical and logical accuracy, helped shape the workings of the Logic Club. At Kindred Arts, that tradition continues through ceremonies delivered with discipline, feeling and attention to meaning.
Our Lodge of InstructionThe lodge archives
Our place in the family.
A continuing legacy
The lodge sponsored two daughter lodges: Mount Carmel and Mount Sinai. Its Jubilee and 75th anniversary brought members and guests together to celebrate that legacy.
During the pandemic, online lectures and talks sustained our connections and raised donations for the British Heart Foundation. Shared learning remained part of lodge life, even when meeting in person was impossible.
A warm welcome awaits
Start a conversation.
Curious about Freemasonry, looking for a lodge to join, or planning a visit? We would be delighted to hear from you.
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