Chipstead Lodge No. 5463 - Something worth discovering

A lodge of Freemasons in Surrey. We're not looking for perfect men - just men who want to become better.

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Part of a brotherhood of 200,000 men across England - under the United Grand Lodge of England since 1717

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About Us

An ancient tradition.
A modern brotherhood.

If you're the kind of man who values integrity, wants to grow, and believes in something beyond yourself - you already have more in common with us than you might think. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organisation: men of every background meeting as equals, challenging each other, and forming bonds that last a lifetime.

Chipstead Lodge is a working Freemason lodge in Surrey with genuine warmth - serious about our ritual, proud of our traditions, and always looking for men who feel drawn to something deeper than the ordinary. Based at the Nutfield Centre in Redhill, our members include professionals, tradesmen, and retirees from across Surrey - Chipstead, Coulsdon, Reigate, Banstead, and beyond - all meeting as equals.

We can't tell you everything. That's part of the point. Some things are only understood by experience. But we can tell you this: every man who has taken the step has said the same thing - "I wish I'd done it sooner."

Our History

1934

In 1933, twelve friends at the Chipstead Golf Club - all Freemasons, all constantly meeting and playing together - decided to form a lodge of their own. On 1st May 1934, Chipstead Lodge No. 5463 was consecrated at Freemasons' Hall in London. H.R.H. The Prince of Wales became an Honorary Member. Ninety-two brethren attended the banquet.

What began as a lodge of golfers soon grew - other men living in Chipstead were drawn to join, and the lodge became part of the fabric of the village. Since then we've met continuously for over ninety years - through the Second World War, across four different venues, and through the initiation of well over a hundred men. The ritual is still worked in the Emulation tradition, exactly as the founders intended.

1934
Tudor Rooms
Red Lion Hotel, Coulsdon
1935
Red Lion Hotel
Coulsdon
1973
Masonic Hall
Oakfield Road, Croydon
1987
Nutfield Masonic Centre
Redhill

See for yourself

What is Freemasonry?

Official film from the United Grand Lodge of England

Why Freemasonry

What men don't expect to find

Most men who join say the same thing: it wasn't what they expected. It was better. Here's what they mean.

Brotherhood

Not networking. Not socialising. Something older and more intentional - a bond between men built on trust, shared experience, and mutual obligation. In a constantly changing and rushed world, Freemasonry offers something rare: a place to slow down, to be part of something meaningful, and to build friendships that last a lifetime.

Self-Improvement

Ritual is something modern life has almost entirely lost - and it turns out we need it. Freemasonry uses structured ceremony, reflection, and mentorship to hold a mirror up to the man. It asks you to examine who you are and who you could be. The men who stay will tell you it changed them.

8 16 24

Mentorship

Every new member is guided by experienced Masons. In a world short of genuine mentors, Freemasonry offers something increasingly rare: men who will invest their time in helping you grow - because that is the tradition.

Tradition & Mystery

Centuries of ritual, symbolism, and allegory - rooted in ancient traditions and rich with layers of meaning you'll uncover over time. Freemasonry teaches through experience, not explanation. There's a reason it's endured for three hundred years: the depth is real, and it reveals itself gradually to those who seek it.

Community

In a world lived through screens, Freemasonry brings men together face to face. You sit in a room with your brothers, phones away, fully present - and it matters more than you'd expect. Charitable giving is woven into everything we do - from children's hospital charities like Teddies for Loving Care to hospices, research, and local causes. It's not performative; members quietly contribute to causes that matter, together.

Purpose

You already sense that something's missing. Not materially - philosophically. Freemasonry offers a structured path toward becoming a better man, father, partner, and member of society. If you're reading this and it resonates - you're already closer than you think.

£52m
donated to charity per year
200,000+
Freemasons in England & Wales
7,000+
lodges across the country
6m+
Freemasons worldwide

Your Journey

A clear path. At your own pace.

You should know how the process works - even if the experience itself is something you have to discover for yourself.

1

Get in touch

Send us a message. No commitment - just a conversation starter.

2

Meet us

We'll invite you to meet some of our members informally. Ask anything.

3

Apply

If it feels right, complete a straightforward application with the support of your proposer.

4

Be initiated

Once the lodge approves your application, you'll be initiated - a powerful, private ceremony that marks the beginning of your Masonic life.

From the Brethren

Why they joined. Why they stayed.

I joined at 27, expecting handshakes and dinners. What I actually found was a room full of men who genuinely wanted to help me become a better version of myself. Nothing else in my life has done that.

A Brother · Joined in his 20s

The first thing that surprised me was the silence. Not awkward silence - purposeful silence. In a world that never shuts up, having a space to actually think and reflect is something I didn't know I needed.

A Brother · Joined in his 30s

My grandfather was a Mason, and I'd always been curious. When I finally joined, I understood why he never fully explained it. Some things you just have to experience. It's been one of the best decisions I've made.

A Brother · Joined in his 30s

If something here speaks to you - trust that feeling. It's exactly how it started for all of us.

Take the first step

Common Questions

The questions every man asks before joining

Any man aged 18 or over who believes in a Supreme Being (of any faith) and is of good character. You don't need to know a Mason, though a personal introduction can help. You don't need a particular background, profession, or level of education. What matters is who you are and who you want to become.
No. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being but is not itself a religion and doesn't promote any particular faith. Our members include Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and men of many other beliefs. Religion and politics are never discussed in lodge - it's one of our oldest rules.
Each meeting involves a ceremony - ritual that has been passed down for centuries, performed from memory, and rich in symbolism. After the formal work, we dine together. We can't share the details of the ritual - that's for members - but there's nothing sinister. It's meaningful, it's serious, and it's better experienced than described.
No - and this is worth addressing head-on. Freemasonry is not a secret society. It's a society with private traditions. Our meeting places are publicly listed, our members wear Masonic rings openly, and our charitable giving is fully documented. What stays private is the detail of our ceremonies - not because there's anything to hide, but because the experience of going through them is what gives them meaning. You wouldn't read the last page of a book first. It's the same principle.
We understand. Films, novels, and internet forums have built Freemasonry into something it isn't. The reality is considerably less dramatic - and considerably more valuable. There's no world domination, no hidden handshake that gets you a promotion, and no initiation involving anything you'd need to worry about. What there is: a group of men committed to being better people, supporting their communities, and looking after each other. That's the real secret.
Honest answer: it's modest. Annual dues and dining fees at Chipstead Lodge are comparable to a gym membership. There's also a one-time joining fee. We're happy to give you exact figures when you get in touch - and no man should ever be prevented from joining by cost alone.
Yes. And you might be surprised how much you get from being in a room with men twice your age who treat you as an equal. Freemasonry has always been intergenerational - that's one of its real strengths. The mentorship and perspective from older members is something most younger Masons say they value most. UGLE has also established Light Blue Clubs specifically for new and younger members - informal social networks where you can connect with Masons at a similar stage. There's even a Universities Scheme with reduced fees for under-25s. More young men are joining now than at any point in decades.
UGLE lodges, including Chipstead Lodge, are for men only. But women's Freemasonry absolutely exists. Two long-established Grand Lodges in England are exclusively for women: the Order of Women Freemasons (founded 1908) and Freemasonry for Women (HFAF, founded 1913). They practise the same rituals we do. UGLE works closely with both organisations through the Council for Freemasonry in England and Wales, and they share premises at Freemasons' Hall in London. If a woman you know is interested, we'd be happy to point her in the right direction.
Chipstead Lodge meets four times a year. That's the core commitment. Many of us also attend the Lodge of Instruction on Thursday evenings (September to April) for learning and practice in a relaxed setting - but that's optional. You get out what you put in.
It starts with a conversation. No pressure, no commitment. We'll invite you along to meet some of the members informally, ask your questions, and get a feel for whether it's right for you. If you decide to go ahead, there's a straightforward application process. The whole thing is designed to be welcoming - no interviews, no tests, just honest conversation.

When & Where

Where you'll find us

We've been meeting since 1934. Four regular lodge meetings a year at the Nutfield Centre in Redhill, Surrey, plus a weekly Lodge of Instruction through the Masonic season for those who want to learn and practise.

Regular Lodge Meetings

Four meetings per year:

◆ 4th Friday in September (Installation)
◆ 1st Friday in December
◆ 1st Friday in February
◆ 2nd Friday in April

Lodge of Instruction

A relaxed evening of learning and practice - ideal for new and experienced Masons alike.

◆ Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm
September to April
◆ Horley & District Constitutional Club
1 Albert Road, Horley
Surrey RH6 7HB

Officers' Rehearsal

Held on the two consecutive Thursdays before each regular lodge meeting.

◆ 7:30 pm
◆ The Nutfield Centre
Nutfield Road, Redhill
Surrey RH1 4ED

Get in Touch

This is how it starts.

Every Mason in the world began with a single step - exactly the one you're about to take. No commitment. No pressure. Just a conversation between you and someone who was once in your shoes.

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Your details go directly to our Membership Officer. We never share them with anyone. We typically reply within a few days.

You've taken the first step.

Every brother in Chipstead Lodge started exactly where you are now. Our Membership Officer will be in touch soon - and we look forward to meeting you.

Not ready to enquire?

Start here instead

No pressure. Explore Freemasonry at your own pace - these official resources are a good place to begin.

Discover Freemasonry

The official UGLE guide for anyone curious about what Freemasonry really is.

Craftcast Podcast

UGLE's official podcast - honest, modern conversations about the Craft. On Spotify, Apple & Amazon.

UGLE on Instagram

See modern Freemasonry in action - events, lodges, and the people behind it. 64K followers.

Province of Surrey

Our Provincial Grand Lodge - find out what's happening in Freemasonry across Surrey.
Interested in Freemasonry? Enquire now

Our Full Story

Ninety years of brotherhood

From a group of friends at a Surrey golf club to a lodge that has met continuously through war, peace, and everything in between. This is the story of Chipstead Lodge.

1933
Twelve friends and a golf club

Chipstead Lodge owes its existence to twelve members of the Chipstead Golf Club who were all Freemasons and constantly meeting and playing together. The leading spirit was W.Bro. F.J. Clark, who conceived the idea of forming a new lodge. He was supported by Dr. E.R. Kellett, a past captain of the club, who became the founding Worshipful Master.

Eleven of the twelve became founders. The twelfth, being a member of the Scottish Constitution, was not eligible as a founder but became the lodge's first joining member. Two more keen Masons from local lodges heard about the plan and joined as founders - bringing the total to thirteen.

1934
Consecrated at Freemasons' Hall

The Warrant was issued on 1st February 1934, and on the 1st of May that year, Chipstead Lodge No. 5463 was consecrated in Room No. 10 of Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London. The ceremony was performed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, assisted by the Provincial Grand Officers of Surrey.

Ninety-two brethren attended the consecration banquet at the Connaught Rooms. Shortly afterwards, the lodge received word that H.R.H. The Prince of Wales had graciously consented to become an Honorary Member - the lodge was off to an auspicious start.

Regular meetings began at the Tudor Rooms of the Red Lion Hotel in Coulsdon, and by October 1935 membership had already risen to twenty-one. What began as a lodge of golfers soon grew beyond the club - other men living in Chipstead were drawn to join, and the lodge became part of the fabric of the village.

1937
The Lodge Banner

On 6th October 1937, the Lodge Banner was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master himself. It was the evening of the Installation of a new Master - a moment of particular pride for the young lodge.

1939
Through the war years

When war broke out, Grand Lodge issued an edict suspending all Masonic meetings in anticipation of aerial warfare. The suspension was lifted shortly after, and Chipstead was permitted to meet when circumstances allowed - though the lodge lost its October 1939 Installation Meeting.

Meeting dates were moved to Saturdays to navigate the blackout. Despite the difficulties, the Provincial Grand Master himself visited the lodge in October 1942 - making a difficult cross-country journey by public transport in the blackout. His letter expressing pleasure at the progress and work of the lodge is still treasured in the records.

In 1942, the lodge made history when Bro. A.W.J. Cunningham became the first of its own initiates to be installed as Master - a milestone in any lodge's life.

1945
Growth and new beginnings

With the cessation of hostilities, the lodge returned to its traditional meeting months. A Royal Arch Chapter was consecrated on 13th April 1945, with the lodge's Secretary becoming its Founding First Principal.

By 1951, the lodge reached its peak membership of 52 brethren. That same year, the lodge was presented with a set of gavels and striking blocks carved from the oak timbers of the City Guildhall - the ancient hall badly damaged during the Fire Blitz of 1940. These gavels are still used by the lodge at the Festive Board today.

1959
Silver Jubilee

The 25th Anniversary was celebrated at the Red Lion, Coulsdon, on 8th May 1959 in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master - the last surviving Consecrating Officer. The minutes of the original Consecration Meeting were read aloud, connecting the brethren to the very founding of the lodge.

1971
A reluctant farewell

It was with considerable regret that in 1971 the lodge had to leave the Red Lion in Coulsdon - its home for nearly four decades - when the brewers terminated all lodge bookings. Meetings moved to the Masonic Hall on Oakfield Road in Croydon, where the lodge would meet for the next sixteen years.

1984
Golden Jubilee

The 50th Anniversary meeting on 4th May 1984 at the Masonic Hall, Croydon, was attended by 74 brethren including 42 visitors. The Warrant of the Lodge was read aloud, and the brethren heard an Oration by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. The history recorded at the time noted: "At the conclusion of 50 years the Lodge finds itself in good heart and spirit."

By then, the last of the thirteen founders - W.Bro. Capt. W.G. Simmonds, aged 97 - had passed to the Grand Lodge Above, on the very day of the Installation Meeting in October 1983.

1987
A new home in Redhill

In December 1986, the brethren voted to relocate to the Nutfield Masonic Centre in Redhill. The first meeting there was held on 25th September 1987, and Chipstead Lodge has met there ever since. What followed was one of the busiest periods in the lodge's history - double ceremonies, multiple degrees, and a steady stream of new members.

1988
Fathers and sons

Throughout its history, Chipstead Lodge has been marked by a tradition of fathers introducing their sons to Freemasonry. In 1977, W.Bro. Pegrum had the privilege of initiating his son. In 1988, W.Bro. Alan Eagles initiated his son David. In 1989, W.Bro. David Lilley initiated his son Mark. More recently, W.Bros. Doug and Andrew Redhead have continued this tradition - three generations of family bonds strengthened through the lodge.

2002
The making of a Mason, circa 1790

In February 2002, Chipstead hosted a special meeting with the William Cobbett Demonstration Team, who re-enacted "The Making of a Mason" from approximately 1790. It drew the highest attendance in 25 years - 54 brethren - a reminder of the deep fascination that Masonic history and ritual hold.

2009
75th Anniversary and the 100th Initiate

The 75th Anniversary meeting was held on 3rd April 2009 at the Nutfield Masonic Centre. That same year, the lodge initiated its 100th member - and 48 brethren had also joined from other lodges over the years. Despite smaller numbers than the peak years, the lodge's spirit remained undimmed: "We all look forward to the next twenty-five years and trust that some of us will be present for the centenary celebrations in 2034!"

Today
Looking towards 2034

Chipstead Lodge has met continuously for over ninety years. It has weathered a world war, moved through four different venues, and initiated well over a hundred men. The gavels from the Blitz still strike the festive board. The ritual is still worked in the Emulation tradition, exactly as the founders intended. And the door is still open - as it has been since thirteen friends from a golf club decided to build something that would outlast them all.