Beyond Your Lodge – Connect. Contribute. Continue.

 

Sanjiv B. Gohil (Metropolitan Grand Inspector, City Inspectorate) writes:

There comes a moment in every Mason’s journey when we pause and think – What’s next?

For several years within the City Inspectorate, we observed something understandable but preventable. A Brother would serve a memorable and successful year as Master of his Lodge. He would generously give his time, energy and leadership and then, once that year concluded, something would shift.

The structure changes. The intensity subsides. And sometimes — so too does the sense of direction. It was from this observation that Beyond the Master’s Chair (BTMC) was born.

BTMC began as a simple but deliberate intervention: an evening designed to give first-time Past Masters exposure to opportunities beyond their Lodge. It was not about honours. It was not about fast-tracking. It was not about hierarchy. It was about connection.

BTMC introduced Brethren to the wider world of Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Chapter: Active Office, Visiting Officers, Ritual Support, Membership, Communications, Special Projects, and many other teams working quietly behind the scenes to support London Freemasonry.

What we discovered exceeded expectations. Brethren did not lack willingness; they lacked visibility. They did not lack capability; they lacked invitation. It was not that they lacked commitment. They did not see a longer journey beyond their current position.

Across five events, between November 2022 and November 2025 we have seen remarkable engagement. At our most recent event, over 90% of attendees expressed interest in contributing beyond their Lodge. Over half of delegates who had attended a BTMC event have since gone on to support Metropolitan teams, Inspectorate initiatives and other Lodge development projects.

The success and impact of BTMC3 was highlighted in an earlier edition of Arena Magazine – you can read it here:
https://www.londonmasons.org.uk/news/735/one-step-beyond-how-first-time-london-masters-find-a-way-ahead

 

Here are just three personal examples of the journey of Brethren who attended a BTMC event:

 

W. Bro Tony Dolton SLGR A/MaGI. L2612 (Navy).

I became a Freemason in March 2001 and served as Master of my Mother Lodge in 2010, balancing demanding professional obligations while living overseas and travelling internationally. Although these international duties limited my involvement, I still attended at least one or two Lodge meetings each year and remained somewhat unfamiliar with Freemasonry’s daily workings until returning to the UK in 2019.

 

Once back home, I began attending more regularly, broadened my participation by visiting and joining additional Lodges, and finally enjoyed the benefits of exploring other Lodges. As Charity Steward for my Mother Lodge, I had great fun encouraging our very generous members to donate as much as possible to the charitable causes our Lodge supported.

 

During this period, my understanding of the function of Metropolitan Grand Lodge was limited; however, attending the City Inspectorate’s first Beyond the Masters Chair (BTMC) event in November 2022 provided me with a valuable insight into the broader scope of Freemasonry. From the event, I leant about the organisational structure and the various initiatives undertaken to advance Freemasonry. Following the event, I volunteered for and subsequently joined the Met Membership team who are dedicated to interviewing and assigning independent candidates to appropriate Lodges—a responsibility I have held for several years.

 

Through BTMC I had learned about Active Office and when my Lodge put me forward for a position in March 2024, I was fortunate enough to be appointed Metropolitan Deputy Grand Sword Bearer. The post enhanced my appreciation of London Freemasonry's offerings and the challenges it encounters today.  Immediately following my Active year, I was approached to become a Visiting Officer within the City Inspectorate. I already had an appreciation of the duties involved through what I has discovered at the BTMC event; so, I was keen to take on the challenge. Two years on, I continue to serve as a VO for two Lodges; a role that I find highly engaging. 

 

Attending BTMC was a valuable experience that enhanced my understanding of the workings of London Masonry and highlighted ways in which I can further contribute while appreciating the fellowship it fosters. The event offered significant insight into the organisation’s internal processes, supporting both my personal development as a Freemason and enabling me to assist others in their own journeys.

 

I would enthusiastically recommend attending the forthcoming MetGL event, Beyond Your Lodge as it provides an excellent opportunity to expand one’s network and explore potential avenues for greater involvement within Freemasonry. Not only will you expand your network and skills, but you’ll also find new ways to make a tangible difference. The journey is richer for the friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the lives touched along the way.

 

W. Bro Simon Greaves LGR MetComms Team. L2700 (Old Masonians).

 

My father and his brother were both Masons in the 1940s to 60s. My father, who was a Church of England Bishop in Africa found membership of his six orders invaluable as he moved from post to post in South Africa and what was then Rhodesia. When he died young; I was four years old. After prep school one of my father’s friends, a grammar school headmaster, arranged for me to go to the Royal Masonic School for Boys in Bushey, from where I obtained a first-class classical education. This helped me onto my academic and career paths. I have a BA (hons) in economics, and MSc in politics, philosophy and economics and I am currently studying for a PhD in economic theory at Krakow University of Economics. I am a journalist for 40 years, 38 of them at the Financial Times, I am a writer and editor, mainly of economics, corporate and business news.

 

When I attended Beyond the Masters’ Chair in 2022, I had just been replaced as Chaplain of my Lodge, an office that I had held for five years after my year as Master between 2016-17.  I felt consigned to the backbenches, becoming a wallflower rather than a cherished bloom in the garden of Masonry.

 

I attended BTMC with a curiosity to explore what I might do next. At the event, I learnt about the work of the Met. Comms team and realised that I had transferrable skills that could benefit London Masonry; I immediately signed up as a volunteer. Soon after the event I began writing for Arena magazine, publishing articles about the London Air Ambulance appeal; interviews with cohorts of London Masonry (Savage Ritual, Holy Royal Arch and New Masons, among them); and subjects suggested by the editor and colleagues in the team. I found myself with a team of experts in all media with a supportive editor willing to publish my articles. At the same time, I was invited by The City Inspectorate to write Long-Service Certificate citations. I really enjoy this deep dive into the life of our much revered and illustrious Brethren. Some three years later, I continue to be involved in both areas and am still thoroughly enjoying each.

 

For anyone considering their next step in Masonry, I would recommend attending the forthcoming event discussed in this article. I very nearly resigned from Masonry after the Chair because it seemed there was nowhere to go to grow my Masonic career. Where I find myself now is fulfilling and challenging enough to keep me writing and spreading the word about BTMC events and its evolved event – Beyond Your Lodge.

 

 

Ketan Jashapara LGR A/MaGI L7582 (Certified Accountants).

 

My MetGL Masonic journey, which started in 2004 but was interrupted between 2014-2021 through work abroad. Notwithstanding, I continued my Masonry in California and passed through the Chair there twice and additionally attained a Scottish Rite 32nd degree.

On my return to London, I was unclear as to my future Masonic path. Being a Past Master of two City Inspectorate Lodges, I was invited to attend a Beyond the Master’s Chair (BTMC) event in November 2022. I found the event both informative and thought-provoking. I was invited to attend the event again in October 2023. I found the presentation by W Bro Omaid Hiwaizi, MetGComms Officer particularly inspiring and I expressed an interest to work with the MetGL Communications team. Having recently been awarded LGR, I also expressed a desire to become a Visiting Officer. Both requests were fulfilled.

 

I joined the Met Comms team in November 2023. I find my role within the MetGL team fun and exciting. My work includes writing weekly press releases to local media on Freemasons grants (MCF & LFC) for the benefit of local communities; we have had much success in this area. I also write longer features and have published articles in Arena on Masonic care homes and the London Air Ambulance.

 

I was appointed as a Visiting Officer (VO) to two London Lodges in May 2024 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Brethren in both Lodges as the representative of Metropolitan Grand Lodge. As a VO, my role entails supporting my Lodges and imparting the various news and initiatives emanating from MetGL and UGLE. This requires continuous application and education to stay abreast of ongoing developments. My work as a VO within City Inspectorate and MetGL resulted in a promotion to MAGI within the Inspectorate in Autumn 2025.

  

I am very grateful for the opportunities given to me through the Beyond the Master’s Chair events. Although each role is voluntary, I am proud to be involved with teams who pride themselves with the quality of application in all areas. It has enhanced my experience of Freemasonry in a very positive manner.

 

If you have a desire to broaden your horizons, the natural evolution of BTMC, Beyond Your Lodge is a wonderful platform to discover opportunities and to contribute and raise your involvement within your Inspectorate and MetGL, while at the same time making a meaningful contribution to Freemasonry outside of your Lodge.

 

Why We Evolved

Something else became clear to the BTMC team. Talent is not just confined to Past Masters. Some of our most capable contributors are Light Blues. Some are Companions in the Royal Arch. Some are Brethren who have never sought office but bring extraordinary professional skills and enthusiasm. Some are even amongst our newest Brethren.

The question was no longer: What happens beyond the Master’s Chair?  The question became: What lies beyond your Lodge?

And so, BTMC has evolved into something broader, more inclusive and more ambitious. It has been expanded beyond the City Inspectorate to service the whole of Metropolitan Grand Lodge / Chapter. It became – Beyond Your Lodge.

 

Introducing: Beyond Your Lodge – Connect. Contribute. Continue.

Beyond Your Lodge (BYL) is Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s engagement and leadership initiative designed to help members to:

  • Connect with Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Chapter
    Contribute their skills, experience and enthusiasm
    Continue their Masonic journey in a meaningful and rewarding way

BYL is an opportunity to discover how your professional experience, personal talents and enthusiasm might support London Freemasonry — whether through mentoring, communications, membership support, ritual assistance, events, charity initiatives, or strategic projects. Most importantly, it is about ensuring that no willingness to serve goes unnoticed.

 

Why It Matters

London Freemasonry is thriving, but successful organisations do not stand still – they identify talent early, they support contribution and develop leaders who will help shape their future.

Beyond Your Lodge will help us do precisely that. It will allow us to

  • Support our Inspectorates;
  • Strengthen our Lodges;
  • Build succession;
  • Deepen engagement and
  • Help us all to see broader purpose to London Masonry.

 

BYL reminds us that Freemasonry is not confined to our individual units but is a timeless institution that enables us to be a collective force for good. The stronger we are, the greater our impact will be, both internally and externally. Beyond Your Lodge is a lifelong journey.

We are delighted to announce the inaugural Beyond Your Lodge launch event on Wednesday 7 May 2026 at 6:00 pm @ Freemasons’ Hall, London.

This evening will showcase the many ways members can become involved and provide an opportunity to meet the teams who help deliver Metropolitan Freemasonry across London.

Whether you are a recent Past Master wondering what lies ahead, a Companion seeking broader engagement, a brother with specialist skills, or simply someone curious about how you might contribute – this evening is for you.

Formal invitations and registration details will be distributed through your Metropolitan Grand Inspector. However, to pre-register your interest please email:

Look out for further information through the Second Risings, your Visiting Officer, Lodge Secretary, and our wider social media posts.

 


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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