The Universities Scheme
It was nearly 200 years ago that the first university Lodge, Apollo University Lodge, was founded at Oxford, with the Isaac Newton University Lodge following soon afterwards at Cambridge. These two lodges provided inspiration for the national Universities Scheme which connects lodges and Universities around the country to enhance opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy all that Freemasonry offers.
Whilst membership of the Apollo University Lodge is restricted to members of the University of Oxford, Blockley Lodge is also well suited for students and younger professionals, and has many members from Oxford Brookes University and other higher education establishments.
Military and Emergency Service Lodges
The masonic principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service have always been attractive to members of the Armed Forces with thousands of lodges created across the country by those who returned from the two World Wars. But many did not return, and over 100 members of Oxfordshire Lodges paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in WWI alone, including two who were awarded the Victoria Cross.Exemplo Ducemus Lodge, based in Bicester was founded by members of the Royal Military Police and still has a strong connection with all branches of the military. Gateway Lodge in Witney also has a strong military connection, especially with members of the RAF, whilst Semper Paratus Lodge, in Bicester was founded by members of the Fire Service and still maintains this strong connection.
Car and Motorcycle Lodges
The Sir William Morris Lodge was created in 2021 and is named after its namesake, the scion of the British Motor industry, later Lord Nuffield who was renowned for his immense contributions to charity and the University of Oxford. He was also a member of a lodge in Oxford for almost 60 years. The Sir William Morris Lodge are a group of enthusiastic petrolheads with an interest in all forms of wheeled vehicles, including motorcycles.Rugby, Campanology and Round Table Lodges
Several other specialist interest lodges also exist for those with other interests such as Clavis Lodge for those interested in bell ringing, Ruck and Maul Lodge for Rugby fans and two lodges for those who are members of the Round Table.