The Grand Lodge of Norway Meets the Green Room Lodge No 2957
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W Bro Graham Cottington, (Secretary) writes:
Prior to the last meeting of the Green Room Lodge, in April, I took a call from the UGLE office to enquire if we could host some Norwegian Freemasons during their short stay in the UK. Of course, as a Lodge we never shy away from distinguished visitors; so the communication between Lodges commenced.
I was put in contact with VW Bro Per Christian Knutsen of the St. Johanneslogen Harald til det Lysende Haab Lodge No 114 from the city of Haugesund Norway, under the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, and a trip was arranged to attend the Green Room Lodge 2957.
As they were only in London for a short weekend visit, I arranged for them to have a tour of Grand Lodge; including our beautiful Grand Temple. The same day they attended a bumper meeting to witness a fabulous Initiation ceremony of Bro Mihkel Tali.
A wonderful ceremony was performed for our guests, who made very favourable comments on the accuracy and warmth of the ceremony.
They witnessed a faultless explanation of the First Degree tools from Bro Osman Sahinbozkir and the Ancient Charge delivered by W Bro Peter Thrush. Both explanations received well-deserved applause.
We also saw W Bro Peter Walkden, a joining member, being balloted for, and accepted by the Brethren.
I presented each of our guests with a centenary booklet detailing the history of the Lodge, along with several personal Masonic gifts, by which to remember their visit to us.
Our distinguished guests then joined us for our Festive Board, which again they thought was a wonderful occasion.
At the Festive Board, VW Bro Per Christian presented the Lodge with a booklet of their Lodge history, depicting their Masonic Temple and its members, along with a Lodge pennant showing their coat of arms.
A true bond of friendship was established between our members and invites back to Norway were given to all, which we now plan to honour.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 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 61 here.
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