The Order of Women Freemasons: A History and Overview

The Order of Women Freemasons

The Order of Women Freemasons is a well-known and prestigious Masonic organization in the United Kingdom, which upholds the principles of traditional male Freemasonry.

Grand Lodge of the Honourable Order of Ancient Masonry

Originally established in 1908 as the Grand Lodge of the Honourable Order of Ancient Masonry, it changed its name to 'The Order of Women Freemasons' in 1958 and has been operating ever since.

In its early days, the Order included both men and women.

However, in the 1920s, the decision was made to admit women exclusively, and by 1935, it had become a women-only organization.

The Order's headquarters have been located in Notting Hill Gate, London, since 1925, and are managed by the Grand Master and her team, who volunteer their time.

The Order welcomes women from all faiths and races, provided they are of good character, over 21 years old, and believe in a Supreme Being.

The organization has over 4,000 members spread across more than 300 Craft Lodges in the UK and overseas.

These lodges meet at least four times annually, and members are encouraged to pursue further and higher degrees.

The Pembridge Society, an exclusive group for new and young Freemasons, provides a platform for them to improve their knowledge of Masonry.

In the coming months, similar groups are scheduled to be launched throughout the country.

The Order actively collaborates with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) to promote the Universities Scheme.

In recent years, the organization has worked with UGLE members at university Freshers’ Fairs across England and Wales, resulting in many new members joining their Lodges.

• The Order of Women Freemasons Official Website: https://www.owf.org.uk/

• The United Grand Lodge of England Official Website: https://www.ugle.org.uk/

• Women and Freemasonry by Dudley Wright (2012)

• Freemasonry and Feminism: Can They Coexist? by Karen Kidd (2009)

• The Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker (1983)

Order of Women Freemasons

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