I am delighted to introduce this fourth edition of the Bristol Review. This document is intended to be a formal record of the wide and varied activities with the Masonic Province of Bristol and an introduction to individuals unfamiliar with our organisation of who we are and what we do. The days of Masonry being thought of as a “secret society” are long gone.
Our Province encapsulates the region which are the City and County of Bristol. The old boundaries which were temporarily disrupted by the ill-conceived creation of the County of Avon. Our Province, bordered by Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south, enjoys its splendid home at 17 Park Street. A Grade 2* listed building of which we are justifiably proud. Within this site, 37 individual Lodges meet,
along with 15 Chapters and a number of other Masonic orders, serving a broad community of over 1,200 Masons.
Within the pages of this Annual Review, you will find a diverse and interesting range of activities in which our members are engaged. All the levels of organisation are managed by volunteers, from the Board of Directors, who manage the building, to the committee of the Bristol Masons Charity, who oversee the distribution of tens of thousands of pounds to local charities, every individual gives up their own time and effort to support the work of Bristol Masons. New members of the Order do not follow a proscribed path; opportunities will open up to them as they progress through their Masonic career and it is up to them to balance the other constraints on their time and energy.
Exploring what Masonry is, with its fascinating history of over 300 years, is no longer hidden from public eyes. The United Grand Lodge of England, with over 170,000 members, publishes a highly comprehensive website which contains a vast range of information about what the Order stands for and how to explore further the avenues to joining.
I hope that you will enjoy the Annual Review 2025 and, should you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact me.
Jonathan MW Davis
Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent