Welcome to Vindelis 7873
Vindelis 7873 is a Freemasons' Lodge situated in Portland, Dorset, where we have existed since 1963. We are a strong local lodge, with local connections. Many members come from a military background, but there are also those related to the Prisons, Nursing, Driving, Dorset Council, various private businesses, and a few are even retired! We think of ourselves as being open and welcoming to all.
The building we use, pictured to the right, came about when the number of lodges outgrew the original lodge on Portland, pictured below.
The new building allowed space for to meeting rooms and two dining spaces, one of which is the largest among Dorset’ masonic buildings and is still used for community initiatives to this day.
The extra space has been beneficial and helped with the growth of lodges over the decades, resulting in the building being in use more nights of the month.
Brief History
Apart from having a broad membership in age, we have also found ourselves with many members who were related or life long friends. Reflected today in us having several father and sons, and brothers, regularly attending.
The early 1960’s was a busy time for Freemasonry and many new lodges sprang up, due to older lodges becoming too full to accommodate the numbers attending. Something which is a fantastic problem for any organisation. So it was a group of members broke away from Portland 1037 to form a new lodge, using the same building, but meeting on a different evening.
The name “Vindelis” was chosen as the old Roman name for the Isle of Portland. They also created their own emblem for the banner. More on this imagery elsewhere.
Many members through the years contributed not only to our story, but that of Dorset Freemasonry, and wider Freemasonry. This will be covered in more detail in our Blog Posts, so do take a look.
Us Today…
Times have changed a lot over the last 60 years and talking to older members is a fascinating way to hear the history of the building and lodge itself, but we also have an eye to the future and are proud to be a lodge which is growing well, with quite a number of new members over the past two years.
We keep a busy schedule for our meetings and enjoy a good meal and socialising after. Many members get more involved with helping out, yet no one is encouraged to do more than they wish to. We have regular visits to other lodges in Dorset, and even outside the area, with visitors to our lodge always being made to feel welcome and given an enjoyable evening.