At the Lodge of Discoveries, we cultivate individual improvement, fraternity, solidarity, and an ethical commitment to society.
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Welcome to Freemasonry. Welcome to the Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409.
History of the Lodge
For the Founders of the Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409, this day, the 4th of May 1991, will always have a special significance as the day upon which their aim of bringing into a new Lodge finally reached fruition.
During the evening of the 27th of June 1990, passer-by’s peering into the Copper Kettle restaurant in Portimão could be forgiven for thinking they spied a clique of anarchists hatching some dastardly plot, but it was nothing so sinister. For Bro. Tony Healey, the owner, it was a closing day and he, unstintingly offered the use of his premises as our first venue, complete with tea pot and other refreshment.
In the darkened interior, gathered around the table, the first meeting of the Founders of the Lodge of Discoveries took place. There were seven Founders present: Ron Whiting, Ken Warren, Allan Davey, George Hamer, Tony Healey, Hans Kuis, John Evans and Geoff Edwards, our first joining member. Also present were two visitors from Prince Henry the Navigator Lodge to give us the benefit of their experience in starting the founding of the Lodge. The members set to work to formulate the formation of the Lodge, obtaining the required equipment and of course financing for the new Lodge.
The name of the Lodge
During the latter part of his life, Prince Henry, third son of King John of Portugal actively encouraged Portuguese maritime expansion and exploration.
The founders, in choosing the name “DISCOVERIES” have conjoined with their Mother Lodge “PRINCE HENRY THE NAVIGATOR” in recognising the great contribution made by this learned Prince in extending the boundaries of the known world in those ancient times.
Who we are
As Masons, we strive to discover new boundaries of friendship, discover ways to strengthen existing ones, discover within ourselves the charitable nature of man, discover the pleasure of meeting, conversing, debating and socialising without discord.
The Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409 has mixture of a pleasant atmosphere, friendly relations, enjoyable Festive Boards, with a rigorous execution of the ritual.
Meetings
Regular Meetings:
- Lodge of Discoveries meets on the 3rd Thursday, in January, February, March, September, October and November.
Location:
- Hotel Tivoli Lagos (Rua António Gago, 8600-678 Lagos – Portugal
Activities & Projects
Attached to Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409, is the Chapter of Discoveries, a masonic structure dedicated to the Holy Royal Arch.
The Lodge regularly supports charity and social service organizations, either with money or with labour. We also promote:
- Charity events or community work
- Lectures, talks, and research presentations
- Social gatherings and festive boards
- Inter-Lodge visits and collaborations
How to Contact or Visit
- Lodge of Discoveries can be contacted through the Secretary (sec@9409.eu).
- Only Brethren who are members of Lodges under recognised jurisdictions may visit English Lodges. They must produce a certificate (i.e. a Grand Lodge certificate or other documentary proof of Masonic identity provided by their Grand Lodge), should be prepared to acknowledge that a personal belief in T.G.A.O.T.U. is an essential Landmark in Freemasonry, and should be able to produce evidence of their good standing in their Lodges. For any question, please use the Contact Form on this website, or send email to our Secretary.
Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409 Crest
The Lodge Crest was finalised after a number of designs had been considered. A departure from Masonic symbolism was agreed in the interests of introducing an international symbolism.
The centre field depicts a map of Europe and North Africa with prominence given to Great Britain and Portugal, drawing attention to the close ties that exist, both historically and in Freemasonry.
The arrows radiating out into the Atlantic allude to the voyages of discovery encouraged by Prince Henry the Navigator. It is appropriate that the west coast town of Sagres is highlighted because this is where Prince Henry established a School of Navigation, the remains of which can still be viewed today. Geographically, the voyages started from more northern ports of Portugal.
The outer part of the Crest is formed by an Armillary Sphere. When the Portuguese National Assembly of the 21st August 1911, sanctioned a Republican form of government, the State Coat-of-Arms adopted by the Republic was essentially the Arms of the Royal House of Bragança, since modified to some extent: the shield remains the same, but this is now placed upon an Armillary Sphere, an old nautical instrument, in reference to Prince Henry the Navigator and the voyages of discovery which contributed to Portugal’s past greatness.
The Founders
- Ronald Francis Whiting (“Ron“) – PPrGStdB (Essex) 1983 – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Worshipful Master
- James Alfred Hicks (“Jim“) – WM Lytham Lodge No. 6915 (Lancs) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Junior Warden
- Frederick John Conway (“Freddie“) – London Grand Rank 1979. PAGDC 1987 – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Treasurer
- Kenneth John Warren (“Ken“) – WM Excelsior Lodge No. 1155 – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Secretary
- George Gregory Hamer (“George“) – Burgess Hill Lodge No.4995 (Sussex) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Inner Guard
- Allan Davey (“Allan“) – Richard Huish Lodge No. 8518 (Somerset) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Steward
- Anthony Healey (“Tony“) – Lodge of Thanksgiving No. 6256 (Cheshire) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Junior Deacon
- John Dove (“Jack“) – Chelsea Lodge No. 3098 (London) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Organist
- John Frederick Harkness (“John“) – WM Excelsior Lodge No. 1155 (London) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Charity Steward
- Vincent Francis Chapman (“Vince“) – London Grand Rank 1972. PAGDC 1985 – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Chaplain
- George Arthur Harris (“George“) – PPrGStdB (Essex) 1974. London Grand Rank 1981. PAGDC 1982
- William Kemp (“Bill“) – St Pauls Column Lodge No. 7197 (London) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Steward
- John Russell Evans (“John“) – Albert Edward Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1429 (Mon) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Assistant Secretary
- Leendert Johannes Kuis (“Hans“) – Mozaiek Lodge No. 23 (Netherlands Constitution) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Senior Deacon
- William Howard Start (“Bill“) – Queen Mary’s Lodge No. 3327 (London) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Tyler
- John Edward Bergstrom-Potter (“John – Bergy“) – Chigwell Lodge No. 453 (Essex) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Steward
- Derek Charles White (“Derek – Chopsie“) – PPrGStdB. (Essex) 1983 – First office in Lodge of Discoveries: Assistant Director of Cerimonies
- James Ronald Reddy (“Jim“) – WM Spirit of St George’s Lodge No. 9373 (Surrey) – First office in the Lodge of Discoveries: Acting Immediate Past Master
- Roland Travis (“Roland“) – Commercial Travellers Lodge No. 2795 (London); London Grand Rank
Departed Brethen Memorial
- W. Bro. James Crowley LGR – 25th November 2015
- W. Bro. Dudley Mainprize SOGR PPrGReg PAGDC (RA) – 4th March 2017
- W. Bro. J. Hesketh OGR (RA) – 4th October 2017
- W. Bro. Tom McIntyre – 13th December 2017
- Bro. F. Van Den Broeke – 30th December 2017
- W. Bro. B. Gatnar OGR (RA) – 23rd October 2019
- W. Bro. J. Haber PPGSuptWks (Middx) PPJGW(Derby) (RA) – 21st December 2019
- W. Bro. Ken Warren Founder (RA) – 19th September 2020
- Bro. Bill Start – Founder – March 2021
- E. Comp D. B. Stephens – 9th January 2022
- W. Bro. G. Lusher OGR (RA) – 18th October 2022
- W. Bro. A. Ahlin OGR (RA) – 28th February 2024
- Bro. P. Gates – 13th August 2023
- Bro. G. Crawford (RA) – 10th December 2023
- E. Comp. D. King – 31st May 2024
- W. Bro. Tony Webster PPrJGD, SOGR – 23rd June 2025
- W. Bro. P. J. Egginton (RA) – 9th August 2025