This month marks the 69th Annual Gathering of the International Masonic Lodges named for St. Alban.  The Gathering this year was hosted by St. Alban’s Lodge No. 6 in Bristol, Rhode Island on the weekend of September 30-October 2, 2022. There is no host for next year, but St. Alban’s Lodge No. 529 will be the next host Lodge slated for September 13-15, 2024.

During the blitz of London in the Second World War, St. Alban’s Lodge No. 29 in London received war relief sulippies from St. Alban’s Lodge No. 56 located in Floral Park, NY. After the war ended, St. Alban’s Lodge No. 29 invited the members of St. Alban’s Lodge No. 56 along with their families to visit and tour the city of London as a show of gratitude. The goodwill trip left such a memorable impression on these Brothers that they decided to explore the idea of gathering with other Lodges named “St. Alban” throughout the world to enjoy the fellowship of their sister Lodges.

With their mission set forth on Saturday, October 9, 1954, the inaugural Meeting of Lodges named St. Alban was hosted by St. Alban’s Lodge No. 56 at the Floral Park Masonic Temple in New York. This first gathering was attended by atleast three other Lodges: St. Alban’s Lodge No. 29 of London, England; St. Alban’s Lodge No. 106 of Montreal, Canada; and St. Alban’s Lodge No. 28 of Jackson, Louisiana. The occasion was a huge success and has grown over the years to include up to thirty-three St. Alban Lodges located throughout the four corners of the world.

V:. W:. Charles Scheu had enjoyed the privilege as Master of St. Alban’s Lodge No. 56 to host the 50th Golden Anniversary for its return to Floral Park, NY. These Gatherings are all open to families and non-Masons alike and, during the Lodge meeting, a separate trip of interest is always provided by the host Lodge for all non-Masons. Besides the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a lapse in the annual Gatherings. There is no better way to travel the Masonic world with the true meaning of Brotherly Love than to experience a Gathering of the Lodges named for St. Alban!