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Guest Speaker Rob Hamilton – Freemasonry was believed to have been founded in the 13th century by the stonemasons who built all the beautiful churches and cathedrals across Europe. It was possibly the first trades union, “a form of bonding together, a fraternity that regulated their qualifications and their interactions with authorities and clients”.
But today it is often an organisation that is shrouded in mystery.
This is why we have invited Rob Hamilton to talk with us about the origins of Freemasonry and how it has developed over the centuries.
Rob comes from a long lineage of freemasons, which started with his great, great grandfather who in 1816 was a member of the Island of St Helena Lodge whilst serving in a garrison that guarded Napoleon.
Rob has also been the Master of the local lodge four times. Holds the rank of the Past Grand Standard Bearer is an 18th degree mason.
Rob regularly conducts tutorials and seminars on all aspects of freemasonry as well as tracing family history through freemason records, which is a particular interest of his.
Rob will also be joined by his wife who also belongs to a female lodge.

Attendance at Guest Speakers requires that members must be fully vaccinated. Therefore new members of U3A Sunbury must bring their vaccination certificate to be sighted at this event, unless it has been sighted and registered previously.