Established in 1910
Installation on Saturday closest to St John’s Day in June
Regular Meetings 3rdTuesday of February ,May, August and November
Masonic Centre, Spitskop, Bloemfontein
King Edward VII Chapter was granted a Centenary Charter with effect from 11th November 2010. During the hundred years of its existence the Chapter has drawn its membership from Rising Star Lodge No.1022 and the other English lodges now operating in Bloemfontein but has also attracted Masons from other Constitutions in the region.
The Chapter was formed in 1910 under the District Grand Chapter of South Africa (Eastern Division) and in 1936 was transferred by mutual agreement to the District of Transvaal under which jurisdiction it remained until the formation of the District Grand Chapter of Orange Free State in 1967. The Chapter continues to play a major role in the Order in the central region of South Africa.
Established in 1940
Installation 4th Saturday in November
Regular meetings Second Saturday May, August, February
Masonic Centre, Spitskop, Bloemfontein
The Mimosa Chapter was founded in 1940 and shared a home with Mimosa Lodge.
In 2008 a decision was taken to sell the Masonic Centre in Zastron, since neither the Craft or Royal Arch could sustain themselves .Fortunately, means were found to rescue the Lodge and Chapter by relocating them to Bloemfontein.
Established in 1942
Installation 1st Saturday in November
Regular meetings 1st Saturday quarterly in March, May and July.
Ficksburg Masonic Lodge
Orangia Chapter was originally attached to the Star of Bethlehem Lodge, which was founded in 1894. The Chapter was founded, albeit falteringly, during the Second World War in 1942, before emerging in 1948 and finally gaining strength in 1956. This was also the start of major changes in the North-East and Central Orange Free State. Farmers had learnt to dig deeper and find coal and gold.
E Comp P A Laesecke PGADC was the first MEZ of the Chapter from 1942 to 1951. He was still a member in 1977 when the Chapter had 16 members. E Comp B J van Rensburg, Grand Superintendent, was already active at this time and he became the next stalwart, being a member until 2004, when he was tragically killed returning from a meeting in Ficksburg. in the earlier years seven English Lodges (three within 60km) provided members to the Chapter in Bethlehem. By 1985 only three remained within 100Km. This was reduced further when Golden Hope Lodge in Heilbron relocated in 1990 to Sasolburg. In May 1991, the chapter decided to transfer from Bethlehem to Sasolburg due to low attendance. Although Orangia Chapter was actually 20 members strong, Golden Hope Lodge had candidates wanting to join a chapter.
Established in 1942
Installation 1st Saturday in November
Regular meetings 1st Saturday quarterly in March, May and July.
Ficksburg Masonic Lodge
Sir John Brand Royal Arch Chapter No.3035 was consecrated on 15th March 1986 at Ladybrand where it was attached to Sir John Brand Lodge meeting at the Masonic Hall in Prinsloo Street. The Chapter was well supported over the years by the nearby Maseru Royal Arch Chapter as well as by Companions from Ficksburg and Bloemfontein. In 2007 the Chapter was transferred to Ficksburg where it now provides a Royal Arch home for Brethren of the active Ficksburg Lodge.
The Royal Arch has Chapters instead of Lodges because it represents a distinct yet complementary stage in a Freemason’s journey — one that moves beyond the symbolic Craft degrees and into deeper spiritual and philosophical teachings.
In the 18th century, Royal Arch Masonry evolved separately from Craft Lodges, especially during the time of the division between the Antients and the Moderns.
The Antients worked the Royal Arch as a fourth degree within Lodges, while the Moderns preferred a separate body.
When unity was achieved in 1813, the compromise was to acknowledge the Royal Arch as part of "Pure Antient Masonry" but administered separately, hence Chapters were formalised.
A Lodge is led by a Worshipful Master and Wardens.
A Chapter is governed by three Principals — Zerubbabel (Z), Haggai (H), and Joshua (J) — symbolising different aspects of leadership and spiritual insight.
This unique triple leadership structure reflects the themes of restoration and rediscovery central to the Royal Arch.
The ritual content, symbolism, and spiritual lessons of the Royal Arch are distinct from Craft Masonry.
Chapters allow this separate identity to be preserved and presented in a dedicated space that reflects the deeper meaning of the exaltation ceremony.
