Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence addresses the Grand Lodge, highlighting progress on the seven-year Strategy aimed at reversing membership decline within the United Grand Lodge of England. Membership has improved from a 2% decline in 2022 to less than 1% as of February 2025, attributed to collective efforts. Key advancements include the rollout of a new membership Portal, the integration of the Craft and Royal Arch through the “One journey, one organisation” initiative, and enhanced community engagement stemming from the Third Pillar review. The Membership Challenge remains a priority for the next three years, with a focus on attracting new members via the Members’ Pathway. Additionally, the Grand Master will recognize Provinces and Districts that excel in membership initiatives with Grand Ranks at the Annual Investiture in April. Spence expresses confidence in achieving the Strategy’s goals through continued dedication and enthusiasm from the brethren.
December 7th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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External source: www.ugle.org.uk
Title: The address of Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence, DL | March 2025
Content: Posted: 12 March 2025
Brethren, it is very good to see so many of you here today. I hope you are enjoying your visit to this meeting of Grand Lodge. Last year, I presented an update on our seven-year Strategy, which is akin to a longer-distance race than a sprint. Progress takes time, and we are beginning to see its effects across the United Grand Lodge of England.
In 2022, the Craft experienced a membership decline of more than two percent, down from four percent in 2021. As of February 2025, the decline is now less than one percent, thanks to your efforts. We are within striking distance of achieving the Strategy’s goals, particularly in tackling the Membership Challenge, which The Grand Master emphasizes.
Despite our progress, much work remains. Here are three examples of our advancements:
Portal Roll-out: The Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire discussed how the new Portal will enhance the membership experience. It is essential for all members to register and use this system when available.
Seamless Journey: The initiative “One journey, one organisation” aims to integrate the Craft and Royal Arch. The removal of a separate Royal Arch joining fee and the alignment of regulations are steps toward a more coherent organization.
Community Engagement: The Third Pillar review results have initiated work on enhancing community engagement, which is vital for our relevance in local communities.
The Membership Challenge will remain our priority focus for at least the next three years. We are concentrating on attracting new members through practical tools like the Members’ Pathway. Provinces and Districts that actively utilize these initiatives have seen greater success in addressing their membership challenges.
This year, The Grand Master will award additional Grand Ranks to Provinces and Districts that have made significant progress in addressing their membership challenges, to be conferred at the Annual Investiture in April.
We are making good progress toward our goals. With your continued enthusiasm and dedication, I am confident we can and will succeed. Thank you, Brethren.