Ionic Lodge

Words and Pictures by W Bro Omaid Hiwaizi

Freemasonry is changing – especially in London. With greater openness, social media campaigns and engagement initiatives like the Connaught Club, a greater number of Gen Zs are joining and loving being in the Craft. Recently, a journalist from The Londoner reached out to us wanting to know more, and he interviewed a number of younger Masons. We’d like you to meet them too!

The published piece in The Londoner is here: https://www.the-londoner.co.uk/londons-lonely-young-men-are-lining-up-to-join-the-freemasons/

Alex Connolly

Who: My name’s Alex, I’m 30, a software engineer, and a member of Veritas Lodge of Further Progress No 4983.

How: A Brother introduced me after a chat about wanting something "bigger" in life beyond the pub. I’d been a Scout and missed that sense of belonging.

Why: Freemasonry has given me real mates, new skills, a genuine sense of purpose and I’ve had a brilliant time doing it.

Anton Uzunoff

Who: I’m ⁠Anton, 25, of Skelmersdale Lodge No 1658, and I’m a PhD researcher in Physics

How: ⁠⁠I’ve always been interested in philosophy and symbolism, and as I began my undergraduate degree in 2018, I became increasingly fascinated with religion as well. These dovetailed very nicely and, combined with a gentle nudge from my family to try new things, resulted in me submitting my application through the University Scheme.

Why: ⁠⁠Masonry is a space where I can pursue excellence in ritual divorced of the usual pitfalls of perfectionism. Brotherly love and warmth are both feelings I’ve come to associate intimately with my lodge, and it has helped shape me as a person in ways that I am truly thankful for.

Davd Mullenger

Who: I’m David Mullenger, 33 years old, of Terpsichore Lodge No 7454, a Film and TV Producer and Actor.

How: I felt that I was in a lost and confused period in my life and was looking to be a part of something. I've always been a curious person, excited about learning things I can't easily find answers to.

Why: It has definitely given me what I was looking for – and more. The solidarity and journey has been fulfilling, both emotionally and physically. I’ve been learning new skills and meeting a variety of people who are all welcoming and driven by kindness and connection to something more than the everyday.

Matthew Berto

Who: Matthew, 27, and I’m a member of Prospect Lodge No 7618. I work in education.

How: It’s all been about curiosity. Freemasonry was something I was aware of, but didn’t know much about – beyond the many myths and misconceptions. I joined because I wanted to find out what it’s all about, and I haven’t looked back since.

Why: Masonic ritual and ceremony provides a space to explore life’s big questions – meaning, value, and purpose.

Nick White

Who: I’m ⁠Nick, 23 of Old Alleynian Lodge No 4165. I work in venture capital.

How: ⁠⁠Random chance brought me to Freemasonry! I went to an Old Alleynian dinner and bumped into some guys from the Lodge who recommended that I join. Initially it was just a way of staying in touch with my old school, but it has expanded to so much more as I’ve become more involved.

Why: ⁠⁠Two aspects come to mind. Firstly, Masonic ritual provides me with some structure in life – I find playing a part in the ritual to be very meditative and it gives me a sense of purpose. Secondly, through my Lodge and my work with the Connaught Club, Freemasonry has provided me with a wide social network which has given me the opportunity to make a bunch of great friends and meet a diverse range of people whom I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

Richard Gabriel Cuzic

Who: I’m Richard, 23 years old, and a member of Royal Leopold Lodge No 1669. I’m training up in marketing at the moment.

How: Since the age of 12–13 or so, I have felt a deep fascination for Freemasonry. I read extensively about it and always felt a special calling toward its values and mysteries. It seemed to me to be a fascinating way to meet new people and to become a better version of myself.

Why: For me, Freemasonry is a fundamental pillar of personal development. It has given me the opportunity to meet remarkable individuals whom I would not have otherwise encountered in my personal or professional life. It’s a place where I can continuously work on myself through the study of rituals, deepening my knowledge of life’s principles and the development of essential skills. Freemasonry is, for me, both a path of self-discovery and a community built on friendship and respect.

Yves Davis

Who: Yves, 21, a student and member of London Irish Rifles Lodge No 2312.

How: I joined Freemasonry at the age of 18 through my Father and Grandfather. I felt it was a rite of passage in my family and I was really interested in what Freemasonry was all about.

Why: Freemasonry has allowed me to meet people from many different Lodges in London but also in Provinces such as Bath and Kent. I’ve learned about the deeper meanings through ritual and ceremonies. These are experiences that I never thought I would experience at such a young age. It is something that I love and I’m looking forward to learning more about the Craft in the future.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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