About Huguenot Lodge No. 2140 – “Lux Lucet in Tenebris”
The Light Shines in the Darkness
Consecrated on 10th May 1886, Huguenot Lodge No. 2140 stands proudly within the heart of London Freemasonry, meeting at the historic Mark Masons’ Hall in Westminster. For well over a century, we have upheld the traditions of the Craft while honouring the legacy of our namesake: the French Huguenots.
Who Were the Huguenots?
The Huguenots were French Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries who followed the teachings of John Calvin, advocating for religious reform, liberty of conscience, and intellectual independence. In a time when Catholic orthodoxy dominated France, the Huguenots faced severe persecution.
What followed were the French Wars of Religion—a period of bloodshed, turmoil, and faith-driven conflict. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572, in which thousands of Huguenots were slaughtered across Paris and other cities, remains one of the darkest chapters in European history.
Though briefly granted protection under the Edict of Nantes in 1598, their religious freedoms were rescinded in 1685 by Louis XIV through the Edict of Fontainebleau, launching a campaign of forced conversions known as the Dragonnades. Churches were burned, children taken from families, and tens of thousands imprisoned or executed.
Between 200,000 and 400,000 Huguenots fled France. Many found refuge in England, bringing with them artisan skills, commercial acumen, and a profound sense of resilience. Communities flourished in Spitalfields, Soho, Wandsworth, and Canterbury, where they contributed to industries such as silk weaving, glasswork, banking, and silversmithing.
Notable Huguenots in History
- Jean Calvin – Theological founder of Calvinism
- Henri de Navarre (Henry IV) – Huguenot king who issued the Edict of Nantes
- André Le Nôtre – Designer of the Gardens of Versailles
- Paul Revere – American patriot and silversmith of Huguenot descent
- John James Audubon – Naturalist and artist
- Elias Neau – Social justice pioneer and educator in colonial New York
Our Namesake and Founding Spirit
By adopting the name Huguenot, our founders honoured the virtues of those persecuted exiles: faith under fire, dignity in adversity, and an enduring commitment to truth, service, and tolerance—values that lie at the very heart of Freemasonry.
Our Lodge motto, “Lux Lucet in Tenebris” (The Light Shines in the Darkness), perfectly captures both the historical journey of the Huguenots and the moral light Freemasonry offers through its teachings.
One of our most distinguished founders was Richard Hervé Giraud, the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge and a director of the French Hospital. Giraud was a descendant of Thomas Hervé, a Huguenot pastor immortalised by William Hogarth in his painting Noon. Another ancestor, Élisée Giraud, was one of the “six Protestant martyrs”—pastors who returned to France after the Revocation and were later imprisoned for their faith.
The French Hospital
Founded in 1718, the French Hospital was established to support destitute Huguenot refugees in England. Today, it provides accommodation for Huguenot descendants in need and continues to preserve the legacy of its founding community.
Many of the historical items housed in the Huguenot Museum in Rochester are part of the French Hospital’s remarkable collection. The hospital is situated just a few doors away from the museum and remains an enduring symbol of Huguenot resilience and charity.
The Huguenot Lodge Today
We are a friendly, culturally diverse, and active Lodge that continues to honour its founding spirit while embracing modern fraternity. Many of our members are working professionals from a variety of sectors including:
- Construction & Property (Directors, Contract Managers, Consultants)
- Finance (Accountants, Buyers)
- Catering, Arboriculture, and other trades
We pride ourselves on being open, accessible, and inclusive. Although we haven’t hosted a formal Ladies’ Night recently, we are planning social meals with partners and friends—maintaining strong bonds beyond the Lodge room. Informal gatherings, such as our regular curry nights in Woodford, Essex, help foster the camaraderie that defines our Lodge.
When We Meet
We meet four times per year, always at Mark Masons’ Hall in St James’s:
- 3rd Wednesday in February
- 3rd Wednesday in April
- 3rd Wednesday in June
- 4th Wednesday in November
(Meetings start at 4:00pm and dates repeat annually.)
We also host Lodge of Instruction meetings and social events throughout the year.
Why Join Huguenot Lodge?
If you are a decent, trustworthy man over the age of 21 (or over 18 in special circumstances), believe in a Supreme Being, and are seeking fraternity, moral growth, and lasting friendships, then Huguenot Lodge may be the right home for you. Whether you’re new to Freemasonry or a joining member, you’ll receive a genuinely warm welcome.
Get in Touch
Meeting Address:
Mark Masons’ Hall
86 St James’s Street, Westminster
London SW1A 1PL
Please contact the Lodge Secretary S@Huguenotlodge.com to arrange an informal conversation or join us for a dinner to learn more.
Not in London?
Freemasonry is a global fraternity with Lodges in nearly every part of the world. At Huguenot Lodge, we are proud to welcome Brethren from far and wide. Many of our members travel regularly from across the UK and Europe—some journeying over 200 miles, and others coming from as far as 2,000 miles away—to be part of our meetings and our unique sense of fellowship.
Whether near or far, you will find that distance is no barrier when you are among Brothers.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Light.
Huguenot Lodge No. 2140
“Lux Lucet in Tenebris – The Light Shines in the Darkness”