2026 – ANZMRC Conference.
ANZMRC/Quatuor Coronati Conference 2026
General:
It is proposed to hold a Masonic Conference at Masonic Hall, Singapore from Friday 30 October 2026 to Sunday 1 November 2026. The objective is twofold.
Firstly, to present high quality masonic papers in Asia and secondly to bring together the research lodges in Asia possibly under the banner of ANZMRC. The conference will be organised on behalf of The Australia/New Zealand Masonic Research Council (ANZMRC) and Lodge Quatuor Coronati (QCC) from the United Kingdom.
The participants are expected from throughout Asia, Australia, United Kingdom and USA.
The Seminar:
In the history of Freemasonry in Asia there has never been a major Masonic Seminar in the region. Individual research lodges have given seminars but nothing on a regional basis. To this end it is felt that lodges in the region should share masonic research. ANZMRC has for many years carried out biennial seminars covering research lodges in Australia and New Zealand.
Research Lodges:
In Asia there are several research lodges. Unfortunately, the coordination between these lodges reaches the scale of almost zero. It is intended at this meeting will address this issue
ANZMRC:
The ANZMRC (est. 1991) brings together the Masonic Research Lodges and Study Groups throughout Australia and New Zealand. The aim of the ANZMRC was to promote research and education within Freemasonry in Australia and New Zealand and to act as a liaison body to the various Masonic research groups in those jurisdictions.
The organisation seeks to promote Masonic research and education through biennial conferences that are rotated around Australia and New Zealand. The first conference was held in 1992, and the most recent conference was in Sydney in 2024
All the Lectures are published in the biennial conference Proceedings, which are available to all conference delegates, and also added to their website – www.anzmrc.online
Quatuor Coronati Lodge:
Quatuor Coronati Lodge is regarded rightly as the world’s premier research lodge. Established in 1884 and consecrated in 1886, the lodge champions an evidence-based approach to the study of Masonic history and research into the origins of Freemasonry. It was then – and is now – referred to as the ‘authentic school’ of Masonic research.
At its inception, Quatuor Coronati Lodge determined to share its research and provide support to Masonic scholars and researchers internationally through the QC Correspondence Circle – ‘QCCC’ – and the two organisations work together hand-in-hand.
Quatuor Coronati Lodge holds meetings incorporating lectures five times a year, principally at Freemasons’ Hall in London, which QCCC members are invited to attend. They publish their lectures, research papers and ‘notes & queries’ annually in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, ‘AQC’, the Transactions of the Lodge, which is distributed worldwide to QCCC members and libraries,
They also make available scarce and valuable works on Freemasonry; provide lecturers and speakers internationally; and arrange conferences and symposia on different aspects of Freemasonry.
Theme of the Conference:
Being the first conference in this part of the world it is useful to have some papers researching freemasonry in Asia but also to expose the region to good quality papers as are produce by ANZMRC and QC.
Location:
The Seminar will be held at the main temple of Masonic Hall, 23A, Coleman Street, Singapore 179806. This will result in costs being substantially lower than they would if it was held at a third-party location
The temple can take about 100 persons. It has audio video facilities, which are OK but rather basic. The seating would be in a theatre type format
On the 2nd Floor there is a restaurant called The Masons Table run by a third party. The restaurant can be used for the festive board. The main room can take 120 persons and the bar room 50 persons.
In the Basement there is a bar run by The Masonic Hall Board that provides drinks and can also provide snacks.
Accomodation:
There are a number of hotels within walking distance of Masonic Hall, including the Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, A Wyndham Hotel, is a 4-star establishment located across at 5 Coleman Street, Singapore 179805, The prices are reasonable.
Ladies Programme:
A ladies programme will be provided
Organising Committee:
Michael Gray – Singapore Coordinator
Ronald Ng – Singapore
Kerry Nicholls – ANZMRC
Brenden Kyne – QC
Dr Mike Kearsley
Brent Allcock – New Zealand
Justin Lodge – Coordinator Singapore/Australia / New Zealand
Richard Dawes
DRAFT AGENDA – as at 18 April 2025.
Subject to change.
Friday 30 October 2026
09.00 Registration
09.30 – 11.30 Meeting of Research Lodge representatives and ANZMRC
12.00 -13.00 Registration for Conference attendees
13.00 – 13.05 Introduction by Conference Chairman Michael Gray. Local Secretary for QCCC
13.05 – 13.10 Welcome remarks Mahatir Mahzan, District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago
13.10 – 14.00 Freemasonry Ventures East Manoj Sharma
14.00 – 14.40 The Influence of French Freemasonry in Asia particularly Indochina Claude Jaeck
14.40 – 15.20 Freemasonry in India Mr Bharat Epur
15.20 – 15.40 Tea Break
15.40 – 16.20 Freemasonry in the Philippines Felix Pintado
16.20 – 17.00 Freemasonry in Japan and MacAthur Robert Koole
18.00 Lodge Wandalian – French Lodge meeting Freemasons only Freemasons’ Hall Temple 2nd Fl
19.30 Festive Board The Masons Table
Saturday 31 October 2026
08.30 – 09.00 Arrival
09.00 – 09.40 Four Key Dates: From Solomon’s Temple to the Templars – Ric Berman
09.40 – 10.10 Connection between symbolism, mythology and psychology in freemasonry in Asia – Keff de Kleijn
10.10 – 10.30 Coffee Break
10.30 – 11.10 The functions of myths and symbols in our lives -Ronald Ng
11.10 – 12.00
12.00 – 13.00 lunch
13.00 – 13.40
13.40 – 15.10
15.10 – 15.30 Tea break
15.30 – 16.10
16.10 – 16.50 Paper from Scottish on freemasonry in the region
16.50 -17.30 Paper from Hong Kong
19.00 Conference Reception/ Dinner
Sunday 1 November 2026
08.30 – 09.00 Welcome
09.00 – 09.40 Australian POW Masonic Activities Changi & Beyond – Neil Wynes Morse
09.40 – 10.20
10.20 – 10.40 Coffee Break
10.40 – 11.20 The Structural Problems of Freemasonry – Michael Gray
11.20 – 12.00 The Future of Freemasonry in Asia?
12.00 – 13.00 Floor/ Panel Discussion – Conclusions and wrap up
13:00 Lunch
Kerry Nicholls
President
Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council. (ANZMRC)
18 April 2025