Please note that this is not our home lodge but is a lodge that one of our brethen has visited. Our lodge is located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  On my latest trip to Hong-Kong, I finally found the time to attend a lodge meeting and not any lodge, but The Zetland Lodge #525 under the English Constitution. In Hong Kong, Zetland lodge is the historical lodge and the place where the majority of lodges meet are at Zetland Hall.
  The beauty of Freemasonry on Honk Kong is a bit like in Singapore where you will find the English, Irish and Scottish Constitutions. Their website also provides great information and quick search calendar view on all the upcoming meetings. It was easy to find the lodge night.
  When I presented myself that night, I also realized the lodge building was next to the Cable Train (or Peak tram) going up to Victoria Peak. I had passed by the building few times before and never noticed it.
  I was received by few brothers socializing at the pub downstairs and presented my credentials. I have to say, the examination was prompt and friendly and next thing I know, I had a gin-tonic in my hand.
  Seeing the meeting was a great reminder of the small differences between California and other jurisdictions. That night, a brother was passed and it was great to see all the brethren being involved in smaller portion of the work. It was apparently a special night since some members were “required” to attend the district charity meeting. This meant a lot of officers that night were not the usual officers but fill-in. Trust me, they did a terrific job. The Jr Deacon delivered a stunning lecture.
  The evening was very enjoyable with visitors from the UGLE, an Honk Kong brother from Massachusetts, etc. The nigh was concluded by great agapes where I was honored by giving the answer of the visitors to the visitors toast.

From Zetland Hall website:
http://www.zetlandhall.com/history.php
History of Zetland Hall

The first Masonic Hall in Hong Kong was built in 1846 by The Zetland Lodge No. 525, English Constitution and was named Zetland Hall in honour of the Lodge that built it. The Zetland Lodge itself was named as a compliment to the then Grand Master, Thomas, Second Earl of Zetland, who was The Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England from 1844 to 1870.

In 1865 this hall was replaced by a second larger and more impressive building in Zetland Street in the Central business district. This second Zetland Hall lasted until 1944 when it was destroyed by American bombing, Hong Kong then being under Japanese occupation.

Between 1945 to 1950 the Freemasons of Hong Kong met in temporary premises while a site for a new hall was found. Work on the third and present Zetland Hall at No. 1 Kennedy Road began in 1949 and was finished in January 1950. The Hall was dedicated to Masonic use in an impressive ceremony on 30 January 1950.

On Sunday, 30 January 2000, a Service of Thanksgiving conducted by W. Bro. The Reverend John Chinchen, assisted by W. Bro. The Hon Mr Justice Godfrey VP, PJGD, was held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the re-dedication of Zetland Hall. After the service a new War Memorial in honour of those Freemasons in Hong Kong who fell in the two World Wars was unveiled and dedicated by R. W. Bro. A. E. Gomes, MBE, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Far East, Irish Constitution, W. Bro. R.W.C. Mok , MBE, PJGD, Past Deputy District Grand Master , English Constitution, and Bro. David Lam BEM, W. District Grand Bible Bearer, Scottish Constitution, all of whom were interned as Prisoners of War in Hong Kong between 1941-1945.

Submitted by Wor. Sebastien Taveau, P.M.