By Francesco Toto – Maccabee Lodge 8947
Brotherhood as well as love, two brothers of Maccabee Lodge 8947 who are currently both undertaking floor offices as well as being married to each other.
It could be a sign of how far Freemasonry society has opened its door wider to candidates. On the 21st of March 2018, Francesco Toto was initiated into Maccabee Lodge and on October 2021, Stuart Peter MacKenzie, Francesco’s husband was also initiated into Maccabee Lodge. Francesco was the Inner Guard that night.
Francesco joined Freemasonry on the 21 of March 2018 as a “walk in” having approached East Lancashire Province. He was introduced to Maccabee and accepted their invitation to join the lodge. At his initiation, it felt so special because when you are the “new guy” you don’t know anyone. Many brothers from different lodges were present to see his initiation, his important night. It gave a different taste, a special and unforgettable memory which he will always keep with him every day.
Stuart agreed.
He was really impressed and felt so welcomed so when the annual charity walk came along, he decided to join the group and spend time with them. He soon felt like he was in the company of old friends, chatting about the possibility of joining them. He didn’t feel any pressure but made a spontaneous decision to join. After all, he came from a family steeped in Freemasonry and he thought that the time was right to join Masonry and be able to share a mutual interest with Francesco.
I felt very excited – said Francesco – when Stuart of his own free will and accord, wanted to join but, unfortunately, when his initiation was due, the first Covid lockdown occurred, and we had to wait for over a year. A long time with only Zoom meetings and a little taste of this new adventure together. Eventually the 20th of October 2021 came, Stuart was initiated and at that time, to the best of our knowledge, we were the first ever same-sex couple to join the same lodge.
Stuart agreed.
It was a very special evening because Francesco was undertaking part of the ritual. He undertook the working tools. Actually, he undertook the working tools in every ceremony I have been through, included my raising. I saw the passion, vibrant like magnetic waves in his eyes. I felt so proud, so happy for my husband for what he was doing and to see him happy as ever.
Francesco was introduced to Freemasonry in Italy when he was only a teenager by a friend of his who was, at that time Worshipful Master of his lodge. The curiosity made him buy books and ask questions of his friend. Italy was not at this time a good place to be due to the scandals going through Freemasonry. So, after Francesco came to England and when the time was right, he finally joined.
The couple are also members of the Manchester Level Club and recently Francesco was part of the group who undertook a Demonstration of the First degree – 23rd of May 2023 – at The Lodge of Silent Temple No.126 when many brothers from the province attended.
Stuart and Francesco’s message for everyone joining or thinking of joining Freemasonry is simple:
You won’t be disappointed. You will discover a whole new world, full of nice charitable people and in every meeting, you will get to know more about Freemasonry and more about yourself. And being gay is not a bar to friendships within Freemasonry.
Francesco and Stuart love attending lodge meetings, learning, exchanging experiences and making new friends.
The environment of mysteries, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, secret handshakes and a deep sense of loyalty and brotherhood made this journey unique and exquisite. A living sentiment that ferments in time, strengthening its strong flavour through moments, landscapes, looks and experiences in every ceremony. An introspective journey with different aspects for us to taste a more intense and cheerful love.
