Durham Freemasons’ Cornerstone community has taken inspiration from history to make a difference today, climbing England’s highest peak to raise vital funds for veterans.
Replicating the extraordinary challenge of August 29, 1914, when twenty-six Master Masons held what is regarded by some as the highest regular lodge meeting in the history of Freemasonry on Machu Picchu in Peru, a 12-strong team led by Mick Clark scaled Scafell Pike in the Lake District earlier this year.
Their mission was to match, in today’s money, the funds raised by their predecessors over a century ago.
The team’s efforts raised £1,400, with £1,124.50 donated to the Bishop Auckland Veterans Club.
The donation will help tackle loneliness and social isolation among older veterans in County Durham.
Mick Clark, Scafell Pike Expedition Lead, explained the inspiration:
“We asked ourselves: how can we stretch ourselves to deliver real impact? Recreating a century-old challenge gave us a clear goal and a deeper meaning. Climbing Scafell Pike wasn’t just a physical feat; it was our way of showing that heritage, heart, and teamwork still matter.”
Mike Donne, Durham Freemason and Bishop Auckland Veterans Club Coordinator, highlighted the impact:
“For many older veterans, loneliness is daily life in silence. The Bishop Auckland Veterans Club exists so no one feels invisible. This generosity flows straight into our Social Isolation Fund, and every penny will help people feel seen, heard, and connected again.”
Lt Col John Henry, commenting on the alignment, said:
“This climb brings our principles alive: integrity, friendship, respect, and service. This is Freemasonry in action; this is what we do. More than a mountain, it’s a message: we are all Stronger Together.”
The Bishop Auckland Veterans Club, supported by SSAFA Durham, continues to provide vital services for veterans.
Durham Freemasons’ Cornerstone community demonstrates how tradition, purpose, and collective effort can generate meaningful change.
The Durham Cornerstone is a vibrant social and educational network within the Province of Durham, designed to bring together those new to Freemasonry.
It offers a dedicated platform to engage, discover, explore, and develop, helping newer Freemasons connect, learn, and take an active role in community life.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Durham Freemasons should go to: https://durhamfreemasons.org/join-us/.
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