The Richmond Lodge No: 2032

Founded in 1884

1 CONTENTS 1. Foreword. Introduction.

2. Early Freemasonry In Richmond. Preliminaries. The Consecration.

3. Consecration Ceremony. Warrant of the Lodge.

4. Cornicle of The Richmond Lodge of Instruction.

5. Homes of the Lodge.

6. Masonic Million Memorial fund. The War Years.

7. The War years continued.

8. The Golden Jubilee. The Lodge Centenary.

9. Freemasonry in Richmond Today.

10. Richmond Royal Arch Chapter.

11. References. Research. Conclusion.

The Richmond Lodge No: 2032 FOREWORD The word " Free," as applied to a mason did not at that time THE RICHMOND LODGE, NO: 2032 necessarily imply the meaning put upon it today. Masonic students find that the term was sometimes applied to The history of The Richmond Lodge, No: 2032, has been one of steady progress, going form strength to strength in the years that have elapsed masons not associated with the masonic craft. Crisp, how­ since its founding on 25th March, 1884, the record is one of Harmony, ever, refers to Henry Walden, in Richmond Notes, 1863, Peace and Brotherly Love. Long may it continue to maintain, support and when he makes a retrospective review of Richmond uphold the principles and tenets of Freemasonry in Middlesex. tradesmen, mentioned in a trade directory of 1794. He writes as follows : " Messrs. Walton, Ardus and Holmes, TWO CENTURIES OF FREEMASONRY IN RICHMOND bricklayers and plasterers, deserve notice though all extinct A RETROSPECT in Richmond ; the name of Walton has been known in INTRODUCTION Richmond for 200 years ; one of the names contracted for Freemasonry in the British Isles, as practised in regular lodges, and the repair of the church tower in 1614, and we believe that organised under Grand Lodges, reaches back for over two centuries to William Walton, whose portrait adorns the Freemasons' 1717 when the first Grand Lodge was formed in London. Since then Lodge at the Greyhound, was of this family." records have been kept, at first somewhat irregularly, but many of the early records have been lost. With the scantier information from the 18th century and the fuller from the 19th, it is possible to build up a fairly comprehensive account of the history and development of the Craft during that time. This applies also to Masonry in Richmond . Its first regular lodge was in existence in 1725, eight years after the formation of the

Grand Lodge in London. Since then lodges have been working with only short inter­ missions. In this article some attempt will be made to present in ordered form the information at present to hand.

BEFORE 1717

There is abundant evidence that Masonic Lodges existed up and down our country before the formation of Grand Lodge. But of these and their methods of working we have but scanty and fragmentary evidence. The same may be said of Richmond . We might reasonably presume that associated with the building of such important Royal and Ecclesiastical structures as (c. 1125), the Priory(1414), the Friary (1490), there would be Companies (lodges) of operative masons, in accordance with the custom of the times. But so far no record of them has RIGHT WORSHIIPFUL come to hand, though diligent search at the Record Office, among the State papers and elsewhere, might bring something of masonic interest to BRO.WILLIAM WALTON light. (from an oil painting in possession of the Lodge of The earliest reference so far is to be found in the Vestry Minutes (1624) of Harmony). Member of the Lodge of Truth : Master and for the Parish Church of St. Mary's, Richmond, and reported by Crisp in his 46 years a member of the Lodge of Harmony : wearing the Richmond and Inhabitants, 1863, as follows : " . . . the mason, or ' Free ' medal presented by his brethren in 1802, and now worn by mason as he is termed, one Henry Walden, agreeing to execute all the the Senior P.M. present in Lodge. repairs in his own immediate branch for the sum of thirty pounds, which by the careful management of the parish paymaster was ordered to be The portrait referred to is the property of the latter Lodge, paid instalments. He was to be paid twenty nobles when he deserved ten and now hangs in the Masonic rooms of the Great Central pounds of his money, and so for the rest. This ' free ' mason could not Hotel, London. have benefitted to any very considerable extent by the profit realised from his contract.

The church found the materials, scaffolding and tackling's for the ' raisings

The Richmond Lodge No: 2032 PRELIMINARIES There is unfortunately no record of the early meetings or discussions which preceded the formation of The Richmond Lodge. It has however, been ascertained that the Lily Lodge of Richmond was the sponsoring Lodge. The fourteen members were selected from ten different Lodges; all being men of considerable local standing. It was in fact a Lodge designed primarily for the citizens of Richmond, and it remained as such for many subsequent years. We would pay tribute and respect to those EARLY FREEMASONRY IN RICHMOND founders. They laid a foundation perfect in its part and honourable to the It is, perhaps, not surprising that in the ancient historical builders. Institutions do not survive through the ages by accident, they and important Borough of Richmond, in the County of live only through the possession of everlasting principles, nevertheless it Surrey, reference to Freemasonry should be found at an early date. is to the individuals, the founders and subsequent members who promulgated those Masonic principles, to whom the Lodge owes a It may reasonably be assumed that for the erection of the Royal Palace (Circa. 1125), the Priory (1414), the Friary lasting debt of gratitude. The Richmond Lodge may well look back with ( 1490) and other buildings of note, companies or lodges gratification upon its records of useful Service in the flight of passing of Operative Masons would be formed, in accordance years, which are a happy augury for a prosperous future. with the customs of the times, but there is, as far as can be ascertained, no actual documentary record. Although THE CONSECRATION there are references to “Free” Masons dating from 1624, the first mention of a lodge in Richmond appears in Pine's It was on Tuesday, March 25th, 1884 that the Most Worshipful the Engraved List of Lodges for 1729, and is the 45th entry. Grand Master, H.R.H. Albert Edward Prince of Wales deputed a team Lodges were then only known by the sign of the Inn or of Grand Officers under the leadership of W. Bro. Thomas Fenn, P.G.D., Tavern in which they met. In this case it was the Lodge to repair to the Station Hotel, Richmond, to officiate at the Consecration meeting at the Red Lion, a coaching inn which stood where George Street is joined by Red Lion Street. This Ceremony. W. Bro. Fenn was assisted by W. Bro. Robert Grey, P.G.D., Lodge, being later known as Richmond Lodge and Lodge as S.W., W. Bro. W. T. Howe, and P.G.P., as J.W., W. Bro. Rev. A. F. of Attention, removed to London in 1723 and was Woodford, and P.G.Chap. As Chaplain, and W. Bro. F. Richardson, ultimately erased in 1797. Several other Lodges were P.G.D., as D.C. This is a small team by present standards, and as the either formed in Richmond or met there prior to the foundation of our Richmond Lodge but were either erased upstairs room at the Hotel has but limited accommodation the or removed to London. proceedings must have lacked much of the pomp and circumstance Special mention should be made of an “Occasional Lodge which marks the Consecration of a London Lodge at Freemasons Hall " convened at the Prince of Wales' Palace at near today. One can be assured, however, that it lacked none of the solemnity Richmond. This was in 1737 and was occasioned by the and sincerity on that account. Initiation of H.R.H. Frederick Prince of Wales into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry. This is the first The principal Officers installed and appointed at that meeting were recorded accession of a member of the Royal Family to W. Bro. B. E. Blasby as Master, W. Bro. C. I. Digby as S.W., W. Bro. E. the English Craft. H.R.H. was passed to the Degree of J. Goodacre as J.W.,W. Bro. W. F. Reynolds as Treasurer and W. Bro. Fellow of the Craft at the same meeting, and on a later occasion was made a Master Mason. This is one of the W. R. Phillips as Secretary, also Bro. J. P. Houghton as S.D., Bro. E. earliest references to the con ferment of the Third Degree Dare as J.D., Bro. H. Sapsworth as IG., Bro. A. Crew as Org., Bro. J. which had previously, but with marked differences been, Ireland as D.C., Bro. T. Callander as A.D.C., Bro. C. Maron as Steward, incorporated in that of the “Fellow of the Craft." Bro. R. Messurn as Asst. Steward and Bro. B. Banks as Tyler. There were but three lodges remaining in Richmond at the time of Consecration of The Richmond Lodge. The Lily These are the men who have left the indelible mark of their personality Lodge of Richmond No. 820, was founded in 1860 and on this our Richmond Lodge. The Consecrating Officers were elected remained there until 1895, when it moved to London, the Honorary Members of the Lodge, and each was presented with a Rose of Denmark No. 975, which was formed in Barnes in 1863, came to the Greyhound Hotel for eleven years Founder's Jewel. During this year of Grace 1884, 52 Lodges were and then migrated to London in 1890, and the Lodge of consecrated, and The Richmond Lodge appears as No. 48 in Pine's Harmony No. 225, founded in 1785 at Hampton Court, Engraved Lists for that year. came to the Greyhound Hotel in 1828 and, after remaining there for 83 years, removed to London in 1911, thus leaving but this one lodge in Richmond.

The Richmond Lodge No: 2032 CONSECRATION CEREMONY WARRANT FROM THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND The Ceremonies of Consecration and Installation Albert Edward, G.M. were performed at the Station Hotel, Richmond, To all and every, our Right Worshipful and Loving Brethren

Surrey, on Tuesday, 25th March, 1884, at We, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, etc., etc., etc. 3.30 p.m., by W. Bro. Thomas Fenn, P.G.D. (in Grand Master the absence of W. Bro. Col. Shadwell Clerke, P.G.D., Grand Secretary). He was assisted by: Of the Most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England

W. Bro. Robert Grey, P.G.D., as S.W. SEND GREETING.

W. Bro. W. T. Howe, P.G.P., as J .W. KNOW YE that WE by the authority and under the sanction of the United Grand Lodge of England vested in us for that purpose and at the humble Petition of our Right Trusty and Well Beloved V.W. Bro. Revd. A. F. A. Woodford, P.G. Chap., as Chaplain. Brethren, Benjamin E. Blasby, Charles Isaac Digby, Edward Jones Goodacre, Joshua Nunn, W. Bro. F. Richardson, P.G.D., as Director of Ceremonies. Edmund Dare, Charles Maton, Henry Sapsworth and others.

At this Meeting:- DO HEREBY CONSTITUTE the said Brethren into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the Title and Denomination of No. 2032. THE RICHMOND LODGE. The said Lodge to meet at the W. Bro. B. E. Blasby was installed W.M. Station Hotel, Richmond, in the County of Surrey on the first Tuesday of every month empowering W. Bro. C. I. Digby was appointed S.W. them in the said Lodge when duly congregated to make pass and raise Freemasons according to the W. Bro. E. J. Goodacre was appointed J.W. Ancient Custom of the Craft in all Ages and Nations throughout the known World. And further at their said Petition and of the great trust and confidence reposed in every of the above named W. Bro. W. F. Reynolds was elected Treasurer. W. Bro. W. R. Brethren WE DO APPOINT the said Benjamin E. Blasby to be the first MASTER, the said Charles Phillips was appointed Secretary. Isaac Digby to be the first SENIOR WARDEN and the said Edward Jones Goodacre to be the first The oil painting, the original of which is hung in the Masonic JUNIOR WARDEN for opening and holding the said Lodge and until such time as another Master shall Hall at the Greyhound Hotel, Richmond, is here reproduced, be regularly elected and installed strictly charging that every Member who shall be elected to preside and shows these five officers. over the said Lodge and who must previously have duly served as Warden in a Warranted Lodge, shall be installed in Ancient Form and according to the Laws of the Grand Lodge that he may thereby be fully invested with the dignities and powers of his office. And we do require you the said Benjamin E. Blasby to take special care that all and every the said Brethren are or have been regularly made Masons and that you and they and all other the Members of the said Lodge do observe, perform and keep the Laws, Rules and Orders contained in the Book of Constitutions and all, others which may from time be made by our Grand Lodge or transmitted by us or our Successors Grand Masters or by our Deputy Grand Master for the time being.

And we do enjoin you to make such Bylaws for the government of your Lodge as shall to the majority of the Members appear proper and necessary, the same not being contrary to or inconsistent with the General Laws and Regulations of the Craft, a Copy whereof you are to transmit to us.

And we do require you to cause all such Bylaws and Regulations and also an account of the proceedings in your Lodge to be entered in a Book to be kept for that purpose.

And you are in nowise to omit to send to us or our Successors Grand Masters or to our Deputy Grand Master for the time being at least once in every year a List of the Members of your Lodge and the names and descriptions of all Masons initiated therein and Brethren who shall have joined the same MASTER AND OFFICERS, 1884 with the fees and monies payable thereon. It being our will and intention that this our WARRANT of W. R. Phillips C. I.Digby, B. E. Blasby, CONSTITUTION shall continue in force as long only as you shall conform to the Laws and Regulations of our Grand Lodge. (Sectetary) (S W) (WM) And you the said Benjamin E. Blasby are further required as soon as conveniently may be to send us W. F. Reynolds, E. J. Goodacre, an account in writing of what shall be done by virtue of these Presents. (Treasurer) ( JW ) GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the Grand Lodge at London this 31st January, AL 5884. A.D. 1884.

BY COMMAND OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE M.W. GRAND MASTER.

Shadwell H. Clerke, G.S., Lathom D.G.M

The Richmond Lodge No: 2032

5 CHRONICLE OF THE

RICHMOND LODGE

OF INSTRUCTION

Compiled from the Minute Books

By Clarke Ashworth, L.R, P.M. 2032.

ORIGIN

The " Lily of Richmond " Lodge of Instruction had been held at Richmond a great many years by authority of the " Lily of Richmond " Lodge No: 820

The Minute books previous to 1883 seem to have been lost, but those from F. R. ROBINSON. October 1883 to October 1893, are still in existence.

Master at the first meeting and also In I893, the " Lily of Richmond " Lodge, owing to its removal from Richmond to Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction London, withdrew its sanction from this Lodge of Instruction : and the " Richmond (1897-1920), Treasurer of the Benevolent " Lodge, No: 2032, at the May Meeting in 1893, on the motion of W. Bro. Aldin, Fund (1910-1923), and D.C. (1904-1921). J.P.M., seconded by Bro. Abell, J.D., passed the following resolution :-

" That the application from certain members of the " Lily " Lodge of Instruction to FIRST MEETING form " The Richmond Lodge of Instruction " No: 2032, be granted, and that such Lodge of Instruction be held at the Station Hotel, Richmond, or any other place in The first Meeting of The Richmond Lodge of Richmond they may desire." Instruction was held at the Station Hotel, Richmond, on the 17th October 1893 The new Lodge therefore succeeded to the furniture, books, clothing and jewels of 8 brethren being present: the old " Lily " Lodge.

Bro. F. R. Robinson, W.M. For the first five years the Lodge met at the Station Hotel, removing to the W. Bro. F. C. Austin, Preceptor . Greyhound Hotel in 1898. The Freemasons' Club became the next place of meeting in 1900. The Richmond Lodge permitted the use of their furniture by the Lodge of Bro. G. Trinder, S.W. (and Secretary). Instruction " provided that neither drinking nor smoking be indulged in the Temple." This restriction was, however withdrawn in the following year. Sunday Bro. T. Keyes, J .W. meetings were held at the Freemasons' Club in 1900, but were discontinued on Bro. W. G. Pierce, S.D. receipt of a letter from the Grand Secretary that sanction could not be given to such meetings. In 1907 the Lodge returned to its old home, the Station Hotel, but moved Bro. W. Tyler, J.D. to the Masons' Room at the Castle Hotel in 1908. Bro. A. W. Blake, I.G. During the years proceeding the Lodge of Instruction has been held in various Bro. R. W. Forge. locations as the lodge changed home.

Today The Richmond Lodge of Instruction is held at 20:00 hrs on Wednesday evenings from September to April at Cole Court, the home of the lodge.

The Richmond Lodge No: 2032

6 HOMES OF THE LODGE COLE COURT MASONIC CENTRE The Lodge met at the Station Hotel, Richmond from March 1884 to May, 1888, when The Richmond Lodge now resides at Cole Court it was transferred to the Greyhound Hotel. Here it remained except for short periods at Masonic Centre in . This is the largest the Star and Garter Hotel, , the Castle Hotel, Richmond, and Hotel Cecil, Masonic centre in Middlesex Province. The Lodge London, until January, 1901, when it moved to the Freemasons Club in Sheen Road, finds it’s self at the home of Middlesex Provincial Richmond. Meetings were regularly held there until October, 1909, when once again Headquarters as well as sharing with over 100 the Lodge made its home at the Greyhound Hotel. Here it remained except for one other lodges of the Province . meeting at the Holborn Restaurant, London, until 1954, when it removed to its new home in The Parkshot Rooms. It is interesting to remember that the Lodge dined at the With many larger combined Masonic centres (enlarged) Station Hotel, the first home of the Lodge . existing the Lodge will remain at Cole Court for the long term. On 2nd January, 1901, the Lodge was moved to the ‘ Free masons’ Club, Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey, where meetings were regularly held until 6th October, 1909, when the Lodge again made its home at the Greyhound Hotel, Richmond, where with the exception of a meeting held at the Holborn Restaurant, London, on 1st March, 1922, meetings had been regularly held.

The Station Hotel (1884) The Richmond Lodge formed here In I 884; the ho me f o r many years of The Richmond Lodge of Instruction.

.

The Greyhound (1900)

The home of The Richmond Lodge for 38 years

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THE WAR YEARS No Institution can boast of a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests, the practice of every moral and social virtue. Small wonder therefore that it has been enabled to survive the wreck of mighty empires and resist the destroying hand of time. World upheavals which The Richmond Lodge has experienced during its lifetime but it has strengthened its moral power and perhaps cleansed it of some of the less attractive attributes of the past. The South African War of 1899-1902 seems to have made little impact on the Lodge. It is mentioned but once in the minutes, and then indirectly, when by the MASONIC MILLION MEMORIAL FUND vote in 1900 a contribution of £75 was sent to the Surrey Widows and Orphans War Fund. This fund was first proposed in 1919 by the M.W. the Grand Master, H.R.H The Duke of Connaught, for the The Great War of 1914-1918 is reflected in the minutes to a rather greater purpose of erecting a masonic peace memorial building. extent. Immediately on the outbreak of hostilities the Richmond Emergency An extract from the lodge minute book states:-’ On 07th Committee War Fund was launched, and The Richmond Lodge made a March , 1923 W. Bro. John E. C. Stubbs, G. Standard B., contribution of twenty guineas to this organisation. Twenty five guineas was Divisional Chairman of the London Lodges, having given to the funds of the local War Workers Supply Depot for comforts to the invited by the lodge, attended and addressed the Brethren. It was proposed by W. Bro. J. Jonstone , L.R., seconded wounded, and fifteen guineas to Richmond Red Cross Hospital. The wife of one by W. Bro. Claude A. A. Edwin, D.C., and carried of our Past Masters (Mrs. James Johnstone) played a leading role in this latter unanimously, that ‘The W.M., Officers and Brethren of organisation. The Lodge also entertained on occasions parties of wounded The Richmond Lodge, No .2032, strongly support the appeal of M.W. The Grand Master, and promise to use soldiers. Several Overseas (Service) Brethren at the request of Grand Lodge or of their best endeavors to qualify as a Hall Stone Lodge. ‘ their Mother Lodges were passed through their remaining Degrees, whilst a number of Overseas Brethren were either guests of the Lodge or of members at The qualifying amounts to be paid by each Lodge for this purpose were to be assessed by Grand Lodge, and the each meeting. amount was finally fixed for The Richmond Lodge at 666 pounds and 15s. 0d., being an average of 10 pounds and A communication was received from Grand Lodge stating that Brethren of 10s. 0d. Per member. This sum was subsequently collected German, Austrian, Hungarian and Turkish birth should discontinue their and paid to Grand Lodge, and on the 01st June, 1927 the attendance at any Masonic meetings. In accordance with these instructions, Bros. then Master of The Richmond Lodge , W. Bro. F.R. Mounstephen as representative of the Lodge had the Voigt (German) and Hespy (Hungarian) were omitted from the list of members. honour of receiving the Hall Stone Collarette at the hands At the conclusion of hostilities they were informed of their entitlement to of the Grand Master. reinstatement.

The success of this effort was principally due to the Four Brethren ,W. Bros. Claude Ewin and George Gordon and Bros. Palmer labours of W. Bro. George A. Gordon, special collector, and Smithers served in H.M. Forces. Letters were regularly sent to them by the assisted by W. Bro Alfred M. Day, the first charities representative. Brethren and an autographed Menu Card was forwarded to each after every meeting. The Lodge expressed its goodwill by resolving on the remission of their Operations on the site for the new building begun in 1928, subscriptions and that their Grand Lodge dues should be met from Lodge Funds. and the building was completed and the Grand Temple dedicated in 1933. This elicited a letter of remonstrance from the Grand Secretary, and the resolution was expunged accordingly. Happily no Lodge casualties resulted from this world conflict. The second Great War of 1939-45 made lasting and marked impressions on every individual ember of the Lodge. Each one was conscious of his obligation never to lose sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of his native land, as well as to be exemplary in the discharge of his civil duties. Those who were eligible played a not unworthy role in His Majesty's Forces, and were represented in the three Services. Their duties often took them to the far corners of the earth and in every case, whether on Home Service or Abroad, Masonic hospitality and fellowship was readily accorded to them. Two brethren suffered as prisoners of war in the hands of the Japanese. Those who remained at home doing their respective jobs, often under extra ordinary difficulties, undertook the work of Civil Defence with a certain grim cheerfulness-exemption under the age limit or for other reasons was usually scorned.

M.W. The Grand Master, H.R.H., The Duke of Connaught , Grand Master 1901-1939

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A communication was received from the Grand Secretary inviting information regarding the war service of members. It was gratifying to find that in addition to those on active service many were occupying positions of authority in various branches of Civil Defence. There were few who did not experience damage to business premises or home, while in the case of W. Bro. Flood and his wife, serious personal injury was sustained, as well as the complete loss of their home. Early in September, 1939 intimation was received from Grand Lodge, in accordance with a Government Order, that all Masonic Meetings should be suspended until further notice. More rational councils soon prevailed, and the October Meeting of the Lodge proved to be the only one cancelled. As the War progressed it was realised that evening and night were the most favoured times for enemy attack. The Grand Temple, Freemasons Hall Provision was therefore made to hold the meetings on Saturday mornings, concluding with luncheon, thus permitting members to return home early, in many cases to report for their Civil Defence duties. In spite of these arrangements, many a time-particularly during the period of flying bombs and guided missiles, a Ceremony was briefly interrupted by the crash of exploding bombs and the roar of the anti-aircraft guns in nearby , and on one occasion by the sound of falling masonry in the immediate proximity. The Lodge was privileged to entertain a number of Overseas Brethren stationed in this country, and conferred the Second and Third Degrees upon a Canadian Brother. A special War Service Subscription of 7/- was permitted to be levied for those in the Armed Services, while the normal subscription was also reduced for the war period. Two sums of 25 guineas were voted from Lodge Funds to the Richmond Prisoner of War Fund and the British Red Cross respectively, in addition to those contributed from the Benevolent Fund. The refreshments which followed the Ceremonies were of a very frugal nature, owing to food restrictions. A communication was received from Grand Lodge instructing all lodges strictly to adhere to the official rationing regulations. A The Entrance to The Grand Temple special prayer was offered on each occasion in the Lodge for the preservation of those Brethren who were serving in the Armed Forces, and thanks to the G.A.O.T.U. the Brethren returned safely. Two interesting personalities joined the Lodge during the war. Major Penix, Deputy Grand Master of Texas, was stationed with the American Forces in . He became a frequent visitor to our Lodge, and was later elected an Honorary member . During his sojourn amongst us he organised a team of Brethren in the U.S.A. Forces and demonstrated on several occasions the American mode of working in the First and Third Degrees. Lothar Marecki, Deputy Master of the Hiram su due 3 Storness (Prague) Lodge joined the Comenius in Exile Lodge for Czecho­ slovakian Refugees in London, and later became a joining member of Richmond Lodge. He was permitted by Grand Lodge to wear the three levels on his apron, but not a P.M.'s collar, but was entitled to be ranked as a P.M. in the Lodge. He continued as a member of Richmond Lodge until his death in 1950, having endeared himself to all the The ‘Great War’ Shrine, Freemasons Hall Brethren.

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THE GOLDEN JUBILEE 1934 The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lodge was fittingly marked on September 30th 1934, by a service of thanksgiving in the Richmond Parish Church. Some 400 Freemasons in full regalia and 200 others attended to give thanks to the Great Architect of the Universe for favours received during the previous five decades and to re-dedicate themselves to his service in the years to come. The Jubilee Meeting of Lodge was held on October 3rd 1934, when over 130 members and guests were present. The latter included a deputation of three officers from Grand Lodge and W. Bro Alfred Pickford, P.G.D., offered a congratulatory address. A special copy of the souvenir book, prepared by W. Bros. Dr. James Jonstone and J.G Jones was presented to the Master, W. Bro. H. Bohling, who gave a resume of the activities of the Lodge since its inception.

THE LODGE CENTENARY 30th MAY, 1984 The extra-ordinary meeting of the Lodge centenary was held at Cole Court on the 30th May 1984. In attendance were 36 brethren of The Richmond Lodge No. 2032 and 52 visiting brethren. A report at the door of the Lodge was answered and the Provincial Grand Director Centenary Breast Jewel of Ceremonies was admitted. He informed the Worshipful Master and brethren assembled that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master His Honour Judge Alan . S. Trapnell (PPJGW) was without and demanded admission. A procession of four past masters of the Lodge was formed. The brethren stood to order to receive the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, The Assistant Grand Master W.Bro. Gordon .L. Bourne, The Provincial Grand Chaplin W.Bro Cannon W.H. Hitchinson, The Provincial Grand Secretary W.Bro A.E Gann and leading the procession The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W.Bro Jerry Milford. The Worshipful Master vacated the Chair of King Solomon in favour of the Deputy provincial Grand Master. The Worshipful Master then read the Warrant of the Lodge including the add in of the Lodge move to the Province of Middlesex. A most successful and enjoyable meeting was had by all including the festive board.

Worshipful Master of the Centenary Year

W.Bro John Ling

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FREEMASONRY IN RICHMOND TODAY Although The Richmond Lodge conducts all of its meetings and business from Cole Court in Twickenham, we still very much consider ourselves Richmond Freemasons. This is with the exception that in 1884 all the founding brethren where upstanding men of the local community, where as todays Lodge attracts its brethren from Middlesex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and from London. This some would believe is down to its standing as a Lodge. We survive today a thriving and vibrant lodge with a good balance of senior, masons with Grand and provincial rank and young masons alike. As a Lodge we pride ourselves on conducting our ceremony's to an exceptionally high standard. This attracts visitors not only from other Lodges within the province but from London and other Provinces. Having such a volume of senior brethren allows our younger masons to learn ritual during our weekly LOI quickly, and to a high standard with many brethren often exceeding their own and others expectations. W.Bro. E. Marsh W.Bro. C. Parfitt-Taylor Bro. N. Sheehan PPrJGW(SW) (WM) (JW) The Lodge holds four meetings in the masonic year, being held in September, December, February and April, with the instillation of our new Worshipful Master and the investure of new officers of the Lodge. We also benefit from a number of joining members, a majority of whom come from two lodges, Fortescue Lodge No. 8386 and Graveney Lodge No.5285. It is always extremely sad to see lodges disappear but at the same time rewarding that The Richmond Lodge can offer Brethren a new Lodge to call home.

Officers of the Lodge 2014—2015

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RICHMOND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER No. 2032 By the solemn Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of Freemasons of England in December, 1813, it was declared and pronounced that pure and ancient Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more. Those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. Such is the preliminary declaration to be found in the Book of Constitutions of Grand Lodge. It would therefore seem that no Lodge is complete unless it has attached to it a Royal Arch Chapter, and as a corollary no Master Mason has completed his entrance into Freemasonry unless he has been exalted into Royal Arch Masonry. The Ceremony is actually the fulfilment of the Third Degree. It was in fact some eighteen years after the foundation of the Lodge that Richmond Chapter was inaugurated. On the 9th April, 1902, a team of Officers from Supreme Chapter led by E. Companion Sir Edward Letchworth, F.S.A., Grand Scribe E., assembled at the Freemasons Club, Richmond (then the meeting place of the Lodge) to consecrate the Chapter. There were thirty four founders present and in addition some thirty one other Companions. Of the thirty four founders, fourteen were members of Richmond Lodge. They were Bros. S. Abell, A. Aldin, J. Broad, R. Brooking, T. Covell, B. Godbold, C. Grunhold, W. Hatton, H. Hornby, J. Johnstone, E. Partridge, T. Pritchard, F. Robinson and C. Smith. The suggestion to found a Chapter caused the majority of these fourteen to take the necessary steps to qualif y, i.e. to become R.A. Masons by being exalted into other Chapters. Most R.W.Bro. H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent of the founders resided in or around Richmond or had business interests there. The GCVO Prov GM Primus First Principal was E. Companion Thomas Pritchard. It is perhaps not surprising to note that during the preceding years many of the leading personalities are numbered among the Brethren of The Richmond Lodge. The Companions have always maintained those high ideals and sincerity of pur­ pose which animated and inspired the founders of the Chapter. The presentation of the Ceremonial work (Domatic Ritual) of this Chapter has always been performed in such a manner as to impress the Candidate with the sublime truth and beauty which characterises the Royal Arch Degree. The Lodge can look with justifiable pride on a Royal Arch Chapter which has so well implemented the highest teach­ ings of Freemasonry, which has been the continual aim of Richmond Lodge.

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RESEARCH REFERENCES: Masonic research is perhaps one of the most interesting and rewarding of all such 1. The Richmond Lodge, No.2032: record studies; it also produces a crop of disappointments. The wider and deeper the of fifty years / by (J. Jonstone and investigation the more satisfying it becomes and the greater is the appreciation of others) / 1934. Freemasonry. 2. The First seventy five years of The It should be noted that Grand Lodge Library and Museum as well as the services Richmond Lodge 2032 1884 –1959 / by of the Librarians and Curators at Freemasons' Hall are at the Service of every Member and right willingly is all such help and assistance given. W. Bro . R. Gordon Bradley / 1959. Research is not without its lighter side. An item appears in the balance sheet of 3. Masonry in Richmond, Surrey with 1886 indicating that 6/6 was paid for a " Masonic Star." Diligent search was made particular reference to the Centenary of among the archives and a number of erudite masonic scholars were consulted, but The Richmond Lodge No 2032 / By without success. The " Star " was nowhere to be found, neither was its use apparent. Arthur C. Williamson / 1984. The mystery was eventually solved, when, on looking through some receipts for that year one was discovered. It was for one year's subscription to " The Masonic Star," a weekly publication long since defunct ! During the first few years of Richmond Lodge it was noted that the W.M. had annually invested two Brethren with the collars of a " W.S." and an " A.W.S." re­ spectively-a little confusing until it is remembered that " Wine Steward "was the term used for " Steward " since the inception of that office until about 1898 when by a Grand Lodge direction the word " wine " was omitted. A number of other anomalies are noted in the old minutes. A member desiring to resign could only do so if the resignation was pro­ posed, seconded and affirmative­ ly voted upon. In one case at least, the proposal was not passed, but ordered to " stand over until the next meeting." This was done regularly for over a year, when 1t was finally accepted. CONCLUSION Let each one of us remember that we are " Heirs to the Past, Stewards of the Present and Trustees of the Future." By so doing Freemasonry in The Richmond Lodge will be the " Lodestar of a greater Destiny, beckoning us forward to serve all mankind with greater Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, than the generations that have gone before us." This Lodge can look to the future with humble but Holy Confidence and well say with Browning " Grow old with me, the Best is yet to come." The only way that we can pay our debt to the past is to place the future in debt to us.

For any further information contact: Bro. Frankie Whelan E-Mail: [email protected]

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The Richmond Lodge No: 2032 Cole Court Centre 150 London Road Twickenham Middlesex

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