A History of the East Hertfordshire Lodge
On 19 March 1914 a group of Freemasons met with the aim of founding a new Lodge in Hertfordshire. They resolved to present a petition to the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, requesting that a Warrant of Constitution be granted to enable them to achieve their aim. The Warrant was duly granted and just over a year later, on 19 May 1915, the East Hertfordshire Lodge No 3748 was born.
The Lodge's Consecration took place, by dispensation, at Floral Frascati Restaurant, on Oxford Street in London. This magnificent venue had its own beautifully-appointed Masonic Temple and provided an elegant backdrop for the creation of the new Lodge. Sadly, the restaurant no longer exists, but you can find out more about it by clicking
here.
The ceremony of Consecration was performed by the Deputy Grand Master and Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro The Rt Hon Sir Thomas Frederick Halsey, with assistance from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Charles Edward Keyser, and many other distinguished Freemasons from the Province of Hertfordshire. A full account of the Consecration was published in The Freemasons' Chronicle on 12 June 1915; a copy of which can be viewed by clicking on the article below.
In the years following its Consecration, the East Hertfordshire Lodge moved from its original home, the Great House in Cheshunt, to Shire Hall in Hertford and then, in 1956, to its present home; Mayflower Place in Hertingfordbury.
In 2015 the Lodge celebrated its 100th birthday in grand style; moving its regular meeting, by dispensation, to the exact date of its Consecration and hosting nearly 100 members and guests for a very special Centenary meeting. Mirroring the events of 1915, the Centenary ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master of Hertfordshire, R W Bro Paul Gower, who was assisted by his Provincial Officers.
Following the meeting, a sumptuous Festive Board was served; with fine food and drink and fabulous entertainment from the Provincial Singers.
Looking forward to its second century, the East Hertfordshire Lodge finds itself in good health; with a diverse and happy membership who are committed to continuing the traditions and values that the Lodge's original founders had sought to promote.
