St. Margaret’s Lodge

Our inclusive The Lodge Warrant was issued on 25^th August 1873, and the new Lodge was consecrated on 27^th December 1873. For that purpose, a Provincial Grand Lodge was held in Lowestoft, attended by 23 Brethren. The original By-laws were adopted at that meeting, stating that meetings be held on the first Monday of the month, and the annual subscription at £1 10s. 0d (or £1.50!) – how we wish they were that now!. The initiation fee was set at £6 6s 0d.

The first regular meeting was held on 5^th January 1874, at which it was agreed to donate £5 to the “Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Masons” and, strangely, “a further £5 from private funds for aged women”! The first initiate was  Mr J Clemence, in February 1873. Attendance varied between 9 and 12, which meant every member became an Officer, and clearly determined Lodge procedure. At the Installation meeting of 7^th December 1874, W.Bro. Allez passed Bro. the Rev Tracey to the 2nd Degree, installed his successor, Bro Chambers, who, having appointed his Officers, Initiated a Mr Teasdale and a Mr Good. Whilst meetings usually commenced at 7.00 pm, not surprisingly this meeting started at 3.00 pm.  Installation meetings were held in December, the anniversary of the first meeting.