Friday 9th February 2024 – Be part of Bedfordshire Masonic History

The Founding of Freemasons Hall

In one form or another, a Freemasons Hall has stood in Great Queen Street, London, since 1775. Originally a house (circa 1641) fronting on to Queen Street, it went through many alterations and extensions. (See Diagram)

Following the death of the Grand Master HM King Edward VII it was decided that the existing hall should be extended in his memory. A small levy was placed on the fee of every member from 1908 to facilitate the extension but the plan was abandoned owing to the outbreak of the Great 1914–18 War.

On the cessation of hostilities, to honour the sacrifice of Brethren killed during the war, it was decided that a new building should be erected. The new Hall would be named the Masonic Peace Memorial. The Masonic Million Memorial Fund was set up and Provinces, Districts, Lodges and individual Masons contributed.

The fund was to create a perpetual memorial to the known 3,225 Freemasons who gave their lives in active service during the conflict. Finances in excess one million pounds were raised and a commemorative Hallstone Jewel was issued to the fundraising Lodges and individual Masons.

The building work was to adjoin the right side of the existing hall and commenced in 1927. The structure was completed in 1933. During the works part of the old pre-existing Masonic hall was demolished

Part of the original historic structure remains, which is now known as the Grand Connaught Rooms. The completed Freemasons Hall (as it is known) stands as an imposing art deco structure on a 2-acre site. It is the home of the United Grand Lodge of England and comprises of 22 Lodge rooms, administrative, board and committee rooms.

Each Lodge room is individually styled and decorated, the jewel in the crown is the Grand Temple which is absolutely stunning. It seats 1,700 people and is used mainly for Quarterly Communication, the Annual Investiture and Regular Convocations of Supreme Grand Chapter.

The main entrance has enormous bronze doors over 12 feet high and each weighing over a ton and being cast is one piece. The outer of the doors are adorned with pictorial reliefs connected with the building of King Solomon’s Temple. The inner design is of a mystical, symbolic and spiritual significance. Amazingly the doors can be opened with the push of one finger!

In front of the Grand Temple doors is a memorial window and shrine to the fallen. The shrine contains a scroll naming all 3,225 freemasons killed during the war.

The building is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England. It has to be seen to be really appreciated

Bedfordshire at Freemasons Hall

The story of the Province of Bedfordshire at the Hall starts with Lord Ampthill. Lord Ampthill, Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire and the Pro Grand Master of our organisation from 1908 until his death in July 1935. There is a stunning full-length painting of him in Freemasons’ Hall as well as a stone bust.

The Investiture of Provincial Grand Masters for Bedfordshire are usually held in our Province, however, on three occasions we have been fortunate to be invited to use Freemasons’ Hall, in special meetings conferred and overseen by the Grand Executive.

The first occasion was at a special meeting in March 1936 for the Installation of the Earl of Courtown. On this occasion Two hundred and forty-one Bedfordshire brethren attended.

The next occasion was in June 1958, at a special meeting for the Installation of Sir Gilbert Inglefield. Although R W Bro Gilbert Inglefield was not yet a member of a Bedfordshire Lodge the enthusiasm from the brethren of our Province ensured that over five hundred attended the Investiture.

More recently, there was a special meeting in June 1997, when W. Bro Martin Vincent Lush Foss was Installed. On this occasion four hundred and fifty brethren from Bedfordshire and one hundred specially invited guests attended the Investiture.

Taken from the Provincial minute book 1936.

On Friday 9th of February 2024, we have the opportunity to experience all that Freemasons’ Hall has to offer, to really take in this most interesting of buildings and be part its history, particularly that associated with the Province of Bedfordshire.

Following in the footsteps of past Bedfordshire Masons. All Master Masons and Companions from our Province are invited to attend a special meeting in the main Grand Temple to witness the Installation of V W Bro and E Comp Nicholas K Edwards. The day starts with our Excellent Companion being Installed as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Bedfordshire. We then break for refreshments and lunch, before returning to the Grand Temple for the Installation of V W Bro Nick as the Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire. This double Investiture in the Grand Temple will be unique in the history of our Province.

Whether you are attending one or both ceremonies, all are invited to dine in the historic Grand Connaught Rooms with the Installing Grand Officers.

Please book now to ensure you are part of this memorable occasion in support of our new Provincial Grand Master and our marvellous Province. The booking form can be found here.

The original Masonic Banqueting Hall at the Grand Connaught Rooms pictured in 1869 and now.