Lodge History

The second World War was drawing to a close and after many months of planning Verulam Lodge became a reality on 27th October 1945 when the Provincial Grand Chaplain W. Bro. Revd. F. W. Ferrars gave what was described as a delightful oration on the nature and principles of the institution. At the investiture of the officers W. Bro Charles Storer, a founder and member of the Crusaders Lodge No 1671 was appointed Secretary, a position he held for 21 years. In 1947 W. Bro. W. G. Hall, another founder from St Albans Lodge was appointed Almoner, an office which he also held for 21 years. Since that time our links with St Albans Lodge have been maintained. As at our installation meeting it is our custom to invite the reigning Master of our mother Lodge to occupy the chair of Inner Guard

The Lodge Banner was dedicated on 16th September 1950 by R. W. Bro. Revd. Canon Frederick Halsey. MA. PGCh, Provincial Grand Master. The Banner based on a scene of St Albans includes the letter “V” which for many years was thought to represent Verulam, but this was not the case. The Second World War had so recently ended it was decided to include a tribute to brethren who gave their lives in the defence of their Country, the letter “V” for victory was therefore incorporated into the design. It is interesting to note there is an anomaly regarding the actual date of the consecration, the records show the date to be 27th October 1945, whilst our banner records the date as 20th October 1945. The records of course reflect the true date.

The Master was W. Bro. S. F. Richardson, PPGReg, and the first full meeting took place on 16th March 1946. The ceremony was naturally the First Degree and Bro E. R. Bone became the first Initiate. In 1952 when Bro Bone was Senior Warden, sadly for personal reasons he stood down and unfortunately didn’t progress to be Master. The Lodge’s second Initiate  Bro G. H. Stebbings did however progress and in 1953 was installed.

The accounts for the first year make interesting reading today. The subscription was £5.5s.0d (£5.25) Initiation Fee £15.15s.0d (£15.75) and Joining Fee of £10.10s (£10.50). A stock of wine was held with a value of £18.9s.2d (£18.46).  The Treasurer Bro. L. Rance, another Founder from St Albans Lodge reported a surplus of £82.1s.11p (£82.10)

The Lodge continues to thrive, and today has 28 members from a wide range of backgrounds.

If you feel that becoming a freemason is of interest and would like to join a Lodge that meets in the centre of St Albans then please contact our secretary on the following link: secretary6131jbc@gmail.com