Craft
St George's Lodge No. 4387
United Grand Lodge of England, Province of East Kent
Key facts
- Founded
- Consecrated 8 February 1922
- At Franklin Road since
- 20 February 1923
History
St George's Lodge was founded by eight Masons who worked in the victualling department of Chatham Dockyard during and after the Great War. They hoped to call it the Prince Edward Lodge, but that name was not approved. Sponsored by Lord Charles Beresford Lodge No. 2404, it was consecrated at the Central Hall, Chatham, on 8 February 1922 by the Provincial Grand Master, Col. F. S. W. Cornwallis, before 276 Masons.
Its first regular meeting was at the Masonic Hall, Manor Road, Chatham, on 21 March 1922. On 21 November 1922 the lodge resolved to move to the new Masonic Hall in Franklin Road. Its installation on 20 February 1923 was the first meeting ever held in the hall. A vellum scroll presented in 1926 bears the signature of every Master since.
During the Second World War the lodge held 43 meetings, finishing before 8pm and never abandoning a meeting because of enemy action. Forty-four members served; three gave their lives. The lodge celebrated its centenary at Franklin Rooms on 21 November 2023.
Companion bodies
- St George's Chapter No. 4387 (Royal Arch)