The
establishment of a new Lodge in Bath was first considered on 14th
November,1919. when the name proposed was "The William Long Lodge".
Grand Lodge however would not sanction a new Lodge named after a living person
and it was therefore agreed to name the Lodge "St. Alphege"
Why St. Alphege? In 954, a boy was born of Saxon parents destined to become
a monk, an Abbot, a Bishop, Arch Bishop of Canterbury and a Martyr. Alphege
came to the City of Bath in 973 and after spending three years in solitude was
persuaded to become Abbot of Bath in 976 and to reform the Abbey along the
lines of Benedictine Rule. Later in 984 he moved to the important See of
Winchester as Bishop and finally at the age of 52 he succeeded Alfric as
Archbishop of Canterbury. Five years later he was imprisoned by the Danes and
the following year after refusing to betray his trust he was put to death by
stone and axe at Greenwich.
St. Alphege Lodge was consecrated at the Masonic Hall, Bath, on 6th
September, 1920 by the R.W. Brother Colonel William Long, C.M.G., Provincial
Grand Master. He was assisted by Worshipful Brother Colonel A. Thrale Perkins,
C.B., P.G.D., D.P.G.M
The consecrating officer said one of the four Lodges in Bath had become
unduly large, and a number of brethren had petitioned the Grand Master, His
Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, who had graciously acceded to their
request to issue a Warrant for the new Lodge. There were 50 founder members and
it was agreed that the Ritual should be that used by both the Royal Cumberland
and the Royal Albert Edward Lodges
A report of the consecration appeared in the 'Bath
Herald' of 7th September, 1920, written by Brother Herbert Staines of the Royal
Albert Edward Lodge, No. 906, and one of the founder members. The report stated
that in the course of the consecration ceremony the Provincial Grand Master had
referred to the City of Bath as one of the keenest places in Masonry which he
knew
On 3rd March, 1928, the banner of the Lodge was dedicated by the Rt.
Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Somerset, the Venerable Walter Farrer,
Archdeacon of Wells. Thus although consecrated in September, 1920, it had no
banner for eight years. The design of the banner shows a full length figure of
St. Alphege together with implements and emblems of his martyrdom. It was
designed by Bros. A.J. Taylor and A. C. Fare and the embroidery was by a Miss
Hyatt, of Limpley Stoke. The Latin inscription on the border "Pax Vobiscum
Frates Aelfheah Bathon Sum" means "Peace be with you, brethren, I am
Alphege of Bath"
During the Second World War the Masonic Hall at Bath, was badly damaged
during air raids, and meetings were held at Keynsham for a short period. All
Lodge records and property were preserved. A service of thanksgiving for the
restoration of peace was held at the Church of the Ascension, Bath, on Sunday,
17th June, 1945, when the address was given by W. Bro. J. Macdonald Richardson,
P.G.Ch. On 5th October, 1946, a record was made of the names of members who had
served in the Forces and in the Civil Defence. During the air raids on Bath two
members, Bros. W. McDougall and C. D. James were killed while on duty in the
Civil Defence. Bro. F. R. Elliot of the Royal Navy lost his life at sea
The year 1948 proved to be a sad year for the Lodge when in the month of
April within the space of twelve days the Lodge lost both W. Bro. W. T. Ellery
and W. Bro. W.A. Gayner who had been respectively Secretary and Treasurer of
the Lodge since its Foundation. The W. Master, W. Bro. T.C. W. Inskip paid
tribute to their high standard of work and efficiency which would set a pattern
for every brother of the the Lodge
More generally it is of interest to all local freemasons that Craft Masonry
in Bath dates back to 1723-24, when two Lodges were established. The original
Lodge which met in Union Passage was the first in the provinces to be
recognised by Grand Lodge. The second Lodge met at the Bear Inn, then on the
opposite corner of the Passage. This was the Royal Cumberland Lodge.
After meetings in other local hostelries the Lodges met at the New Masonic
Hall in York Street in 1819. The foundation stone of this new Masonic Hall was
laid on 4th August, 1817 and the premises opened on 23rd September, 1819. The
building ultimately became the property of the Society of Friends.
The Lodges continued to meet in hostelries or at the Corridor Rooms until
1866 when the present building which had formerly been the Theatre Royal and a
Roman Catholic Church was bought by the Royal Sussex Lodge as a Masonic Hall
with the Royal Cumberland Lodge and Lodge of Honour as tenants.
The building is steeped in history and associate with many famous names in
the Theatrical World. To this day many original features of the Theatre can be
seen around the building and on the dias behind the Worship Master's Chair
there are pictures by John Barker a well known Bath artist depicting King
Solomon, Hiram King of Tyre and Hiram Abif.
There is a large oil painting in the West of 'Bethesda' by William Hoare,
1768. It came from the Octagon Chapel, Bath, and was presented by Charles W.
Radway of the Royal Cumberland Lodge in 1896.
A great deal more could be written on the history of Freemasonry not only
in Bath but in the Province of Somerset. After its consecration in 1920 St.
Alphege Lodge has played a very small but we trust, important part in promoting
the good of Freemasonry and may we continue to preserve our Order and strive to
set a standard, which will be an example to others and a credit to ourselves
from generation to generation.
The Masonic Year for the Lodge starts with Installation in April (16.30)
with a break in the summer months to continue in October (18.00) through each
of the winter months to March the following year. Meetings are held on the
first Saturday of the above months. Fraternal visits have been held with the
Eldon Lodge of Portishead for a number of years and long may they continue.
St Alphege Lodge hold a number of social events during the year. The Ladies
Festival, which during the few past years has been held in Torbay, an annual
Carol Service and other enjoyable events held during the close season such as a
Barbecue.
