1914

8th Meeting: An Emergency Meeting was held on Friday 13 February 1914 at 4.30 pm at Hunter St. Chester and was immediately followed by a Special Meeting; 20 Members were present.

The purpose of the Emergency Meeting was to read the Report and Proposals of the Board of General Purposes of Grand Lodge and to consider and vote on the general principles of them viz:

The Establishment of a Grand Council for Administrative Purposes.

The division of the London Lodges into Metropolitan Grand Lodges with the necessary financial re-arrangement consequent thereon.

Lodge Summons for 13 February 1914

It was also called to consider the advisability of altering the October Meeting of the Lodge from the second Friday in the month of October to the second Friday in the month of September in each year.

The Special Meeting was convened to read a request signed by seven Members of the Lodge to consider and finally decide the question of removing the Lodge from Freemason’s Hall, Hunter Street, Chester, to Lawton Hall, Alsager, Cheshire.

The Proposals from Grand Lodge were adopted in principle and the proposal that the Lodge should meet on the Second Friday in September was carried unanimously. Although the ‘request for the alteration of the venue’ was discussed it was decided that any decision should be ‘left over’ until the May meeting. The Special meeting was then closed followed by the closure of the Lodge of Emergency in time, form and harmony, after solemn prayer. Dinner was served at 6.00 pm.

9th Meeting: The next Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held on Friday 8 May 1914 at 3.00 pm at Hunter Street, Chester at which there were 17 Members present. The Lodge was opened by The W.M., W. Bro. C.E. Keyser and the Minutes of the last Regular Meeting and the Emergency Meeting were both read and confirmed. The 4 Joining Members proposed at the last Regular Meeting were unanimously elected. W. Bro. Shelley-Thompson was then unanimously elected Master for the ensuing year; W. Bro. Dr H. Keays Bentley was re-elected Treasurer and W. Bro John Scott was re-elected as Tyler. It was then decided to give 5 guineas from Lodge Funds to the Broadsmith Testimonial. The following 3 Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Swancott Morgan (Solicitor)
Bro. Robert Tenton (Merchant)
Bro. Dosu A. Toummavooh (Medical Student)

No mention was made in the Minutes of the possible change of venue to Lawton but following the Meeting at 4.30 pm the Brethren, their ladies and friends travelled by ‘Motor Char-a-banc’ to Lawton Hall for 3 nights starting with dinner at 6.30 pm. It is recorded that on the Saturday morning (9 May) the Brethren discussed Masonic Business and Symbolism in the Great Drawing Room at 10.30 am. After breakfast on Sunday there was Divine Service at Lawton Church. An inclusive charge for bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner (‘and all extras’) was 10/6 (52½p) per day and the cost of conveyance from Chester to Lawton was 5/- (25p) each.

10th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held on 11 September 1914 at 3.00 pm at The Masonic Hall, Hunter Street, Chester, at which 10 Officers and 16 Members of the Lodge were present. After the Minutes had been read the 3 prospective Joining Members proposed at the last meeting were elected. W. Bro. A.J. Shelley-Thompson was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The following two Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members of the Lodge:

Bro. Walter Wilkie (Manager)
W. Bro. James Walker White (Gentleman)

The Secretary then read out a letter from Lord Egerton requesting the W.M. to accept his resignation from the Lodge – the resignation was received with ‘great regret’.

The Lodge was then closed in peace and harmony.

1915

11th Meeting: At this Regular Meeting held by Dispensation on Friday 21 May 1915 at 3.30 pm at Hunter Street, Chester, at which 17 Members and 1 visitor were present. The Brethren were instructed to appear in Masonic Mourning owing to the ‘lamented death’ of the First Master of the Lodge V.W. Bro. Robert Freke Gould, P.G.W. Master Masons wore 3 Black Rosettes on their Aprons; Officers Present and Past, a Black Rosette on the point of the Collar. The Summons was edged in black as a sign of respect.

W. Bro. Owen Jones, P.P.G.W. the Acting Worshipful Master, said:

‘… it was fit that the Brethren should pay some mark of respect to a very old and distinguished Freemason, – a man who had made his mark in the Masonic World to a very great extent, and who was known and respected in all parts of the world, – and that was our late Worshipful Brother Robert Freke Gould, who was also the first Master of the Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple; …’

Lodge Summons for 21 May 1914

W. Bro. Gasking added:

‘He had done a great deal for Masonry in more ways than one, for no matter where they turned or looked, there they found the name of Robert Freke Gould, well to the fore in all good works. His death was a distinct loss to Freemasonry throughout the world, as well as to the United Grand Lodge of England and the Province of Cheshire.’

W. Bro. Gasking added:The 2 Brethren proposed as Joining Members at the previous meeting were unanimously elected. W. Bro. William John Kerr was then duly elected as the Master-Elect for the ensuing year and W. Bro. Dr H. Keays Bentley, P.P.G.W. was unanimously re-elected as Treasurer. By a show of hands, W. Bro. John Scott was appointed Tyler. A letter of resignation was read from Bro. Gerrard. The Lodge was then closed in peace and harmony and solemn prayer. Light refreshments followed.

12th Meeting: The next Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held on Friday 10 September 1915 at 4.30 pm at Freemasons’ Hall, Hunter Street, Chester. There were 8 Officers, 18 Members and 3 visitors present. Once the Lodge was opened the Summons was read followed by the Minutes of the previous meeting after which W. Bro. William John Kerr, P.P.G.W. was installed as Master of the Lodge by W. Bro. C.E. Keyser, P.G.D. whose birthday it was that day. It was then:

‘… unanimously resolved that this Lodge support the Petition to the Board of Benevolence of Grand Lodge on behalf of the Widow of our Brother Robert Freke Gould’.

The following Brother was then proposed as a Joining Member:

W. Bro. John Jones, P.P.G.Supt. of Works

A letter of resignation was received from W. Bro. A.T. Wright. The Lodge was then closed.

1916

13th Meeting: This was held on Friday 12 May, 1916 at 3.00 pm at Freemasons’ Hall, Hunter Street, Chester and the Summons again edged in black, and requested that the Brethren ‘appear in Masonic Mourning’ due to the death of W. Bro. George Proudman, P.P.G.W. There were present 21 Members and 6 visitors. The Brother proposed as a Joining Member at the last meeting was unanimously elected.

A Notice of Motion was then given by W. Bro. Broadsmith, P.A.G.Reg.: To consider the alteration of Bye-Laws as follows:

Bye-Law No. 1. That the Regular Meetings of the Lodge be held on the 2nd Friday in May, September and January in each year.

Bye-Law No. 3. Delete ‘October’ and substitute ‘September’.

Bye-Law No. 4. Strike out this Bye-Law and substitute the following:

The yearly subscription of Present Members not holding any Office in the Lodge shall be 15s 6d [77½p]. The subscription of all future Members shall be £1 1s 0d per annum.

The subscription and fees of the Officers of the Lodge shall be as follows:–

The W.M. and other Officers of the Lodge on their first appointment to Office to pay the following: – W.M. £5 5s 0d; S.W. and J.W. £3 3s 0d each; S.D. and J.D. £1 11s 6d each; the I.G. and Stewards £1 1s 0d each.

Fees payable by Officers on appointment to Office, if present Members, shall include the subscription for the year, but in the case of future Members shall be in addition to the yearly subscription. Any Brother appointed to higher Office in any year shall pay the difference between the amount originally paid by him as fees of Office and the fees (if any) to be paid for the higher Office.

The Subscription shall be payable in advance at the Regular Meeting in September.

All Joining Members shall pay the sum of Three Guineas as a Joining Fee in addition to the yearly subscription.

Bye-Law No. 5. Delete the words ‘Twenty Guineas’ and substitute ‘Fifteen Guineas’. Delete the words ‘Two-and-a-half Guineas’ and substitute ‘Three Guineas’.

After a lengthy discussion it was proposed that Bye-Law No. 4 be altered as follows:–

‘Strike out this Bye-Law and substitute the following:–

The yearly subscription of present Members not holding any Office in the Lodge shall be 15/6. The subscription of all future Members shall be 21/- per annum. The subscription and fees of the Officers of the Lodge shall be as follows: – The W.M. and following Officers of the Lodge on appointment to any Office in the Lodge shall pay the following: – W.M. £5 5s 0d, S. Warden and J. Warden £3 3s 0d each, the Treasurer, S. Deacon, J. Deacon, D.C. and A.D.C. £1 11s 6d. The I.G. and Stewards £1 1 0 each. Fees payable by Officers on appointment to office, if present Members shall include the subscription for the year; but in the case of future Members shall be in addition to the yearly subscription. The subscription shall be payable in advance at the Regular Meeting in September. All Joining Members shall pay the sum of £3 3s 0d as a joining fee in addition to the yearly subscription.

Bye-Laws Nos. 1, 3 and 5 to stand as altered by W. Bro. Broadsmith and with the alteration to Bye-Law No. 4 as above, to come up for confirmation at the next Regular Meeting in September.’

This was carried unanimously. Bro. the Rev. Charles Alfred Griffin was elected Master for the ensuing year. The following Joining Members were then proposed:

W. Bro. H.C. Knowles
W. Bro. John Morgan
Bro. The Rev. Ejesa Osora, M.A.
Bro. William S. Strafford
Bro. William Henry Bithell

It was then proposed that a letter of condolence be sent to the family of the late Junior Warden, W. Bro. George Proudman which was carried unanimously. A letter of apology was received from Sir William Hesketh Lever who enclosed 20/- [£1] for the Charity-box. Letters of resignation were received from Bro. Frank J. Lunnon and Bro. F.E.M. Stephens. The Lodge was then closed ‘in accordance with ancient custom’.

14th Meeting: Yet again the next Summons for the Regular Meeting of the Lodge on 8 September 1916 was edged in black; this time for ‘the lamented death of our late Right Worshipful Brother Lord Kitchener, P.G.W., Secretary of State for War’. The meeting was attended by 30 Members and 48 visitors. The Lodge, meeting at Hunter Street, was opened at 3.30 pm by the W.M. when the Summons was read followed by the Minutes. The ballot for the Joining Members proposed at the last meeting was left over until the next meeting due to an irregularity. A Board of Installed Masters was constituted and Bro. the Rev. Dr Charles Alfred Griffin, P.P.G.Chap. was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.

The alterations to the Bye-Laws as proposed at the previous meeting were withdrawn.

In addition to the proposed Joining Members referred to at the last meeting, the following names were added:

Bro. Joseph Stubbs Riley (Coal Merchant)
Bro. the Rev. David Catt (Clerk in Holy Orders)
Bro. Edward Geoffrey Parkinson (Coal Merchant)
Bro. Dr W. Hodgson, J.P. (Physician)

Letters of resignation were received from Bros. H. Luton, Chas. P. Noar, D. Walmsley and S.W. Bell. The Brethren present subscribed the sum of £10 10s 0d for the Freemason’s War Hospital.

1917

15th Meeting: The next Regular Meeting was held by Dispensation at 3.00 pm on Friday 11 May 1917 at Hunter Street, Chester at which there were 28 Members and 18 visitors present. The Dispensation from the P.G.M. was to allow the Brethren to wear ‘Masonic Clothing’ at a reception and conversazione following the Meeting at 4.30 pm to which lady friends and visitors were invited. Tickets were 5/- for the ladies and 7/6 for the gentlemen – morning dress was to be worn.
On opening the Lodge the Summons was read, followed by the Bye-Laws and then the Minutes of the last meeting. The Brethren proposed at the previous meeting as Joining Members were unanimously elected and W. Bro. Broadsmith was duly elected as Master for the coming year. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. John Howall Morgan (Provisions Merchant)
Bro. John William Cooper (Dentist)
Bro. Ernest Garrard Wood (Billiard Hall Proprietor)
Bro. David Morgan Price (Fish and Game Dealer)
Bro. Arthur Rudd, J.P. (Gentleman)
Bro. John Charles Westworth (Government Inspector)
Bro. George Goody (Manufacturer)
Bro. Sam Duncan Brown (Agent)
Bro. Horace Irwin Palmer (Chief Traffic Assistant, Liverpool Corp. Tramways)

The Charity-box amounted to £2-7s-5d. Resignations were received from Bro. A.M. McLeod and Bro. Captain Lumley Smith. There being no other business the Lodge was closed ‘in accordance with ancient custom’.

16th Meeting: The Summons for this Regular Meeting held at 3.45 pm on Friday 14 September 1917 at Hunter Street contained a list of both Honorary and Joining Members which totalled some 245 names – some of which had already died or resigned. There were 33 Members and 10 visitors present. The Brethren proposed as Joining Members at the last meeting were elected unanimously. W. Bro. the Rev. Dr C.A. Griffin then installed W. Bro. Frederick Broadsmith into the Chair who appointed his Officers:

W. Bro. Eustace G. Parker, P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. H.S. Hayco
W. Bro. The Right Rev. Bishop Gwynne
W. Bro. The Rev. Canon W.R. Yates M.A.
W. Bro. The Rev. Canon Bowen M.A.
W. Bro. The Rev. F.S. Paynter M.A.
Bro. The Rev. E.A. Ejesa Osora M.A.
Bro. The Rev. David Catt
W. Bro. H. Keays-Bentley M.D., P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. W. Swancott Morgan
W. Bro. Chas. E. Keyser M.A., P.G.W., Dep.P.G.M. (Herts)
W. Bro. W.J. Kerr P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. J. Crossley Pratt
W. Bro. Charles Wood
W. Bro. J.F. Swift P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. E. Sims Hilditch
W. Bro. W.H. Huish
W. Bro. W.T. Bell
W. Bro. George Swallow
W. Bro. Edward Woodward P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. A.D. Carver
W. Bro. J. Riley
W. Bro. G.C.R. Stephens
W. Bro. H. Baum
W. Bro. J.G.A. Lawson
W. Bro. John Scott
W. Bro. J.B. Reynolds
W. Bro. J.S. Warren P.P.G.D.C.

S.W.
J.W.
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplain
Treasurer
Secretary
D.C.
A.D.C.
S.D.
J.D.
Organist
Assistant Organist
Assistant Organist
I.G.
S.S.
J.S.
A.S.
A.S.
A.S.
A.S.
A.S.
Tyler
Almoner
Charity Representative

The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Robert Kirkpatrick (Gent’s Mercer)
Bro. Donald Samuel Eaton (Builder and Contractor)
Bro. T.J. Bell-Thomas (Physician and Surgeon)

The following Brother was proposed as an Honorary Member:

W. Bro. Edward Robinson, J.G.D. (Musician)

The Charity-box collection raised £3-0s-9d. Apologies were read from Lord Leverhulme and many other Brethren. The Lodge was closed at 6.05 pm.

1918

17th Meeting: A Regular Meeting was held at 3.15 pm on Friday 10 May 1918 at Hunter Street, Chester, at which there were 25 Members and 2 visitors present. All the Brethren Proposed for membership at the previous meeting were unanimously elected. The Bye-Laws were read by the Secretary and a ballot to elect a Master for the ensuing year was left in the hands of the W.M. who declared the Senior Warden W. Bro. Eustace G. Parker duly elected.

The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Jack Sterzelly (Vaudeville Artiste)
W. Bro. Griffith David Jones
W. Bro. H.E. Eliwell P.G.D
W. Bro. D.L. Hewitt J.P., P.A.G.D.C. (Eng.) P.P.G.W. (An Honorary Member of the Lodge already, who was now being proposed as a Subscribing Member)

Letters of apology were received from Lord Leverhulme, Earl of Dartmouth, Sir Jos. Sykes Rymer and many other members. The Charity Box realised the sum of £2-12s-9d and the Lodge was closed at 5.00 pm when a dinner followed to which lady friends and visitors were invited; tickets were 7/6 for gentlemen and 6/- for ladies; Morning Dress was worn.

18th Meeting: This Regular Meeting was held at Freemason’s Hall, Hunter Street, Chester on Friday 13 September 1918. There were 29 Members and 6 visitors present. The death of W. Bro. Frederick Broadsmith was announced and it was agreed to send a letter of condolence to his relatives. As W. Bro. Scott now found it impossible to carry out his duties as Tyler, Bro. J.H. Doughty was appointed as Tyler. A ballot for the proposed Joining Members proved unanimous. W. Bro. Eustace G. Parker, P.P.G.W. was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The following Brother was proposed as a Joining Member:

W. Bro. Edred Starkie Haighton, P.P.G.P. (Manufacturer)

It was then agreed to hand 5 guineas to W. Bro. John Scott as ‘a token of recognition of his faithful services’ as Tyler. The attention of the Lodge was then called by Bro. W.S. Strafford:

‘ … to the fact that upon the occupation of Jerusalem by the British Troops during the present war a Masonic Lodge had been held in the Holy City, and he thought this matter would be of particular interest to the Members of the Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple.’

Letters of apology were received from the Earl of Dartmouth, Lord Leverhulme and several other Brethren. The Charity Box realised £1-19s-6d and the Lodge was closed according to ancient custom at 5.40 pm.

1919

19th Meeting: A Regular Meeting was held at 2.00 pm on Friday 9 May 1919 at Freemason’s Hall Hunter Street, Chester at which 22 Members and 5 visitors were present. The Lodge was in mourning again due to the death of the Treasurer, W. Bro. Dr H. Keays Bentley, P.P.G.W. A Ballot was taken for the proposed Joining Brother from the last meeting which proved unanimously in his favour. After the Bye-Laws were read W. Bro H.S. Hayco P.P.G.D. was elected Master for the coming year and W. Bro. W.J. Kerr P.P.G.W. was elected Treasurer. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. Dr John Oldershaw, M.D., J.P., P.P.G.W.
Bro. Edwin Peace (Solicitor)
Bro. Stephen Mathew Jones (Commercial Traveller)
W. Bro. David James Griffiths P.P.G.Std. B. (Mining Engineer)
W. Bro. Joseph Phillips P.P.G.S.B.

And the following Brother was proposed as an Honorary Member:

W. Bro. Joseph Clarke P.P.G.W., P.G.Sec.

W. Bro. Swift gave notice of his intention to move the following alteration of the Bye-Laws:

‘That the number of the Lodge Meetings be increased to three, and that the same be held on each second Friday in the months of February, June and October. The Installation of the Worshipful Master to take place at the October meeting in each year.’

It was further suggested by W. Bro. Swift that the February Meeting should take the form of a Lecture or Discussion on Masonic Research, the June Meeting a Ladies Social and the October Meeting the Installation. The Lodge was closed according to ancient custom at 3.50 pm. The Charity Box realised £3-0s-6d.

20th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held, by Dispensation, at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 9 September 1919 at Hunter Street at which 30 Members and 8 visitors were present. All the Brethren proposed as Honorary or Joining Members at the last Meeting were unanimously elected. W. Bro. H.S. Hayco was then duly installed into the Chair of King Solomon. Consideration of altering the Bye-Laws was adjourned until the next meeting. The following Brethren were proposed a Joining Members:

W. Bro. A.G.W. Provart P.G.D.C.
Bro. William Geddes Reece

The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 6.30 pm; the Charity Box raised £2-11s-0d. The ladies were invited to the dinner which followed at 6.30 pm, the price of which was 5/6 (inclusive of Boat Fare)!

1920

21st Meeting: On Friday 14 May 1920 a Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at Hunter Street at 5.00 pm at which 21 Member and 8 visitors were present. The Joining Members proposed at the previous meeting were unanimously elected. W. Bro. E. Sims Hilditch was elected as Master for the ensuing year. It was proposed that all Subscribing Members should receive a letter on the alterations proposed to the Bye-Laws. A letter was received from Lord Leverhulme P.G.W. presenting his photograph in full Masonic clothing to the Lodge. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members of the Lodge:

Bro. Charlie Roland Woods
Bro. Frederick Victor Ross
Bro. Llewelyn Parry Roberts
W. Bro. Frederick William Seeley
W. Bro. Amys B. Harper

The Charity Box raised £3-1s-0d; the Lodge was then closed with solemn prayer at 6.15 pm.

22nd Meeting: A Regular Meeting was held, by Dispensation, on Friday 10 September 1920 at 3.30pm at Hunter Street, Chester at which 34 Members and 13 visitors were present. The Brethren proposed as Joining Members at the last meeting were unanimously elected. W. Bro. Edwin Sims Hilditch was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. As a result of the circular sent to all the Subscribing Members it was decided to hold 3 Lodge Meeting per Year i.e. January, May and September. The following Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. John Lees
Bro. John Drucquer
W. Bro. John Southard P.P.G.Std.
Bro. Nicholas William Spencer
Bro. Thomas Barnshaw
Bro. Cyril Thomas
Bro. James Andrew Poë
W. Bro. Robert Rawlinson J.P., P.P.G.S.W.
W. Bro. Arthur Sharpe Snr., P.P.G.D.

And as re-joining Founder Members:

W. Bro. Alexander Craig Wallace P.P.G.W.
W. Bro. Frank Collier

The Charity Box realised £3-5-9 and the Lodge was closed in due form.

1921

23rd Meeting: At the Regular Meeting of the Lodge held by Dispensation, at 4.00pm on Friday 20 May 1921 at Hunter Street, Chester there were 26 Members and 9 visitors present. A ballot taken for the proposed Joining Members at the last meeting was unanimously in favour. W. Bro. William Swancott Morgan was elected Master for the coming year. Bro. Doughty resigned as Tyler of the Lodge and Bro. Llewelyn Parry was appointed in his place. The Junior Warden, Bro. Sir William Hodgson was congratulated on receiving his knighthood. The following 3 Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. Charles Matthew Langton Prov.A.G.D.C.
Bro. Collin Stanley Brothers
W. Bro Robert Nathaniel Ashton

The Charity Box realised £3-14s-6d and the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer at 5.30 pm. Dinner followed at 5.30 pm at a cost of 12/6, inclusive of wines.

24th Meeting: The next Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 3.00 pm on Friday 9 September 1921 at Hunter Street, Chester when 34 Members and 9 visitors were present. A ballot for the 3 Brethren proposed at the last meeting proved unanimously in favour. W. Bro. W. Swancott Morgan was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The following Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. John Cumming (Chemist)
W. Bro. James Sayer
W. Bro. James Thomas Burns P.P.G.D.
Bro. Frederick Charles Rice (Inspector of Schools)
Bro. Samuel Wilson (Manager)
Bro. John Marsden Rigby (Solicitor)
W. Bro. Thomas Martlew (Physician)
Bro. John Hilditch (Manager)
W. Bro. James Graham Reece M.I.A.E. (Director)

It was then passed that the sum of £21 be donated from the Charity Box account to the ‘Egerton of Tatton Memorial Fund’. The Charity Box realised £3-14s-9d and the Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.15 pm. Dinner was 10/6 inclusive of wines.

1922

MEMORIAL WINDOW UNVEILED

On 24 April 1922 Lord Leverhulme P.J.G.W. unveiled a memorial window on the staircase in Freemason’s Hall, Hunter Street, Chester in memory of those Brethren from the Chester area who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War. Before leaving Chester a photograph of Lord Leverhulme with the Directors of the Hall was taken; it now hangs on the wall in the far left hand corner of the museum at Cheshire View, Christleton, Chester. The window itself is now situated behind the Senior Warden’s Chair in the Second Temple, also at Christleton.

Memorial Window

25th Meeting: An Emergency Meeting of the Lodge was held at Hunter Street, Chester on Saturday 6 May 1922 at 3.00 pm. There were present 17 Members and 7 visitors. An Address was given by W. Bro. J.F. Swift P.P.G.W. entitled ‘Landmarks in Freemasonry’. This was followed by questions and a discussion. The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.10 pm after which there was a Hot-Pot Supper at 5.30 pm at a cost of 3/- per head not including wine.

26th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 4.00pm on Friday 9 June 1922 at Hunter Street, Chester when 27 Members and 10 visitors were present. A ballot for the 9 Brethren proposed at the last Regular meeting proved unanimously in favour. Bro. Sir William Hodgson was elected Master for the ensuing year. The following 3 Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. William Henry Denson J.P.
Bro. William Henry Carter (Manager)
Bro. Archibald John Siddall (Paint Manufacturer)

The Charity Box raised £4-0s-0d and the Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.20 pm.

27th Meeting: A Regular meeting of the Lodge was held at 2.30 pm on Friday 8 September 1922 at Hunter Street, Chester when 33 Members and 33 visitors were present. The 3 Brethren proposed at the last meeting were balloted for; the result was unanimously in their favour. Bro. Sir William Hodgson was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. In response to the Provincial Grand Master’s request it was agreed to send 5 guineas to the Million Memorial Fund. The following 6 Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. Saville Laver M.A. (Headmaster)
W. Bro. Mark Mott-Cowan (Cinema Director)
Bro. Felix Potter (Director of Education, Cheshire)
W. Bro. Arthur Villar (Commercial Traveller)
W. Bro. Evan Roberts, Jr. P.P.G.D. (Merchant)
Bro. William James Robert Watts (Accountant)

The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.30 pm. Dinner tickets were 10/6 including wines; morning dress was worn.

1923

28th Meeting: An Emergency Meeting (or Special Meeting) of the Lodge was held at 6.00 pm on Monday 5 March 1923 at Hunter Street, Chester at which 23 Members and 49 visitors were present. W. Bro. Sir William Hodgson opened the Lodge after which the Circular convening the meeting was read and the visitors were welcomed. The Lodge was then closed and the Brethren adjourned to the Banqueting Hall where a lecture on ‘English Cathedral Architecture’, illustrated with lantern slides, was delivered by R.W. Bro. Charles E. Keyser, M.A., F.S.A., P.G.W., Dep.P.G.M. of Hertfordshire. A collection of £4-15s-0d was taken.

29th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 4.30 pm on Friday 8 June 1923 at Freemasons’ Hall, Hunter Street, Chester. The arrangements for the day included a boat trip on the River Dee prior to the opening of the Lodge. The full programme was

Lunch at Masonic Hall, Chester, 1.00 pm
Motor Launch to Eccleston Ferry, 2.15 pm
Return to Chester, 3.45 pm
Lodge Meeting, 4.30 pm
Dinner, 5.30 pm

Present were 39 Members and 11 visitors. Minutes of the last Regular Meeting and the Emergency Meeting were read, confirmed and signed. A ballot was taken for the 4 Brethren proposed at the last Regular Meeting which proved unanimously in favour. W. Bro. D.L. Hewitt P.A.G.D.C. was elected Master for the ensuing year. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Joseph Benjamin Roscoe (Head Teacher)
Bro. Percy Timperly (Solicitor)
Bro. Charles Childs (Journalist)
Bro. John Wesley Emberton – later Sir John (Cheese Factor)
W. Bro. Evan Roberts Jnr., M.B.E. (Controller St John Ambulance)
Bro. William James Robert Watts (Accountant)

Resignations were received from, W. Bro. Sir Thomas Robinson, W. Bro. Dr J. Oldershaw, Bro. E. Gloster and Bro. T. Stott. The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.45 pm.

30th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 2.30 pm on Friday 14 September 1923 at Hunter Street, Chester at which 38 Members and 36 visitors were present. A ballot was taken for the 6 Joining Members proposed at the last meeting which proved unanimously in favour. W. Bro. D.L. Hewitt was then regularly installed into the Chair of King Solomon.

The Secretary W. Bro. J.F. Swift then gave details of:

‘ … correspondence regarding a new lodge to be formed at Jerusalem, with a request that this Lodge would support and sanction the same. W. Bro. H.S. Hayco P.P.G.D. gave Notice of Motion “That the sanction and support of this Lodge be given to a petition for the formation of a Lodge to be held at Jerusalem, to be called – The Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple, Jerusalem”.

The Secretary read a letter from W. Bro. Viscount Leverhulme ‘affirming to assist the Lodge to become a Hall Stone Lodge in connection with the Million Memorial Fund’.

Resignations were received from Bro. E. James, W. Bro. H.C. Knowles and Bro. W. Truesdale. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Albert Whitney (Retired Signal Engineer)
Bro. Christopher Walton Rippon (Manager)

The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 5.15 pm.

31st Meeting: A Special Meeting of the Lodge was held at 6.00 pm on Friday 23 November 1923 at Hunter Street, Chester at which 22 Members and 29 visitors were present. The following Brother was unanimously elected an Honorary Member and then immediately appointed Organist of the Lodge:

Bro. J. Williams P.P.G.O.

The Notice of Motion given at the last meeting that the Lodge would support the formation of a new lodge called ‘The Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple’ meeting at Jerusalem was carried unanimously. The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 6.45 pm and the Brethren adjourned to the Banqueting Hall to receive a lecture by W. Bro. Lionel Vibert P.Dist.G.W. Madras, P.M. Quatuor Coronati Lodge (Author of Freemasonry before the Existence of Grand Lodge) entitled ‘The Story of the Craft’

1924

32nd Meeting: An ‘Open Meeting’ of the Lodge was held at 6.00 pm on Friday 29 February 1924 at Freemason’s Hall, Hunter Street, Chester when a lecture was delivered by W. Bro. Rod Baxter P.G.W. (E. Lancs.) entitled ‘The Old Charges and Rituals’. The Chair was occupied by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. D.L. Hewitt J.P., P.A.G.D.C. The Lodge opened at 6.00 pm with the lecture at 6.30 pm followed by buffet refreshments.

New Lodge of King Solomon's Temple Sponsored

On 28 March 1924 the new Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple at Jerusalem (4611) was consecrated by R.W. Bro. Sir Colville Smith C.V.O. in the Muristan, Old City, Jerusalem.The two sponsor lodges being; the Lodge of King Solomon's Temple, Chester, No. 3464 and the Volunteer Lodge, Manchester, No. 2905.

33rd Meeting: An ‘Open Meeting’ of the Lodge was held by Dispensation at 4.00 pm on Saturday 26 April 1924 in the Masonic Lodge Room at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, by kind permission of W. Bro. Viscount Leverhulme and the Trustees. The arrangements for the afternoon were:

2.00 – 2-30 To assemble at the South Entrance of the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
3.00 – 4.00 Inspection of the Art Gallery and Museum; the party was conducted by Bro. Sydney L. Davison, the Curator.
4.00 – 4.30 Lodge Meeting (by Dispensation) in the Masonic Lodge Room.
4.45 – 5.30 High Tea served in the Banqueting Hall. After which the unique Masonic Museum Collection was inspected.
5.30 – 7.00 The Gallery remained open for further inspection.

The cost of the High Tea was 2/6 (12½p) per head.

34th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 5.30 pm on Friday 13 June 1924 at Hunter Street, Chester at which 33 Members and 7 visitors were present including W. Bro. Clement W. Cowell, the First Master of the recently formed Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple at Jerusalem (4611). A ballot for the 2 Brethren proposed as Joining Members at the Previous Regular Meeting proved unanimously in favour. Bro. William Henry Denson was the elected Master for the ensuing year. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members:

W. Bro. John Stuart Robertson P.P.G.S.W. (Merchant)
W. Bro. Andrew Irving P.P.G.D. (Building Contractor)
W. Bro. William Cain (Manager)
W. Bro. Thomas John Britain Fletcher (Retired School Master)
Bro. Frederick Charles Deayton (Agent)
Bro. James Moir Dow (Accountant)

W. Bro. Clement W. Cowell P.A.G.Supt.Works., O.G.R., the First Master of the new Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple (4611) consecrated at Jerusalem on 28 March 1924 next addressed the Brethren and afterwards presented Founders’ Jewels to the following Brethren who had subscribed to the new lodge:

W. Bro. Sir William Hodgson
W. Bro. D.L. Hewitt
W. Bro. W.J. Kerr
W. Bro. H.T. Hayes
W. Bro. J. F. Swift
W. Bro. J.S. Warren
W. Bro. Swancott Morgan
W. Bro. Charles Wood
W. Bro. W.T. Bell
W. Bro. Evan Roberts Jnr.
W. Bro. M. Mott-Cowen
Bro. C. Childs
Bro. Nicholas Spencer
Bro. A.J. Siddall
Bro. W.H. Denson
Bro. A.J.A. Lawson
R.W. Bro. Charles E. Keyser

Reference was again made to the generous offer of W. Bro. Viscount Leverhulme to assist the lodge in becoming a Hall Stone Lodge in connection with the Million Memorial Fund – the matter was deferred. The Lodge was closed with solemn prayer at 6.35 pm.

35th Meeting: An Emergency Meeting of the Lodge was held on Wednesday 13 August 1924 at Freemason’s Hall, Hunter Street, Chester when 28 Members and 19 visitors were present. A letter was read from W. Bro. Clement W. Cowell, Master of the new Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple at Jerusalem (4611) requesting that this Lodge would favour them by Raising to the Third Degree Bro. Arthur Alexandra Wedderspoon – (spelt Widderspoon in Potter, The Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple, No. 3464). Bro. Wedderspoon was their first Initiate on 10 May 1924, having been Passed at Garston Lodge (4119) and had now left Palestine and was proceeding to America. This was a momentous occasion for our Lodge (3464) as it was the first time that a ceremony had been worked during a meeting of the Lodge. Bro. Wedderspoon was duly Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in a most impressive manner by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. David L. Hewitt P.A.G.D.C. who also explained the Tracing Board in that Degree and presented the Working Tools.

The Lodge was closed in due form and with solemn prayer at 5.40 pm.

Notice of the Emergency Meeting 1924

36th Meeting: At a Regular Meeting of the Lodge at 2.30 pm on Friday 12 September 1924 held at Hunter Street, 34 Members and 47 visitors were present. The Brethren proposed as Joining Members at the last meeting were successfully balloted for. Bro. W.H. Denson was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon. Resignations were received from W. Bro R. Dooner, W. Bro. D.J. Griffiths, Bro. A.M. Ledermann and Bro. R.D. Voss. The Lodge was closed at 4.45 pm.

1924

37th Meeting: At a Special Meeting of the Lodge at 5.30 pm on Friday 6 March 1925 at Hunter Street at which 18 Members and 17 visitors were present, W. Bro. J.F. Swift P.P.G.W delivered a lecture entitled ‘Jerusalem and King Solomon’s Temple’. The Lodge was closed at 6.30 pm.

DEATH OF LORD LEVERHULME

Sir William Hesketh Lever, JP, Baron Leverhulme of Bolton-le-Moors, Viscount Leverhulme of the Western Isles died in London on 7 May 1925. Following his death, Memorial Services were held both on the Wirral and at The City Temple, Holborn Viaduct on Wednesday 13 May 1925. He was the First Immediate Past Master of the Lodge.

38th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 5.45 pm on Friday 12 June 1925 at Hunter Street at which 32 Members and 6 visitors were present. Reference was made to the great loss to Freemasonry in general and to this Lodge in particular by the death of Viscount Leverhulme, a Founder and First I.P.M. of the Lodge. W. Bro. F. Wooldridge was then elected Master for the ensuing year. The following Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members:

Bro. Charles Greenwood (Civil Engineer)
W. Bro. Joseph Oswald Dodd (Retired Outfitter)
W. Bro. Horace Leonard Gerry (Pharmacist)
Bro. Robert Lloyd Williams (Schoolmaster)
Bro. Robert Preston Learoyd Bradbury (Director)
Bro. Hans Holm Millar (Officer H.M. Army)
W. Bro. Rev. Archibald Ball M.A., P.P.G. Chaplain
Bro. Sydney Lightfoot Davison (Curator Lady Leverhulme Art Gallery)
W. Bro. Robert Gregory Hughes (Steamship Manager)
W. Bro. John Hodson Parsonage (Dental Surgeon)
Bro. Frank Lloyd Williams (Accountant)
W. Bro. Alfred Edward Hawthorn (Merchant)
W. Bro. Dr Thomas William Naylor Barlow (Medical Officer of Health)
W. Bro. Frederick Owens (Salesman)

A framed photo of a model of King Solomon’s Temple was presented to the Lodge by the Brethren of the Lodge of King Solomon’s Temple (4611). The resignation of Bro. E.A. Roberts was received. The Lodge was closed at 6.40 pm.

39th Meeting: A Regular Meeting of the Lodge was held at 2.30 pm on Friday 11 September 1925 at Hunter Street when 47 Members and 13 visitors were present. A ballot was taken for the 14 Brethren proposed at the previous meeting and proved unanimously in favour. W. Bro. Frederick Wooldridge was then duly installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The following Brethren were proposed as Joining Members of the Lodge:

Bro. Thomas Drake (Supt. Engineer)
W. Bro. William Hiram Jackson (Cotton Cloth Finisher)
Bro. Anthony Ted Robinson (Manager)
Bro. Edward Robert Hill (Journalist)

A resignation was received from Bro. W. Geddes Reece. The Lodge was closed at 5.15 pm.

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