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Somerset Lodges
Alfred & Guthrum Lodge No. 4535
warranted 1923
Regular meetings: the second Tuesday at 18.30hrs Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct,
Dec.
Installation meeting: the second Tuesday at 17.00hrs Nov.
Contact the Lodge Secretary:
P.J.Smith
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Meeting at
The Masonic Hall
Church Street
Wedmore
BS28 4AB
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The Lodge was consecrated on 9th October 1923 in the Village Institute Hall, Church Street, Wedmore. The hall was subsequently
purchased by the Lodge in 1930 and became its permanent home. The first meeting
of the Lodge, however, was held above a builder’s premises in The Borough and
remained there until the Institute Hall was purchased for £700 plus fees,
expenses and the purchase of 40 chairs for £35. The building had originally been
the “Village Assembly Rooms” and was built at the end of the 19th century.
The purchase was completed thanks to two
worthy members; W. Bro. W.E. Bracey andW. Bro. W.G. Burrough,the
final cost after alterations amounted to £940. The Lodge Room had previously
served as the village cinema and the outline of the projection screen can still
be seen behind the Senior Warden’s chair. The original pay-box is hidden from
sight behind the Worshipful Master’s pedestal. The dedication of the Lodge Room
took place on 28th January 1930. During the 1939-45 war, the Women’s First Aid
Party used it as a first aid centre and for sleeping accommodation.
Following a bequest from W. Bro. Bracey, a new
organ was purchased in 1955 at a cost of £700. Lodge rooms are situated on the
first floor of the building and offices downstairs are leased to a bank and an
accountancy company. The Dining Room was originally the home of the Wedmore
Branch of the Royal British Legion until it terminated its lease in 1983. It is
currently in daily use by many local organisations including the Bridge Club,
Art Group and many others.
Since 1986, the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Somerset has had an office within the building where the administration of the
Province is carried out under the auspices of the Provincial Grand Secretary and
his staff.
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