New A History of Phœnix Lodge No · 2016. 9. 8. · Catton. A booklet is also available on request from Codge Barber, Phoenix Lodge 516 A History of Phœnix Lodge No.516 In the County

Some of the newer Masons have shown an inerest in the history of Stowmarket Masonry. Over theforthcoming issues of ORACLE we will be publishing a short history compiled by the Late W.Bro. MikeCatton. A booklet is also available on request from Codge Barber, Phoenix Lodge 516

A History of Phœnix Lodge No.516In the County of Suffolk from 1754-1980

Compiled by the late W.Bro. M. R. CattonPhœnix Lodge 1978-79

Before one can begin a study of the Historyof Phœnix Lodge and its several changes inLodge numbers, one must first refer briefly tothe change taking place during the last decadeof the 18th century and early part of the 19thcentury to Grand Lodge itself. Up to 1813there were two Grand Lodges, namely theAncients and the Modern’s Grand Lodges.On the 27th December 1813 these twobodies were joined under the name of theUnited Grand Lodge of England, who thenbegan a new register of numbers by givingalternately first one number to the oldestAncients Lodge, the second to the seniorModern’s Lodge and so on.

A search of the library in Freemasons Hallreveals that the first Warrant was granted on

2nd March 1744 when the Lodge met atthe Mitre Tavern in Union Street,Westminster. However the earliest recordedminutes of the Lodge which was ultimatelyto become Phœnix Lodge, begin with ameeting of the Rose and Crown LodgeNo.104 on Tuesday 8th January 1793 at theRose and Crown Inn, CrownStreet,Westminster

At that meeting the Minutes of the twoprevious meetings were read and confirmedand a resolution was carried ‘that in futureno Negus be suffered to be drunk at theLodge at the Lodge expense.’ From this wemay inter that the actual Lodge meetingswere rather more free and easy than in thepresent days. The minutes also record a

IMPORTANT DATES

2 March 1754 No.104 Meeting Under Warrant Issued by Moderns Grand Lodge at Mitre Tavern,Union Street, Westminster

8 January 1793 No.104 Rose and Crown Lodge, Rose and Crown Inn, Crown Street, Westminster.

September 1797 No.104 Mitre and Dove Inn, King Street, Westminster

11 December 1798 No.104 Becomes Dormant.

24 September 1801 No.104 Mitre and Dove Inn. Cleared all Outstanding Business

22 November 1802 No.104 New NamePhœnix Lodge Transferred to Stowmarket

27 December 1813 No.129 Union of 2 Grand Lodges.Phœnix Given New Number

December 1832 No.104 Numbers Closed up

December 1838 No.104 Surrender Warrant and Erased

1840-1862 No.104 Warrant used by Lodge in Bridgetown, Barbados

21 August 1845 No. 757 New Number issued for New Phœnix Warrant

1936 No.516 Numbering System Closed Up for Last Time

Phœnix Banner - Embroidered Richard Tydeman

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letter from the Grand Lodge respectingpayment of 5/- by every Initiate, the moneyto be applied toward the support of theRoyal Cumberland Masonic School.

Also Mr. Cotter was initiated into the 1stand passed through the 2nd degree and hepaid the fee of £2.2.0.

Annexed to the Minutes is a list of memberswhich shows that the membership was then24 to which is added a list of 5 visitors all ofSt. Lukes Lodge, Chelsea who were presenton the occasion and contributed the sum of7/6 to the funds.

Nine meetings were held during the yearand at the meeting in June 1793 analteration of the By-laws was confirmedand immediately thereafter the Master ofthe Lodge was fined for keeping the Lodge

open after the time for closing the samefixed by the new By-laws.

In November 1793 it was recorded that aBrother objecting to paying the whole of hisquarterages and being refractory his namewas unanimously erased from the books ofthe Lodge.

In all these early minutes we find that theMaster of the Lodge was elected for sixmonths only, so there are frequent electionsand on every occasion the Master chose hisown officers without regard to seniorityand even such important officers as theWardens and Secretary held their offices forbut a short time.

At the Meeting in May 1797 it was resolvedthat the Lodge be moved from this houseon condition ‘the Landlord do come

forward and take the pardon of the Brethren’and at the following meeting the resolutionwas considered to be done away with, theLandlord having ‘come forward in a mannerperfectly satisfactory to the Brethren.’Trouble however again arose with theLandlord in September 1797 after a meetingwhich seems to have shown a certainliveliness when the Landlord was offered10/6 for broken glasses and ‘if not accepted,he must look to the members who brokethem.’ At the November meeting, theLandlord on being asked whether he wishedto accommodate the Lodge at his house,replied that he would rather have itremoved, and it was resolved that the Lodgebe removed to Brother Gyders and on thesame evening the 10/6 was tendered to theLandlord who accepted the same.

The Lodge was presumably removed atonce to Brother Gyders for the subsequentminutes refer to the Lodge being held at theMitre and Dove, King Street, Westminster.

After the meeting in June 1798 there was nomeeting until November 1798 when therewere only 5 members present and it wasproposed that ‘on account of the confusionoccasioned by the death of the Tyler, a specialsummons be prepared and delivered as soonas possible for convocation of the memberson the next regular meeting day.’

This meeting was held on 11th December1798 when only three Brethren attendedand the mins state that ‘the Members nothaving met agreeable to a particularsummons, Brother Parkhurst and BrotherWatts cleared the books and stopped theirnames.’ So apparently all the other Brethrenwere excluded by the action of the threeBrethren present and the next meeting washeld nearly three years later on the 24thSeptember 1801 by four of the olderBrethren and 5 Visitors from Lodges No. 92and 225 when the meeting was evidentlyheld again at the Mitre and Dove. Troubleagain arose with the Landlord, the entry inthe minute being, ‘The Lodge havingdiscontinued to meet for a considerabletime on account of the loss of the Jewelsthrough the dishonesty of the Tyler andother circumstances, Brother Gyder made ademand of 1/6 per week for the wholeterm which the Lodge had lain dormantand expressing his disapprobation toentertain the members any longer at hishouse.’ Brother Parkhurst moved that theLodge be regularly summoned according tothe Constitution to make Brother Gyderreasonable amends for his care of thefurniture and to determine on a properplace for their future accommodation.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Some of the newer Masons have shown an interest in the history of Stowmarket Masonry. Over theforthcoming issues of ORACLE we will be publishing a short history compiled by the Late W.Bro. MikeCatton. A booklet is also available on request from Codge Barber, Phoenix Lodge 516

A History of Phœnix Lodge No.516...CONTINUED

No more meetings were held for anotheryear, but presumably the claim of theLandlord was satisfied for the only remainingmeeting of the lodge at Westminster was heldat the same house, the Mitre and Dove on22nd November 1802 when 6 Brethrenwere present, none of whose names so far asI can see appear on any previous Minutes asMembers of the Lodge or at any subsequentmeetings as members of the Lodge and I canonly conclude that they were diversfreemasons who satisfied the Landlord’sclaim and took over the Warrant and thefurniture for the purpose appearing in theMinutes which show:

1 The Minutes of the Previous Meetingwere read and confirmed.

2 Brother Jay of Badley in the County ofSuffolk, Merchant, was elected amember of the Lodge.

3 Brother Jay was elected Master of theLodge.

4 Brother Jay proposed and it was resolvedthat Lodge be removed to The KingsHead, Stowmarket, Suffolk.

5 Brother Jay proposed and it was resolvedthat this Lodge be henceforth called thePhœnix Lodge.

Therefore it does seem reasonable to assumethat Brother Jay named the Lodge thus, as hedid in fact raise his Lodge from the ashes ofthe previous one. And so next month on 27thDecember 1802 we find a meeting of thePhœnix Lodge held at the Kings Head,Stowmarket with Brother Jay as WorshipfulMaster and 6 other Brethren. Brother Jayappointed these 6 Brethren to the variousoffices of the Lodge (though when they weremade masons does not appear). The Minutesof the Meeting held at the Mitre and Dovewere read and confirmed and a special

meeting was ordered for the followingmonth for the purpose of passing and raisingsome of the Brethren, to which meeting,visitors should be invited in order to assist inthe ceremony. This meeting was subsequentlyheld on 4th January 1803 when BrothersButcher, Roffe and Talboys all of LodgePerfect Friendship No.389 were present andpresumably assisted in the Ceremony.

No less than fourteen meetings were heldduring 1803 but there were usually only 7or 8 members present.

In September 1805 it was resolved by amajority of one that the Lodge be removedto the White Hart Inn, Stowmarket kept byBrother Boldero who was a member of theLodge. This resolution was confirmed inOctober and the November meeting washeld at the White Hart.

All now proceeded smoothly until April1806 when on the appointment of a newSecretary it was resolved ‘That the Tyler besent to all Brethren who are in arrears of theirquaterages with the full power to demand thesame and that his receipt shall be a fulldischarge. That if any Brother shall refuse to

pay the Tyler when demanded he shall bereported to the Grand Lodge of England andbe absolutely expelled from the Lodge. Alsothat as well as expelling the Brother refusingto pay, ‘he shall also be proceeded against in alegal manner to recover the same and that byvirtue of the Bye-laws already established. Itwas agreed that a copy of the saidResolutions be given to the Tyler by theSecretary and shown to all the Brethrenagainst who he had any demand.’

At the next meeting on the 20th April 1806the Tyler produced a copy of the Resolution

entered into at the last Lodge Meeting andhis return which was a follows:

Brother Howe.........promised paymentBrother Halls ...............gave no answerBrother Fenton ................not at homeBrother Callow.....................................................came forward this eveningBrother Smith .......................did sameBrother Easthaugh..................promised to come forwardBrother Pattle........paid his quarterages

‘In consequence of the above report it isthis night resolved upon absolutely that theconsideration of the above statement bedeferred until next St. Johns at which timethe Bye-laws will be actually enforced andall brethren are required to take noticethereof accordingly.’

At a meeting on December 1806 it wasresolved by 3 Black Beans instead of oneshould lead to the rejection of candidateand as the usual attendance at thesemeetings was still only 7 or 8, it wouldappear that election to the Lodge becomean easy matter.

At the meeting at the White Hart on 15thSeptember 1807 the members judged itimproper to proceed to any business onaccount of some Military Officers being inthe adjoining room and in October 1808 theregular meeting was held on Sunday 9thOctober and in consequence of BrothersBoldero leaving this inn and the house beingshut up as a Public House, and it wasresolved that the Lodge be removed to theHouse of Brother Ungless at the WhiteHorse in Stowmarket. This was accordinglydone and Brother Ungless was appointedSecretary.

At a meeting held at the White Horse on7th February 1809 separate charges wereexhibited against Brother Thompson andBrother Kent for acting inconsistent to the

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...Brother Jay named the Lodge thus, as he did in factraise his Lodge from the ashes of the previous one.

...3 Black Beans instead of one should lead to the rejection of candidate

rules of Masonry. The R.W.M. has orderedsummonses to be sent to every Brothersrequiring his attendance at halfpast5 o’clock on the 7th March next, to takeinto consideration the said separate chargesand determine the same with candor andjustice. At the next meeting in May 1809 itwas resolved that ‘notice be sent to BrotherThompson and Kent to summon them toattend next Lodge Night in order to maketheir defence against the charges exhibitedagainst them last Lodge night,’ and on 3rdMay 1809 ‘the conduct of BrotherThompson of Beccles, late a member of thisLodge was investigated and it was agreedthat a letter should be sent to BrotherThompson to acquaint him that this Lodgeis of the opinion that his conduct lately isvery reprehensible indeed, he having actedextremely inconsistent to the character of aMason and that, unless he makes a properapology to this Lodge, his conduct will beexposed to the Lodge of Masons at Becclesof which he means to become a member.No indication is given as to the nature ofhis offence but certain inferences may bedrawn from the following information.Brother Thompson was the Tyler up to 8thNovember 1808. At the previous meetingon 11th October 1808 the minutes statethat ‘The Lodge was opened in the 1stDegree. Mr. Simpson on coming to thedoor was so alarmed that he declined beingmade. Afterwards the Lodge was closedwith Harmony and Good Fellowship.’ Twomeetings later Brother Thompson isaccused of character unbecoming to aMason as we have already heard. TheMinutes do not give any indicationwhether there was any connection betweenthe two incidents but one cannot helpwondering whether it was the conduct ofthe Tyler outside the door of the Lodgewhich so frightened Mr. Simpson.

The Lodge subsequently ‘forbear to reporthim at present in consideration of his wifeand family, he being newly set up in trade inthe said town it might considered hurt himtherein.’ The conduct of Brother Kent wasnext brought forward and it was put to theballot whether he be expelled or severelyreprimanded and suffered to remain amember - the majority was for the latter, theLodge always preferring lenient measures.

At the meeting of 17th February 1815 theminutes state that Brother Sparrow DPGMattended to give the Brethren instructionsagreeable to the new form adopted by theGrand Lodge in consequence of Union andin the same minutes appears the alterations ofthe number of the Lodge from 104 to 129.

In March 1815 owing to Brother Unglessbeing about to leave the White Horse, it wasresolved that the Lodge be removed to

Brother Ranson’s at the Queens Head andsubsequent meetings were held their, and ata meeting held there in December 1816were read the letters from the Grand Lodgein London and also the Laws andRegulations for the government of the Craftestablished by the Provincial Grand Lodgeat Ipswich in August 1815, which wereunanimously approved by the Brethrenpresent and it was agreed that the Masterand Wardens of this Lodge should attend thenext meeting of the British Union Lodgefor the purpose of instruction. and whoselaws they agreed to abide by.

At the next meeting the Lodge was movedback to the White Horse and in June 1818it was once more moved to the White Hart.

From this date on for several years, anoticeable feature is that the Lodge had aconstant influx of new members, most ofwhom only remained members for aboutone year, so that there were frequentchanges in membership without anyappreciable alteration in the numbers, and itis obvious that Masonry was not at all

flourishing in the town of Stowmarket. Sowe come to the last entry in the old MinuteBook of a meeting on 24th June 1829 withonly 5 members present when it wasresolved ‘that all members whose arrears ofquarterages are not paid up by the nextLodge night be immediately erased fromthe Lodge Register.’

In 1832, owing to the closing up of thenumbers by Grand Lodge, the Lodgereverted to the old number of 104, and 6years later in 1838 Phœnix Lodge No.104was erased and the Warrant surrendered.

The adventures of this Warrant howeverhad not quite come to an end for theWarrant with the No.104 was issued byGrand Lodge to a Lodge into Bridgetown,Barbados and used by them from 1840-1862 when it was finally erased.

Stowmarket however could not remain forlong without a Lodge of Freemasons and inless than 7 years after the previous Lodgewas erased a meeting was held to confirm anew Lodge.

Petition of Lodge 757, Fox Inn, Stowmarket15th July 1845To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the United Fraternity of Ancient Free and AcceptedMasons of England.

We, the undersigned, being regular registered Mason of the Lodge mentioned against our respectivenames, having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, are anxious to exert our best endeavours to promoteand diffuse the genuine principles of the art, and for the conveniency of our respective dwellings andother good reasons, we are desirous of forming a new Lodge to be names the Phœnix Lodge.

In consequence of this desire we pray for a Warrant of Constitution impowering us to meet as a regularLodge at the Fox Inn, Stowmarket on the Wednesday on or before the fullmoon of every month andthere to discharge the duties of Masonry in a constitutional manner according to the forms of the orderand the Laws of the Grand Lodge.

And we have nominated and do recommend Brother Frederick William Freeman to be the 1st Master, BrotherWilliam Leedes Fox to be the 1st Senior Warden and Brother Thomas Batman Beck to be the 1st JuniorWarden.

The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict obedience to the commands of the GrandMaster and the Laws and Regulations of Grand Lodge.

Frederick William Freeman, Chaplain British Union Lodge No.131, Ipswich

William Leedes Fox, Solicitor Perfect Friendship Lodge No.552, Ipswich

Thomas Batman Beck Surgeon Perfect Friendship Lodge No.552, Ipswich

Robert Thorns P.M. Late Phœnix Lodge No.129, Stowmarket

Thomas Orams Mastersmith Late Phœnix Lodge No.129, Stowmarket

Robert Peck Late Angel Lodge No.59 Colchester and 272Ipswich.

William Andrews Late Phœnix Lodge, Stowmarket

The cost of the Warrant was £5.5.0.

The Minute Book of the present Phœnix Lodge commences with the Minutes of aMeeting held at the Fox Inn, Stowmarket on 21st August, 1845 when 10 Freemasons someof whom were members of the old Lodge, met and held a Lodge meeting. The Lodgehaving opened in the 1st Degree it was stated by the W.M. that the petition of Bros. F.W.Freeman, W.L. Fox, T.B. Beck, R.Thorns, R. Peck T. Orams and W. Andrews praying theM.W.G.M. to form them into a Lodge to be called the Phœnix Lodge in Stowmarket had



Frederick William Freeman, chaplainBritish Union Lodge No.131, Ipswich

William Leedes Fox, Solicitor PerfectFriendship Lodge No.552, Ipswich

Thomas Batman Beck SurgeonPerfect Friendship Lodge No.552, Ipswich

Robert Thorns P.M. Late PhœnixLodge No.129, Stowmarket

Thomas Orams Mastersmith Late PhœnixLodge No.129, Stowmarket

Robert Peck Late Angel Lodge No.59Colchester and 272 Ipswich.

William Andrews Late Phœnix Lodge,Stowmarket

The cost of the Warrant was £5.5.0.

The Minute Book of the present PhœnixLodge commences with the Minutes of aMeeting held at the Fox Inn, Stowmarket on21st August, 1845 when 10 Freemasons someof whom were members of the old Lodge,met and held a Lodge meeting. the Lodgehaving opened in the 1st Degree it was statedby the W.M. that the petition of Bros. F.W.Freeman, W.L. Fox, T.B. Beck, R.Thorns, R.Peck T. Orams and W. Andrews praying theM.W.G.M. to form them into a Lodge to becalled the Phœnix Lodge in Stowmarket hadbeen duly presented and that the prayer of thePetition had been granted.

WarrantTo all and every our Right Worshipful,Worshipful and Loving Brethren.

WE. Thomas Dundas, Earl of Zetland, BaronDundas of Aske in the County of York etc. etc.

Grand Masterof the Most Ancient and Honourable of freeand accepted Masons of England SENDGREETINGS.

KNOW YE

That we by the authority and under thesanction of the United Grand Lodge ofEngland vested in US for the purpose and atthe humble Petition of our Right Trusty andwell beloved Brethren, Frederick williamFreeman, William Leedes Fox, ThomasBatman Beck, Robert Thorn, thomas Oram,Robert Peck and William Andrews DOhereby constitute the Brethren into a Lodgeof free and accepted Masons under the titleor denomination of No.516.

The Phœnix Lodgethe said Lodge to meet at the Fox Inn,Stowmarket in the county of Suffolk on theWednesday on or before the full moon of everymonth empowering them in the said Lodge whenduly congregated to make, pass, and raise FreeMasons according to the ancient custom of theCraft in all ages and Nations throughout the

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Petition ofLodge 757, FoxInn, Stowmarket15th July 1845

To the Most Worshipful Grand Master ofthe United Fraternity of Ancient Free andAccepted Masons of England.

We, the undersigned, being regular registeredMason of the Lodge mentioned against ourrespective names, having the prosperity of theCraft at heart, are anxious to exert our best endeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of the art,and for the conveniency of our respective dwellings and other good reasons, we are desirous of forming a newLodge to be names the Phœnix Lodge.

In consequence of this desire we pray for a Warrant of Constitution impowering us to meet as a regular Lodge atthe Fox Inn, Stowmarket on the Wednesday on or before the fullmoon of every month and there to discharge theduties of Masonry in a constitutional manner according to the forms of the order and the Laws of the Grand Lodge.

And we have nominated and do recommend Brother Frederick William Freeman to be the 1st Master, BrotherWilliam Leedes Fox to be the 1st Senior Warden and Brother Thomas Batman Beck to be the 1st Junior Warden.

The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Masterand the Laws and Regulations of Grand Lodge.

known World. And further at their said Petitionand of the great trust and confidence reposed inevery of the above named Brethren. We doappoint the said Frederick William Freeman to bethe first Master, the said William Leedes Fox tobe the first Senior Warden, and the said ThomasBatman Beck to be the first Junior Warden foropening and holding the said Lodge and until suchtime as another master shall be regularly electedand installed, strictly charging that every Memberwho shall be elected to preside over the said Lodgeand who must previously have duly served asWarden in a warranted Lodge shall be installed inancient form and according to the Laws of theGrand Lodge that he may thereby be fullyinvested with the dignities and powers of his office.And we do require you, the said FrederickWilliam Freeman to take special care that all andevery the said Brethren are or have been regularlymade Masons and that you and they and all otherMembers of the said Lodge do observe, performand keep the Laws, Rules and orders containedin the Book of Constitution and all other whichmay from time to time be made by our GrandLodge or transmitted by us on our SuccessorsGrand Masters or by our Deputy Grand Masterfor the time being. And we do enjoin you to makesuch Byelaws for the Government of you Lodge asshall to the Majority of the Members appear properand necessary, the same not being contrary to orinconsistent with the General Laws andregulations of the Craft, a copy where you are totransmit to us. And we do require you to cause allsuch Byelaws and Regulations and also an accountof the proceedings in you Lodge to be entered in abook to be kept for that purpose. And you are innowise to omit to send to us or our SuccessorsGrand Masters or to the Right HonourableRichard William Penncurzone Howe, EarlHowe, Viscount and Baron Curzon of Penn andBaron Howe G.C.H., Lord Chamberlain to HerMajesty, Queen Adelaide etc. etc. etc. our DeputyGrand Master or to the Deputy Grand Masterfor the time being, at least once in every year, a listof the Members of your Lodge and the names anddescriptions of all Masons initiated therein andBrethren who shall have joined the same with thefees and monies payable thereon. It being our willand intention that while our Warrant ofConstitution shall continue in force so long only asyou shall conform to the Laws and regulations ofour Grand Lodge. And you the said FrederickWilliam Freeman are further required as soon asconveniently maybe, to send us an account inwriting of what shall be done by virtue of thesepresents.

GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal ofthe Grand Lodge at

London this 17th July A. L. 5845. A.D. 1845

BY COMMAND of the M.W. GrandMaster

WILLIAM H. WHITEA G.S.HOWE.D.G.M TO BE CONTINUED...

Extract from Freemasons QuarterlyReview 1845Under Provincial, Stowmarket No.1

The Lodges in this County were augmented by the revival of the Phœnix Lodgeformerly No.129 now 757 - a new Warrant having been granted by the Most Worshipfulthe Grand Master, Bro. J. M. Clark W.M. of the Perfect Friendly Lodge 552, Ipswichconstituted, and Bro. G. Bullen P.D.P.G.M. British Union Lodge 131 consecrated thenew Lodge. The brethren from Colchester, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Bury St. Edmunds,Hadleigh, Eye and other places, mustered about 100, formed in procession at the FoxInn and proceeded to the Assembly Rooms where the Lodge was held and opened indue form. A collection was made afterwards for the benefit of the National Schools inthat place and the procession being reformed, proceeded to the church, where a mosteloquent sermon was delivered by For. Rev. F.W. Freeman, M.A. W.M. Elect of the newLodge and Chaplain to the Brition Union Lodge 131, from the 6th Chapter of Galatians9th and 10th Verses. The Past Provincial Grand Organist Bro. Foster presided at the organwith his usual kindness and capability. After divine service, the Brethren returned to theLodge Room, where refreshments were served and the Ladies admitted. About 60 of theBrethren retired to the banquet which was served up in a commodious apartmentconstructed in the Corn Exchange. It was provided by Mr. J. Lockwood, Landlord of theFox Inn and the dinner and wine certainly were a credit to him (he was one of theunfortunates whose initiation was compelled to be deferred). The room was well lightedwith gas, laid on for the express purpose and tastefully decorated with the banners ofthe different Lodge, flags, flowers, evergreens etc. The chair was taken by the W.M. of thePhœnix Lodge No.757 supported on his right by Bro. G. Bullen P.D.P.G.M., Bro. theRev. F. Whitley, W.M. Prince Edwins Lodge 751 and on his left by Bro. J.M. Clark, W.M.Perfect Friendship Lodge 522. After the removal of the cloth, the Chairman rose andgave the health of our most gracious Majesty ‘The Queen’ and other loyal toasts andafterwards, the Earl of Zetland, our M.W.G.M. and the other usual Masonic toasts. Manyother toasts were drank and suitable replies given by a great many of the Brethren whodid not part until a late hour, all well pleased at the termination of the days or work.

We ought not to forget to add that the whole of the furniture of the new Lodge, jewelsetc. were supplied by Bro. E. Dorling of Ipswich in first rate style.



The revival of the Lodge by the localFreemasons was entirely due to the assistancerendered them by the Perfect Friendship Lodge,Ipswich and the Freemasons in Stowmarkettoday should be even mindful of the kindassistance given by Perfect Friendship in 1845.

The next meeting of Phœnix Lodge No.757took place at the Fox Hotel, Stowmarket on

24th September 1845 and among thosepresent were brethren from Perfect FriendshipLodge, some from Virtue and Silence, St.Lukes, British Union, Doric Lodge andothers. Bro. G. Bullen D.P.G.M. of Suffolkbeing the Consecrating Officer. TheConsecration took place at the AssemblyRoom adjoining the Corn Exchange, afterwhich the Brethren proceeded in processionto the Parish Church where a sermon was

preached by Rev. F.W. Freeman M.A. whowas a member of the Lodge and whoafterwards became the D.P.G.M. of Suffolk.

The Consecration took place in the usual form.W.Bro. F.W. Freeman, the W.M. appointed hisofficers and on the investing of Bro. M. LeedesFox his S.W., Bro. Fox then presented the W.M.with the gavel which is still in use today. Fromthat day to the present time, meetings were heldregularly and were well attended. The searchthrough the subsequent minutes did not revealmany items of historical interest but thefollowing may be referred to. At the meeting inOctober 1851 the Lodge congratulated Bro.K.D. Aldrich on his safe return from the ArcticRegions, Bro. Aldrich being then present as amember of the Lodge.

Although there is no reference to the event inthe minutes of Phœnix Lodge it has been amatter of tradition that at some time theMaster Chair belonging to Phœnix Lodgepassed into the possession of some other

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person and thence into the possession ofPerfect Friendship. It would appear from theminutes of the Perfect Friendship dated 20thOctober 1858 that at the request of theD.P.G.M. of Suffolk ‘Perfect Friendship restorethe Phœnix Lodge their chair and receivefrom the D.P.G.M. the chair which had beenused for meetings at the Provincial GrandLodge.’ Thus once again, Perfect Friendshipcame to the assistance of Phœnix Lodge.

In March 1859 Phœnix Lodge sent a petitionto Grand Lodge for relief from the Fund ofBenevolence for a Brother who had been amember of the old Phœnix Lodge and thisappears to have been accepted. In June 1862we have the first recorded visit of theProvincial Grand Master of Suffolk. Col. R.A.Shaftoe Adair, afterwards Lord Waveney, whodelivered an address to the Brethren. InOctober 1862 the minutes record the death ofWilliam Andrews who was for many years amember of the old Phœnix Lodge, and whoheld the office of Inner Guard in the presentPhœnix Lodge continuously from 1845-1862,being apparently a permanent Inner Guard.

On 14th January 1876 there is a reference to aBro. George Tydeman, Jeweller, which began along association between the name of Tydemanand Phœnix Lodge, which was carried on byW.Bro. Percy Tydeman P.A.G.D.C. who in1965 received the thanks of the Lodge on thecompletion of 17 years as D.C. He died inSeptember 1969 but the tradition is ablycarried on by our Grand Officer. V.W.Bro, theReverend Canon Richard Tydeman M.A.Grand Chaplain, who on 21st April 1971 gavethe Prestonian Lecture held under specialdispensation at the Copdock Hotel, Ipswich,under the banner of Phœnix Lodge. Thelecture was entitled ‘Masters and MasterMasons’ - a theory of the third degree.

The next milestone in the history of theLodge occurred on 13th April 1938 when‘Bro. W.G. Pritchard proposed and Bro. A.E.Palmer seconded, that the Master and Wardensbe authorised to sign the Certificate on thePetition for the foundation of a New MasonicLodge to be held in Stowmarket, the Petitionbeing now produced and read by theSecretary and signed by some of the Foundersviz, W.M. W.Bro. Mark Harrison, S.W. Bro. F.Heal, J.W. Bro. F. Cartwright, Sec. W.Bro. J.Manning Prentice, W.Bro. F. M. Wilson, J.J.Wilson, S.C. Hounsfield, Bro. A.E. Palmer, N.Haywood Smith etc. The new Lodge wasnamed Ala Lodge No.5043.

Phœnix Lodge during the early part of the20th century met regularly in St. PetersChurch Hall in Church Walk, but there is anentry in the minutes as early as 11th October1935 recording a proposition that moresuitable premises should be found. During thewar years, many dispensations were sought

allowing the Lodge to meet in Temple Road,Oddfellows Hall, Congregational ChurchSchoolroom, County Secondary School etc.and in fact in 1919, three meetings were heldon Saturday afternoons.

There is a very touching story attached to themeeting held at Temple Road on 9thDecember 1939. Bro. F. W. Whiting the S.W.was critically and terminally ill but such washis determination and desire to be the W.M. ofPhœnix Lodge that the members applied fora dispensation to hold an Installation Meetingat his home in order to install him into theChair of K.S. He was so ill that he was onlyable to invest his S.W. and J.W. - all the otherinvestitutes being postponed until a futureevening. At the very next meeting held on12th January 1940 the acting W.M. had toreport the sad loss the Lodge had sustained bythe death of its W.M.

On the 9th March 1945, the W.M. again referredto the advisability of seeking a ‘home of our own’but nothing more was done about this until aPermanent Committee Meeting held on 22ndOctober 1963 when W.Bro. Aldis, W.Bro. L.Whitely and Bro. R.A. Bailey were asked toconsider and report on the cost of alternativeaccommodation. At this period, the AnnualSubscription was £2. and 16/6d for a countrymembers. On the 7th September 1964 theCommittee reported that ‘Beech House had been

secured privately by several brothers for £4,250,and was available to the Lodges at that price.

The Dispensation from Prov. G.L. permittingthe Lodge to meet at the Masonic Hall, VioletHill Road is dated 4th January 1965 and the1st meeting was held there on 8th January1965. The membership in 1965 was 113 inPhœnix and 65 in Ala Lodge.

To be continued...


A History of Phœnix Lodge No.516

...CONTINUED

We must now go back to 23rd September1945 when the Centenary of Phœnix Lodgewas held and a Service was held at BaylhamChurch after which the Congregation wasentertained to tea in the Village Hall by kindinvitation of the W.M. Bro. W.H. Richards,Church Warden.

An extract from the minutes of 10th January1947 records the next important event and iswell worth recording here. W.Bro. J.J. WilsonP.A.G.SV.B. reported, that ‘The United GrandLodge of England recognises 3 degrees inFreemasonry, the E.A. the F.C. and M.M. - theR.A. being the completion of the 3rd orM.M. degree and that is why G.L. permits thewearing of R.A. Jewels in our Craft Lodges,but not the jewel of any other degree.

We, in Stowmarket, have not the facilities forcompleting the work we begin and someR.A. Masons consider that such facilitiesshould be provided.

Every R.A. Chapter must besponsored by a craftLodge and it is quiteMasonic that the Foundersshould approach this, theSenior Lodge in the townto be its Sponsor..

The Proposition was seconded by W.Bro. P.J.Tydeman and carried unanimously. TheChapter was duly formed and consecrated on22nd September 1947, and is still flourishingwith 59 members.

A regular feature of Lodge work during thisperiod was that once a year both Lodgescombined to present one of the MasonicLectures, a custom which since 1974 whenthe last lecture was given, unfortunately seemsto have lapsed.

The history of Phœnix Lodge would not becomplete without mentioning our LadyCaterer, Mrs. Audrey Mascall, the wife ofW.Bro. F. J. Mascall. In 1972 on the death ofW.Bro. J.W. Dykes, Mrs. Mascall undertook tocater for Phœnix Lodge and Chapter until asuccessor could be found. Now in 1981 she isstill with us and the popularity and renownof Phœnix Festive Board is due in a greatdegree to her superb cooking. With themoney she has raised from this and othercharitable works, she has already bought andmaintains one ambulance and is well on theway to buying another one for theStowmarket Red Cross Disabled Club.Phœnix are proud to b associated with such awonderful venture and such a hard workingand charitable lady.

PART

5

First, Second and Third Degree Working Tools

Carving on the Organist Seat

Phœnix Lodge is a SingingLodge which is another reasonwhy our Festive Board is sopopular and interesting to ourVisitors. Only a few old lodgesare allowed to maintain thecustom of singing at the FestiveBoard and it is a custom whichwe cherish as part of our Phœnixtradition although is frownedupon by Grand and ProvincialGrand Lodges.

On 24th November 1976 a specialDispensation from United Grand Lodge ofEngland enabled W.Bro. B.G. Quinton to holdthe office of W.M. of both Phœnix and AlaLodges at the same time. A uniqueachievement which will surely not beequalled for many years.

To be continued...

Centenary WarrantTO THE WORSHIPFUL MATER, WARDENS, OTHER OFFICERS ANDMEMBERS OF PHŒNIX LODGE, NO.516 AND ALL OTHERS WHOM ITMAY CONCERN

GREETING

WHEREAS it appears by the records of the Grand Lodge that on the 17th day of July1845 Warrant of Constitution was granted to certain Brethren therein named authorisingand empowering them and their regular successors to hold a Lodge of Free and AcceptedMasons at the Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Stowmarket in the County of Suffolkand which Lodge was named the Phœnix Lodge and then numbered 757 on theRegister of the Grand Lodge of England. And whereas in consequence of the alterationmade in the number of Lodges in the year 1863 the said Lodge became and now standson the Register as No.516 meeting at the Fox Hotel, Stowmarket in the county ofSuffolk under the title or denomination of

THE PHŒNIX LODGE

And whereas satisfactory proof has been provided of the uninterrupted existence of thesaid Lodge for ONE HUNDRED YEARS dating from the 24th Day of September1845. And whereas the Brethren composing the said Lodge desire to be permitted towear a Commemorative Jewel and have prayed our sanction for that purpose.

NOW KNOW YE that We having taken the Petition into our consideration haveacceded to their request and in virtue of Our Prerogative DO HEREBY GIVE ANDGRANT to all and each of th Subscribing Members of the said Lodge being MasterMason permission to wear in all our Masonic Meetings, suspended to the left breast bya Sky Blue Ribbon not exceeding one inch and half in breadth, a JEWEL OR MEDALof the pattern or device that we have already approved as a CENTENARY JEWEL. Butsuch jewel shall be worn only by those Brethren who are bona fide SubscribingMembers of the said Lodge and for so long only as they pay the stipulated subscriptionto the funds thereof and be duly returned as such to the Grand Lodge of England.

GIVEN AT LONDON this 24th day of SEPTEMBER AL5945. AD1945BY COMMAND OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL MASTER.THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF HAREWOODK.G.ETC.ETC.ETC.

Large painting found in Masonic Hall Cellar,possibly F. W. Freeman

I can think of no better way of to conclude ahistory of Phoenix Lodge No.516 than byquoting an extract from the Sermon preachedat the Consecration and Constitution of thePhœnix Lodge No.757 in 1845 by theRev. F. W. Freeman M.A. - Curate ofHaughley, for it is the finest explanation ofFreemasonry that I have ever heard.

TEXT

Let us not be weary in well doing forin due season we shall reap if we faintnot. As we have thereforeopportunity, let us do good unto allmen, especially unto them that are ofthe Household of the Faith. GalatianChapter 6 vs 9-10

Union and harmony constitute thevery essence of our order. We alwaysmeet upon the level and depart uponthe square. No strife or animosity isever permitted to approach the portalsof a Masonic Lodge, for there withinthe Lodge, all must be Harmony andPeace. By Union we mean that weare bound together for the gratificationof any sensual pleasure, nor merewordly indulgence, nor any selfishmotive nor for the encouragement ofthe corrupt principles of the heart, butfor the purpose of inculcating upon allwho are initiated into the sublimeprecepts of masonry, those pureprinciples of morality which must everflow from a system based as is ourancient and hourable order upon theVolume of the Sacred Law.

By Harmony we would wisheveryone to understand that we meanthat our order is regulated by oneunchanging system throughout everyquarter of the glove being of one accordand actuated by one principle, weendeavour to carry out to the fullestpossible extent that comprehensive andimperative command of our SaviourChrist, ‘Love thy neighbour asthyself.’



Interesting FactsIn 1865, 12 Book of Constitution cost£1.1.3.

Brother Andrews widow was given 5/- permonth.

The Champagne for Bro. Skendons initiationcost 18/-

I should also like to be able to report that youcould still go and have a pint in the three pubs

in Westminster where our Lodge had its roots.Unfortunately this is not possible. UnionStreet and Crown Street, Westminster lieunderneath the area which is occupied by theForeign Office and Government Officers,Whitehall.

As you can see from the attached copy of an18th Century Map of the area, Union Streetand King Street are very close to WestminsterAbbey, so our foundation was very close tothe centre of our Capital City.

The Candle Holders which we use in theTemple were presented by W.Bro. F.W.Freeman the first W.M. 1845.

PART

6

The gavels with the black hammers and theivory handles which we still occasionally usewere donated by Bro. W. Leedes Fox the firstS.W. in March 1972 a new set of woodengavels was made and kindly presented to theLodge by W.Bro. M.Howell of Ala Lodge.

The tripod on the S.W. Pedestal was presentedby Bro. G.J.E. Browned in 1845.

On 14th March 1919 W.Bro. F.A. Badhampresented a box containing a complete set ofWorking Tools as an expression of hisgratitude to the G.A.O.T.U. incommemoration of the cessation of hostilitieson 11th November 1918.

On 16th May 1919 Bro. Harry C. Simpsonin a similar way presented the Lodge with thesolid silver square and compasses for theVolume of the Sacred Writings, and also theHymn and Music Books.

W.Bro. W.L. Youngman presented the Lodgewith the two Deacons wands and stands.

Bro. R.C. Knight presented the Lodge with aHeavy Maul.

In May 1922 W.Bro. the Rev. H. CoppingerHill donated a new copy of the V. of the S.L.which we still own but was replaced in

October 1965 by the present large Biblepresented by W.Bro. George Garrod.

On 12th January 1923, W.Bro. Bramhallpresented a second Broken Column, whileBro. Commander J. Wykeham Hopkynsdonated a Sacred Symbol.

A most unusual occurrence in Masonry, andas far as I can ascertain, a unique event inPhœnix Lodge occurred on 9th February1923 when a Dispensation was obtainedauthorising the initiation of Mr. ComChristopher Hayward, although a minor. Hewas a University Student aged 18 years.

The Lodge presented a Bible to StowuplandChurch on 13th December 1935 in memoryof W.Bro. Bramhall who for 21 years had readthe lessons in that Church.

To be continuedTHIS NEARLY CONCLUDES PHOENIXLODGE HISTORY, WE ARE NOWLOOKING FOR OTHER INTERESTING

INTERESTINGREADS - Supplied by W.BroRoger Young. PLEASECLICK ON LINKS BELOW

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0ahUKEwjuns_qtbvLAhXBew4KHYuJBZIQFghQMAk&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forgottenbooks.com%2Fdownload_pdf%2FThe_History_of_Stowmarket_the_Ancient_County_Town_of_Suffolk_1000383741.pdf&usg=AFQjCNE82BLc4WYGzxS7DSrIjXrLLBxPKw&bvm=bv.116636494,d.ZWUhttp://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/c3b5854d-5ec9-46fc-9936-16c642071a56http://www.forgottenbooks.com/readbook_text/Stray_Leaves_a_Freemasons_Note-Book_1000011353/339https://archive.org/stream/historystowmark00hollgoog/historystowmark00hollgoog_djvu.txt

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esr

Some of the newer Masons have shown an interest in the history of Stowmarket Masonry. Over thepast issues of ORACLE we have published a short history compiled by the Late W.Bro. Mike Catton.A booklet is also available on request from Codge Barber, Phoenix Lodge 516


Masonic LodgeFurnitureCompiled by Richard Rednall (c2000)

FRAMED OIL PAINTINGFraternal Remembrance of Bro. FrederickWilliam Freeman Clerk, M.A. First W.M.of Phoenix Lodge No.757 and D.P.G.M.of the Province of Suffolk. Who wassummoned to the Grand Lodge above on 22ndMarch 5863 A.L.

WARRANT OF CONSTITUTIONPhoenix No. 757. 1845.New Number issued: Phœnix No.516.1863

FOUR SWORDSTwo engraved Phoenix No.757

W.MASTERS CHAIRReturned to Lodge 1858.

SENIOR WARDENS CHAIR(Approx same age)

JUNIOR WARDENS CHAIR(Approx same age)

CANDLE HOLDERSPresented by W.Bro. F. W. Freeman, thefirst W.M. in 1845.

THE TRIPODon the S.W. Pedestal. Presented by Bro. G.J. E. Browne in 1854.

THE GAVELSwith the black hammer and ivory handles.Donated by Bro. W. Leedes Fox, first S.W.in 1845.

BOX CONTAINING COMPLETESET OF WORKING TOOLSPresented by W.Bro. F. A. Badham incommemoration of the cessation ofhostilities on 11th November, 1918.

SOLID SILVER SQUARE ANDCOMPASSESFor the volume of sacred writings.Presented in 1919 by Bro. Harry C.Simpson.

TWO DEACONS WANDS ANDSTANDSPresented b y W.Bro. W. L. Youngman.

POIGNARD AND SCABBARDPresented by W.Bro. F. Long. 1868.

V. OF S. L.Donated in May 1922 by W.Bro. Rev. H.Coppinger Hill.

BROKEN COLUMNPresented by W.Bro. A. G. Bramhall inJanuary 1923.

SACRED SYMBOLDonated by Bro. Commander J. WykehamHopkins in January 1923.

LONG CASE CLOCKMasonic symbols on dial. Presented byW.Bro. W. H. Richards 1944.

V. OF S. L.Donated by W.Bro. George Garrod inOctober 1965.

VELVET CUSHIONFor Masters Pedestal. Made from samevelvet as was used in the Coronation Robesof King George VI. Presented by W.Bro. H.L. Robinson on 11th April, 1947.

NEW BANNER PHOENIX 516Made in silk and donated byW.Bro. Canon RichardTydeman, M.A. O.S.M.P.J.G.W.(Eng).

PART

7

WROUGHT IRON STAND FORREGALIAPresented by Bro. R. E. Rednall. 1994.

PHOENIX No.516 150thCOMMEMORATION

WARDEN COLUMNSComplete with Doric and Corinthianmetal gilt tops and enamel globes.Presented by Ala Lodge No.5043.

WINE COASTERSilver and gold 6” x 2”. Dated coin 1995.Presented by W.Bro. F. J. Mascall P.P.G.S.of W.

SALVERSilver 18”. Donated by Mrs. L. B. Sweet.Engraved to W.Bro. S. G. Sweet.Chelmsford Lodge 276.

LECTERN AND PEDESTALDonated by W.Bro. S. D. Girling,P.A.G.D.C.(Eng) in 1998.

LIBRARYVol. 1, 2, 3 History of Freemasonry by R.F. Gould 1886.Presented to Ala Lodge No. 5043 by Bro.H. W. Pearce 1976.

Vol. 1, 2, 3 History of Freemasonry by R.F. Gould 1886.

Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 History of Freemasonryby R. F. Gould.

Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 History of Freemasonryby R. F. Gould.

Twenty one vols. 196301985 QuatuorCoronati.

JEWELSSundrie in glass and wood case.

WARRANT OF CONSTITUTIONAla Lodge No.5043, 31st May, 1928.Bosmere Lodge No.9460, 23rd March1992.Phoenix and Ala Chapter No.516, 7thMay 1947.

COLLAR STANDCrafted in wood and presented by W.Bro.A. M. Hart P.J.G.D. to Bosmere LodgeNo.9460.

WOODEN BOXPresented to Ala Lodge No.5043, byW.Bro. Capt. C. V. Groves, P.A.G.D.C.1958 containing

GAVELPresented to Ala Lodge No.5043 by TheRt.Hon. the Earl of Stradbroke, LordLieutenant of Suffolk, Provincial GrandMaster, 1957.

NEW BANNERAla Lodge No.5043,made in silk anddonated by W.Bro.Canon RichardTydeman, M.A.O.S.M.P.J.G.W.(Eng).

Photos © codge.com

Documents

New A History of Phœnix Lodge No · 2016. 9. 8. · Catton. A booklet is also available on request from Codge Barber, Phoenix Lodge 516 A History of Phœnix Lodge No.516 In the County