Lodge of Heritage

“Due to the dramatic increase in industry and commerce in the East Northants area in general, and Corby in particular, and the many people, including existing Masons whose vocations brought them to the area, but who live in towns and villages other than Corby, it was felt that a new Craft Lodge should be formed to cater for the influx of such people. The formation of this ‘Area’ Lodge would also assist to ease the waiting lists of other Lodges in the area”

The above is an extract of the letter dated 9th March 1989 to the then Provincial Grand secretary, setting out the reasons for the formation of the Lodge of Heritage.

Another interesting aspect of the Lodge’s foundation was that in the prospect of being an ‘Area Lodge@ , two of the Lodge’s meetings were hoped to be held at a venue other than the Corby Masonic Complex. In other words it would “travel” within the North East of the Province.

The thinking behind the title of the lodge is also of interest. The word ‘Heritage’ is defined as something that is passed down or transmitted to one’s successors. As in masonry, we aspire to transmit the teachings and tenets of the craft to younger masons, so the title was seen as being particularly apt. In addition as the Oak tree epitomising strength and the enduring qualities of English History was to be found in the Royal Rockingham Forest, the area that the lodge was to serve , a representation of the tree was chosen as the Lodge emblem.

In keeping with proscribed intention of the Founders of the Lodge that it would ‘travel’, since its Consecration, meetings have been held at Stamford, Kettering, Rushden and at Thrapston and the member of the Lodge have become proud of the tradition created in such a short time. The choice of the venues is the prerogative of the  Worshipful Master of the time, two meetings of the six allocated for each season being allowed.

Based on an article contributed by W. Bro K.E.I. Tomlinson PPrJGW and published in “The History of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire Volume 2” published in 1997.