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A brief History.
St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1046 was consecrated in February 1865.
Since that time the Lodge has passed through six reigns, 2 World Wars and other major conflicts of nations. The Lodge has existed whilst the world has moved from gaslight to atomic power, from hansom cabs to supersonic planes and from slavery to emancipation. From country lanes to vast motorways and on further to the moon.
February 1865. The Crimean war was a ten year old memory. In 2 years time the American Civil War would end with the surrender of General Lee’s army at Appomattox. President Lincoln would be murdered a few days later. In the UK Queen Victoria would reign for another 36 years.
In Farnham, in February 1865 the residents had, for 16 years, enjoyed a railway connection to London.
“So many things. Then why not…………………………..?” asked of each other a small group of Masons in the closing months of 1864.
On Thursday the 2nd of February 1865, was created St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1046 on the Register of the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Warrant was dated December 20th 1864 and the delay between its issue and the 1st meeting would suggest that the difficulties of formation had not been entirely overcome. “Every application to hold a new Lodge must be signed by not less than 7 Master Masons, regularly registered” states the Book of Constitutions. Yet, at its inaugural meeting St. Andrew’s could only muster 5 qualified Brethren. The other 2 original petitioners for the Warrant did not apparently join the Lodge. The 2 missing signatories were: James Murray of the Lion & Lamb Lodge No.227, (now number 192), a London mason who apparently signed the application for a Warrant with no intention of joining the Lodge and the second was James Woodbourne who had proceeded no further than his first degree. Had the position been checked it is doubtful that the formation of the Lodge would have been permitted.
Of the 7 Founders, 5 were London masons resident in Farnham, the sixth James Murray was a known non-starter and the seventh James Woodbourne (engineer), was brought in, most irregularly, to make up the number. Consequently another 2 Farnham masons needed to be enlisted before the inaugural meeting could be held. Hence the delay in the signing of the Warrant (December 20th 1864) and the inaugural meeting (February 2nd 1865). The timely arrival of 2 candidates James Knight (Banker), and James Darvill (Draper), for their initiation allowed the inaugural meeting to take place.
Four of the Founders—William Henry Randall Beatty (solicitor),Thomas Baynham (organist), William Vine (greengrocer), and Joseph Kitchen were members of St. James Union Lodge No.180 meeting at Freemasons Hall London. James Woodbourne (an E/A when his signed the Petition was also a member of Panmure Lodge No.723 but he joined St.Andrew’s Lodge for the completion of his Masonic career.
The designated Master, George Crook (chemist) was a Past Master of Royal Monmouth Lodge No.457. It is interesting to note that George Crook was also a Founding member of Panmure Lodge No.1025 (its original number) in 1857, seven years before his association with St. Andrew’s Lodge. He did not however take office in Panmure Lodge. His past experience as Provincial Grand Secretary of Monmouthshire must have been invaluable to the formation of St. Andrew’s Lodge.
At the inaugural meeting the 8 members of St.Andrew’s Lodge were joined by 9 visitors, 4 from the sponsoring Lodge Royal Alfred Lodge No.777 of Guildford. At its inaugural meeting St. Andrew’s Officers Passed James Woodbourne and initiated Messrs Knight and Darvill.
And, you might enquire, what had life in store for those intrepid masons who dined after the inaugural meeting? St. Andrew’s Lodge Primus Master George Crook resigned in November 1869.
At least one went to an early grave. Bro. Vine suffered poverty and distress. For a third, James Knight, long life and honour. Bro. Beaty left abruptly after 9 attendances. Bro. Woodbourne attended his last meeting (as JD), in June 1866. The record shows no explanation of this. Even more importantly, its Primus Master resigned in November 1869. He subsequently passed away in 1871 at the age of 58 years. A tablet was designed in his memory, paid for by subscription of the Lodge members and this is now to be found above the entrance of St. Andrew’s Church as one leaves the church..
On December 18th 1874 St. Andrew’s met for the 100th time. Nothing untoward took place for there was no work, no visitors and an attendance of 14 members. During this time the Lodge met at 9 meetings per annum.
In its first 16 years of its life the Lodge was not developing too well.25 Initiates of whom 3 did not complete the course and 10 joining members only.
Farnham Freemasonry and St. Andrew’s Lodge has rested in various parts of the town centre. The Bush Hotel was its first home, followed, in February 1903 by a move to the Farnham Town Hall. The Lodge stayed here until May 1919 when a move was made to the Farnham Institute. After a stay of 20 years the Lodge moved in November 1940 to the Owen Hall Farnham. In August 1946 the Lodge moved to the Farnham Institute and in April 1951 moved again to its present home at The Masonic Hall. 42, Castle street, Farnham.
The Lodge has assisted in the formation of at least 2 other daughter Lodges Waverley Lodge No. 4723 and Castle Lodge No. 6657
In the year 2009 St. Andrew’s has a very healthy membership of 45 members and has, in the last 3 masonic seasons held 3 extra meetings per year under dispensation in order to facilitate the work it has generated. The Lodge meets on the 3rd Thursdays of October, November, December, February (Installation), and March. To assist those members who are employed by others the Lodge close-tyles at 6pm except in February when it close-tyles at 4.30pm.
St. Andrew’s welcomes just and upright men of all religions and nationalities.
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