“Without preface or introduction, the first lodge meeting minute book of Buckingham Lodge records the most important fact, in the most concise and business like form, that on the 5th March 1852 the Buckingham Lodge met at The White Hart Hotel in Aylesbury.” – Quote: A Short History of Buckingham Lodge No.591 1852-1952 – Ellison & Leonard
Location of first recorded Buckingham Lodge meeting: Old White Hart Hotel 1852. The Buckingham Lodge moved to the George Hotel in March 1864, located in Market Square in Aylesbury, and made it their home for the next 18 years.
AYLESBURY MASONIC HALL
The Aylesbury Masonic Hall must surely be considered one of the most valuable jewels ever acquired by Freemasons in Buckinghamshire. Since it was purchased by the Buckingham Lodge for £200 in 1880 it has hosted’ thousands of Lodge meetings.
What is admired most is that members of the Lodge had the vision to spend years creating a reserve fund with a view to purchasing a building. That they were able to give the owner ‘an immediate answer’ in 1880 regarding their intentions must surely have given them tremendous satisfaction. In this building they left a stunning legacy that has allowed Masonry to continue in Aylesbury for well over a century.
The improvement and maintenance of standards within Masonic Centres, is vital in order to meet the expectations of modern man and his family. This wonderful old building has now been modernised to meet the needs of Aylesbury Masons and one cannot but admire what has been achieved.
Congratulations to all those involved in this project and may all those that meet in this lovely old building have health and happiness to enjoy their Freemasonry in this, their Masonic home, for many years to come.
Provincial Grand Master
A Brief History of Aylesbury Masonic Hall
Aylesbury Masonic Hall is the first purpose built Masonic Hall in the Province of Buckinghamshire and was created by Buckingham Lodge No 591; being the first Masonic Lodge to be formed and remain in this Province. It provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on 17 July 1890. Its history can be conveniently divided into three periods:
The Buckingham Lodge.
The early days of The Aylesbury Masonic Hall Limited (AMHL).
The more recent years of operation.
In selecting snippets of history from the available source documents, the greatest challenge lay in what to exclude whilst still producing a history that reflected the work seen in creating, maintaining, and running such a building. Another difficulty is that quite often the minutes books are silent, for example there is no record of what became of the furnishings in the downstairs Temple. Again, what such a history as this does not convey is the amount of day to day work involved In running a company such as AMHL and the Ripon Street premises. Whilst the company does employ and remunerate staff, all of the directors have given of their tine freely over the years in order to secure a safe and comfortable home for Masonry in Aylesbury. This short history is dedicated to them.
The Buckingham Lodge Period 1880-1947
At the November meeting of Buckingham Lodge in 1880 it was announced that a suitable site had been offered where the Lodge could build a Masonic Temple and further stated that he considered the time favourable for realising the hopes of many members of the Lodge, who, with himself, had for some years been creating a reserve fund for that very purpose.
The property was situated in Ripon Street, and had been used as a Fives Court. There was a good building on it and the price of the whole was fixed at £200. The owner requiring an immediate answer and there being no Regular Lodge meeting scheduled until the following year, he considered the matter of sufficient importance to make the following proposition:
“That the Trustees of the Reserve Fund be requested to sell out the London and North-Western Railway 4% Stock, registered in their names, and arrange for the purchase of the property at the price named.”
The proposition was carried unanimously, and a provisional Building Committee was then nominated. The resolution being duly confirmed in the following year, designs were prepared and submitted for the approval of the Lodge and seven trustees were appointed “in respect of all or any pecuniary interest the Lodge may acquire in the new Masonic Temple.”
The founding trustees were appointed accordingly. The sum of £480 was borrowed from the Aylesbury Permanent Building Society, and, to help with repayment the Initiation Fees were increased by Two Guineas. And so a new Temple arose with the figures 1882 conspicuously displayed on the front, as they are today. As originally constructed, the front wall ran parallel with the Temple leaving space for a small forecourt fronted by a wall and decorative iron railings. A photograph exists in the Buckingham archives (reproduced below) showing the members standing proudly in front of their new Hall.
Date stone still proudly in place at the present
Ripon Street Aylesbury Masonic Hall
The brethren of Buckingham Lodge standing proudly to attention
so as to record this special moment in the lodge’s history.
The building consisted of the present Temple, much as we see it today, and a lower hall primarily intended for Masonic banquets each of which measured 47 feet by 24 feet. The boxed in girder seen at ceiling height in the ante-room marks the situation of the original front wall. The ante-room accommodation was so limited that eventually in 1902 the front wall was pulled down and re-erected along the edge of the plot making full use of the space available. This provided for an enlarged entrance hall, ante room, and kitchen.
The dedication Ceremony, on Wednesday, 3 May 1882, was performed by the DPGM for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire supported by many other senior Masonic brothers.
The Lodge having been opened in the prescribed degrees, the DPGM congratulated the Brethren on the possession of such a commodious building and urged on all present the importance and advantages of having wherever possible a private Lodge, in preference to holding meetings in hotels, where the impressive ceremonies were sometimes marred by being conducted in an inconvenient room, with unpleasant surroundings and dingy appointments They should also observe one law in the Lodge and make this an occasion for forgetting all past differences if there were any, and of cementing that bond of brotherhood and harmony which should always in deed as well as in word be a distinguishing characteristic of Freemasonry. He besought everyone to remember his Masonic responsibilities and to continue in that fraternal good feeling which had long characterised this Lodge and promoted its prosperity and success. The ceremony then proceeded in the usual form with the actual dedication, oration and final benediction. The oak stalls came from the Duke of Newcastle’s private chapel. They were purchased on recommendation, after a senior brother had made a special journey to Lincoln to see them. All Past Masters of the Lodge were invited to contribute two guineas towards the cost of thirty-two pounds and eleven shillings. The full amount was raised by this method 24 were purchased and all except two placed on a platform around the walls 12 being in the North and 10 in the South with the remaining two on the floor of the Lodge and used by the Deacons. The book board that came with the stalls was used to make up the balance now seen. Each stall bears the name of the donors. The triune seated Stall was presented by the then Lodge Secretary.
The desk was kindly the gifted by a generous Freemason as were the clock, letter G, and the terrestrial and celestial globes. Who were particularly keen to build a new and more commodious hall and for that purpose 4 plots of land in Buckingham Street were purchased. There were many that did not agree with this suggestion and nothing was done, the land lying vacant.
In 1902 the land was sold for £180 which was spent on improvements to the Ripon Street building in readiness for the Jubilee of the Lodge for which purpose a further £250 was borrowed from the Aylesbury Permanent Building Society.
In 1913 A senior Past Master gave curtains for the east and west windows having remarked upon the draughty condition of the windows.
In November 1914 the War Department took possession of the lower hall so for the time being the festive board had to be elsewhere.
The Treasurer reported in May 1918 that mortgage on the buildings had been repaid.
In February 1920 the cottage and garden to the rear of the Hall was bought for £240.
In October 1923 the Temple was re-dedicated following re-construction works.
In March 1934 it was resolved “That the Lodge authorise the Worshipful Master Past Masters and Officers to place before the Masonic Lodges in Aylesbury the financial position of this Lodge as regards the Masonic Hall with a view to forming some co-operative plan and to report to the Lodge.” There was another resolution in April 1936 “That the Craft Lodges in the town be approached and a round table conference of not less than three members from each Lodge invited to attend with a view to ascertaining whether they are disposed to enter into negotiations for acquiring an interest in the Masonic Hall premises and for discussing the possible methods of carrying this into effect. “The War then intervened. But soon afterwards in 1946 the Lodge approved proposals to transfer the hall and the cottage and garden to AMHL. In the following year the Lodge agreed to bear the formation and legal costs.
On 23 June 1947 the Hall and the Cottage were transferred to Aylesbury Masonic Hall, Limited.
Consecrations
During the latter period the following lodges and chapters which still meet at the hall, were consecrated.
| Ferdinand de Rothschild Lodge No 2420 | 30 May 1892 |
| Five Arrows Hotel, Waddesdon | |
| Concordia Lodge No 2492 | 29 January 1894 |
| Red Lion Hotel, Wendover | |
| Aylesbury Lodge No 4534 | 31 May 1923 |
| Aylesbury Masonic Hall | |
| Pegasus Lodge No 5637 | 21 September 1936 |
| Aylesbury Masonic Hall | |
| Hope Chapter, Rosé Croix No 240 | 30 April 1923 |
| Aylesbury Masonic Hall | |
| St Barnabas Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 97 | 21 August 1924 |
| The Bulls Head Hotel, Aylesbury | |
The St Barnabas Lodge of Mark Masters No 97 which has met at Ripon Street since the Hall was opened was consecrated in 1867. There had been an earlier attempt to establish the A & A Rite in Aylesbury with the consecration of St John the Baptist Chapter, Rose Croix No 142 in 1898. Sadly that was not a success and was translated to Oxford where it flourishes.
AMHL Early days 1947 – 1951
And so Aylesbury Masonic Hall, Limited was created and registered at Companies’ House on the 6th May 1947. The founding shareholding members, their initial shareholding were:
Buckingham Lodge No 591 – 1,600 Shares
Ferdinand Lodge No 2420 – 500 Shares
Concordia Lodge No 2492 – 300 Shares
Aylesbury Lodge No 4534 – 500 Shares
Pegasus Lodge No 5637 – 200 Shares
Buckingham Chapter No 591 – 200 Shares
St Barnabas Mark Lodge No 97 – 200 Shares
The first meeting of the Directors was held on 18 March 1947 during which the Chairman and Secretary were elected.
The first registered address was not Ripon Street but ‘Chosen Waye’ 49 Wendover Road Stoke Mandeville.
AMHL decided to charge a rental based on 2 shillings (l0p in today’s money) per member per meeting held. This system is still in force today, although the amount. has clearly changed. For those Lodges that were not members (did not hold shares in the company) an individual charge per meeting would be levied. Although the lower hail had been recovered, the company was not in a position to resume dining facilities at the Hall, despite an offer from Mr J Clarke of the Olde English Café, Aylesbury to provide the catering. The provision of dining facilities in the Hall continued to be raised almost every year.
On 14 May 1947 Aylesbury Chapter No 4534 was consecrated at the Hall by E Comp Major A G T Smith Grand Superintendent.
On 23 July 1947 Hampden Lodge No 6483 was consecrated at the Hall.
On 29 April 1948 Vale Lodge No 6632 was consecrated at the Hall.
There were other Lodges that used the Hall which were not shareholders. At this time we had:
Hampden Lodge, Vale. Lodge, Princes Risborough Lodge, Bucks. Masters Lodge, Hope Chapter R.C., Aylesbury Chapter R.A. and St Barnabas Royal Ark Mariners meeting in the building. With the exception of Princes Risborough, the RAM, and Bucks Masters Lodges all the others had been consecrated in the Temple at Ripon Street. They were later joined by Stephens Chapter and St Martin’s Lodge; both of whom afterwards found other homes.’
AMHL then undertook some works to put the buildings into good repair and to redecorate the interior. The cost of £652 was met by a levy of £1.50p a head. The lower hall and old kitchen were then let to the Aylesbury Christian Science Society. They also resolved to cease using coke in the boiler and migrate to anthracite.
AMHL Period 1951 to date
In 1952, the tenant having died it was resolved to sell the cottage which would have required heavy expenditure if it were to be retained. Part of the garden to the rear of the Hall was excluded from the sale in order to provide’ for a possible future expansion of the Hall.
In 1955 consideration was given to the purchase of Waltham House, Stoke Road available for £3,500. There was sufficient land apart from the house on which to erect a new Hall Due to credit restrictions the matter was dropped This was to be the first of many sites considered for purchase to provide a new Hall. A list is provided in Appendix 1 of all such sites recorded in the minute books. Funds were available in 1956 for a new coal fired boiler. That year saw the first increase in capitation caused by increases in rates and heating costs It was raised by 50% to 15p per member per meeting
1956 saw the Treasurer’s “flap” appear for the first time. Many lodges were becoming patrons of the Hospital and their framed patronage certificates (now in store) were hung in the ante-room.
1957 saw the provision of dining facilities in the Hall being raised again. Following wide consultation there was insufficient support and it was resolved to shelve the matter for at least 3 years. That year also saw Stephens Chapter, which had met in the summer months cease meeting at Aylesbury. A new carpet in dark blue was fitted in the Temple and the chequered carpet in the middle cut back by one square all around to remove the worn parts (at a cost of one hundred and sixty-four pounds and nineteen shillings). At the same time the fireplace in the S E corner was removed to allow the stalls of the DC and ADC to be set right back. The cupboard containing jewels was moved to the SW corner and a bracket supplied for the clock which until then had stood on the mantelpiece (costing seventeen pounds, four shillings and four pence).
The directors also resolved to install a lift which was done in November 1957 and served the Hall for 50 years before being condemned as unsafe in 2007 (costing seven hundred and seventeen pounds, eighteen shillings and seven pence).
In 1961 Cheiron Lodge No. 7775 was consecrated by Lord Burnham, the PGM at the Hall on 3 July 1961.
1962 saw the candlesticks in the Temple, which had been the property of Ferdinand de Rothschild Lodge No 2420, being electrified by that Lodge as a gift to mark the 50th anniversary of the initiation of one of their senior members. A Masonic Council was formed representing all the users of the Hall. Those Lodges and Chapters which were not shareholders were unrepresented at Board and other meetings and this was an effort to include them in the management process.
In 1963 the building suffered from several burst pipes. The coal fired boiler also gave trouble and so the heating system was replaced by overhead electric heaters. The building itself was fully utilised with no spare capacity. It was resolved to look for a suitable site for the erection of a new and larger building. The old boiler room was converted into a storage area for lodge lockers. This freed up space upstairs which was then made over for the use of “VIPs and Grand Officers”.
1964 saw the whole building re-wired. Agreement was reached with the tenants of the ground floor to make it available when not needed by them. This almost doubled the capacity of the building. A new Preceptory of Knights Templar, the first in Buckinghamshire, was consecrated in the Temple and continues to meet there.
In 1965 Ferdinand de Rothschild Chapter No 2420 was consecrated at the Hall by The Grand Superintendent on 6 April 1965.
In 1965 a new organ was placed in the Temple and that saw service through until late 1991. A form of double glazing was installed over the East and West windows which being leaded lights had always been draughty. Condition of the exterior was giving rise to concern. When received the report gave rise to a schedule of essential works, as it was accepted that even if a plot of land was found the present building would be in use for quite a few more years. A new cupboard was provided for Lodge banners which in those days were brought in on an individual basis to the Temple whenever that Lodge was meeting. All lodges meeting at Aylesbury were encouraged to purchase shares and by the end of the year £600 had been subscribed.
A request from a lodge that the Company obtain a license to sell alcohol was received. This was vigorously opposed by the chairman but on a vote carried 3 to 1 with 3 abstentions.
New knockers for the Temple door were donated by Ken Edwards and Charles Anderson and filled by Ernest Roblin.
Tracing Boards in use were the property of Buckingham Lodge No. 591 and were 92 years old. A new boxed set was purchased and the old ones refurbished at the cost of company.
Architect’s report on premises received. Schedule of essential works called for as it could be some years before a new building on another site could be ready for use. The purchase of land near Conservative Association HQ was negotiated, as rebuilding on present site being dismissed on the grounds of anticipated high costs.
1966 was a very active year with three other sites being looked at for a new Hall. It was then resolved to take over the whole building and to convert the lower hall into a. second Temple at an estimated cost of £1,500. 12 months notice was given to the tenants of the Lower Hall – Aylesbury Christian Science Society despite the opposition of the Chairman. The directors were saddened to hear subsequently that the Society had been unable to find alternative premises and had folded.
Work identified in 1965 and required urgently included: East and West walls bulging, roof needed re-slating, stone copings and facings in a dangerous condition, floor of Temple unstable due to bulging wall, parts of the ground floor affected by wet rot. All the gutters and downpipes needed replacing. Total cost was estimated £3K.
Repairs were sanctioned and tenders sought. Means of funding were discussed. It was agreed that the Company had existed too long on uneconomic rentals as a result no cash was available for urgent repairs. All rents were immediately doubled to 45p per head per meeting.
Contractors E P Gilkes & Son had found issues that were far worse than expected. The bulge in east wall was so pronounced that it was in danger of collapse. An RSJ was inserted under the floor joists to provide support. The same job was done at the West end. Tensile steel rods were inserted at plate and roof level to hold the building together.
Most of the ground floor wainscoting and floorboards were affected by dry and wet rot. A Treasurer was appointed for first time; prior to this the Secretary had undertaken both roles. The Articles of Association were updated and amended to reflect the changes seen over the last 20 years.
1967 De Bohun Lodge No 8175, having been consecrated at the Borough Assembly Hall and began to meet in the Hall.
Work was now proceeding with stripping out the walls and floor of the lower hall, the tenants having vacated at the end of January. There was much concern that the projected re-building of the Bulls Head would prevent Masonic banquets for 2 years. The Board was pressed to look again at dining and drinks licence for Ripon Street.
Ferdinand de Rothschild Chapter No. 2420 pressed for a steel fire escape. This was declined as being beyond the means of the company at present. A proposal that a Temple be included in the re-built Bulls Head was turned down as masonry would forfeit its independence and be at the mercy of the proprietors and possibly made homeless.
The Temple carpet was renovated, pedestal chairs repaired and strengthened, and the curtains cleaned. The kneeling stools re-stuffed and the bracket under the Treasurer’s flap repaired.
1968 Furnishing for the lower temple was discussed. Temples were to be named Suite Rooms I and 2. For Suite 2 70 Chairs were purchased for £122 and 3 Principal chairs in light oak £60 each. Pedestals which were the property of 2420 were to be re-polished. The Organ was to be borrowed from Old Wycombiensians Lodge. The 591 candlesticks were to be refurbished and used downstairs. As these had been in use for Chapter meetings a set of second-hand candlesticks was purchased for RA use. 3 low plinths were made for the principal chairs. The Chairman kindly donated a clock.
On the 9th February 1968 the Tower Temple was used for the first time for a Masonic meeting. The PGM had agreed to dedicate the new Temple on the 10th September 1968 and directed that the meeting be convened by 591. (AMHL had no power to organise a Masonic meeting). Province would require 20 seats (and pay their own way), member lodges would be given 3 tickets each, and other lodges 1. Rulers of other Orders were not to be invited as this was a Craft occasion.
In 1969 – At the time that AMHL was created 591 had paid all the legal expenses amounting to £145.50. This was now converted into shares. Although 591 had donated the building the furnishings remained their property. They now made over all the furnishings owned by them with the following exceptions: The terrestrial and celestial globes, the warden’s columns, the two ashlars, and the wands and the mauls in use. All were made freely available to any other Lodge to use. The locking writing desk was to be reserved to 591, in perpetuity, and the drawers in the desk in the lower Temple reserved to de Bohun Lodge. 2420 then made over their pedestals and candlesticks to AMHL. The Kings Head now warned of impending closure for repairs and refurbishments.
In 1969 – Hampden Chapter No 6483 was consecrated at the hail by The then Grand Superintendent on4th February 1969.
A Building Fund was started with £1 each from the directors to place company in position of being able to purchase a suitable replacement property.
It was revealed that when the match boarding was removed from the lower hall south wall it was in such a bad condition that a further £1,800 had to be spent in making it safe. Total cost came to £4,980 against an initial budget of £1,500 to create a second Temple.
In 1970 – An account was opened at Barclays Bank for the building fund with declared members as trustees. An appeal for funds was planned for the autumn. An emergency meeting was held as the Kings Head was withdrawing banqueting facilities. Consideration was given to converting the new temple on the ground floor to a dining room and to purchase 86 Wendover Road (next door to Sports Club).The latter won the day and conversion of downstairs temple dropped.
Planning permission for Wendover Road was declined. This led to more discussion about where to go. This debate continued for most of the next 20 years.
1971 – The ante-room was re-decorated.
1972 – Building Fund now stood at £421. All lodge banners were placed in banner cupboard in the store room.
1973 – There was talk of purchasing adjoining premises in Ripon Street and expanding. Building Fund now stood at £652.
Aylesbury & District Masonic Centre Limited (ADMC) was created as a vehicle to raise money and build a new Hall for Aylesbury and District. It held its inaugural meeting on the 9 November 1973 at which the hope that every member would subscribe £100 over three years was expressed.
The rear Garden was repossessed.
In 1974 – There was now talk of a home for elderly masons being built in Aylesbury and the hope was expressed that a new Temple could be incorporated into the scheme.
In 1975 – Rents to be increased for the first time since 1968 to 60p a head.
Pegasus Chapter No 5637 was consecrated at the Hall by the then Superintendent on 12th February 1975.Fairway Lodge No. 8614 was consecrated by, the POM at the Borough Assembly Hall and began to meet at the Hall.
A Brother of Fairway Lodge produced plans for the re-development of the Ripon Street site This proposal was costed at £265 a head or £185,000 and considered to be beyond the means of the company.
Chapters were asked to consider pooling their regalia
In 1976 – The upper Temple was re-decorated and the lower Temple and lobby washed down.
The Prebendal Housing scheme was now publicised – there was no chance of AMHL being involved.
A scheme to expand Ripon Street with or without the house next door was put forward at a cost of £53K.
In 1977 – A purchase price of £8,500 had been agreed for the house next door and the scheme would have a total cost of some £70K. It was described as “First workable and doable scheme”. The control of the development would be with AMHL and not AMDC. When put to Lodges for their consideration, it received but 65% support and so the Chairman felt unable to proceed. The scheme was dropped. It did highlight the need to negotiate a right of way from the rear garden to the street and these negotiations commenced. New carpeting and cushions for upstairs temple approved.
In 1978 – Per Capita increase from 65p to 80p. No action was taken on RA regalia as there was no agreement.
It was then proposed that a dining room kitchen and an extension for storage be provided. In essence this was the scheme recently turned down.
In 1979 – The Building Fund still existed at Barclays Bank and it was agreed that it be used towards new accommodation wherever it may be required.
In 1980 – Plans for the fire escape were approved but the neighbour refused to grant an easement for a right of way as he did not like the look of the steelwork. It was decided to proceed anyway.
The Mark Lodge was granted permission to place a jewel cabinet in memory of Ned Carson, their Tyler for many years, in the Temple.
In 1981 – Per Capita increase from 80p to £1 from July 1981.
In 1982 – Fairway Chapter No 8614 was consecrated at the Hall by The Superintendent on 22nd September 1982.
A new organ was installed in the downstairs Temple at a cost of £433.
In 1983 – Per Capita to be increased to £1.25 plus a £10 levy per head to pay for fire escape costs of £6k. The future of the by now moribund ADMC was discussed.
In 1984 – Per Capita now increased to £1.50. Contributions towards fire escape levy at such a low level that it was put on hold. It was later decided to increase the per Capita to £2 to pay for it.
It was agreed that ADMC would undertake the search for new premises, whilst AMHL would look after Ripon Street.
New cupboards and lockers provided on, the first floor and ante-rooms redecorated.
A proposition was received from Hope Chapter R C to convert the downstairs Temple to a dining room and kitchen. This was left on the table pending news from ADMC.
In 1986 – ADMC looked into things and were proposing fund raising with an initial target of £75,000 – may take 10 years to raise the funds. In the mean-time Peter Garland had been looking at the feasibility of converting the downstairs temple to a dining room.
The pedestals had been exchanged between the Temples. The pedestals and the candlesticks upstairs were those donated by 2420, (and remain so today) whilst those of 591 were now in the downstairs Temple.
The Fire Escape was built at least at a cost of £5,778.24 down to a closed in walled area with no way out! All lodges apart from one had now paid their levy. The outstanding lodge eventually paid up.
ADMC proposed building a brand-new centre at a cost of £300,000. This was rejected in favour of a conversion of Ripon Street. ADMC would hence consider winding up. It was agreed to commission a full structural survey undertaken of Ripon Street.
Chairman, Secretary, Finance Director, Bookings secretary all gave notice that they would stand down at the next AGM in order that they could devote themselves to the needs of ADMC and avoid a possible clash of responsibility with holding similar office in AMHL.
In 1987 – Lodges were asked to remove all their old lockers and cupboards from the ground floor storage room. That left the lodge banners and their purpose-built banner cupboard. It was resolved to display all banners permanently in the Temple. One lodge demurred from this.
It was resolved that the capitation charge be based on figures in the Provincial Year Book and this remains the same today.
Chapters were asked once again to pool their regalia. Fred Roberts presented plans for a dining room etc. The cost was estimated at £10,000 plus kitchen equipment. This being deemed affordable, plans were commissioned.
In 1988 – Means of funding the proposed refurbishment had been considered and ADMC approached for a loan. In turn ADMC suggested that both companies enter into a Scheme of Arrangement. This was rejected by AMHL.
It was resolved to proceed with the scheme to convert the lower Temple to a dining room and to provide a kitchen and bar so that dining could take place on the premises. A new gas fired central heating system was also included in the plans. The new facilities were to be ready by September 1988. All but two Lodges had indicated that they would make use of the new facilities. A dining levy of £1 per head was introduced to help pay for the works.
The Chapter banners were now displayed permanently in the Temple and all lodges now displayed their banner on the Temple walls.
Agreement was reached amongst the Chapters that:
O Each Chapter would use its own robes, collars, and surplices.
O Buckingham banners were to be displayed in the Temple, with those of Aylesbury held in reserve.
O Ferdinand banners were to be offered to the new Chapter being formed at Winslow.
O Aylesbury ensigns were to be used with Ferdinand’s and Buckingham’s to go to the museum.
O Aylesbury ensign staves to be used and Buckingham’s to the museum.
O Aylesbury stave holders to be retained’ and Buckingham’s to Winslow.
O Ferdinand Altar to be used and Buckingham’s to Winslow.
O Sceptres – Aylesbury in use, Buckingham in reserve.
O Spare carpet to be offered to Winslow.
In 1989 – The dining levy was cancelled and the per Capita increased by £1.50 per head per meeting. A survey of the building revealed that there was at least 20 years life left in it. Further improvements were then undertaken to the entrance hallway and staircase, the smaller robing room and Temple Seating.
In 1991 & 1992 – These were relatively quiet years with no major work to the building. The new dining facilities were meeting with approval and assisting to re-build the bank balances. Additional spot lamps had been provided in the dining room ceiling. Shields I had been obtained from all Craft Lodges and fixed to the dining room wall. New carpets were laid in the Temple and ante-room, additional radiators and new double glazing for the east and west windows. A new organ was donated in memory of W Bro Leslie Crook. New chairs were provided. Many of these were donated by individuals.
An emergency lighting system was installed, and the fans made their appearance in ‘the Temple. The fireplace in the dining room was removed thus making greater space available when three sprigs were in use.
In 1993 – Relations with ADMC were restored and agreement reached to extend the building into the rear garden. Plans were prepared and planning consent obtained. The estimated cost was £52,000.
In 1994 – There were no major developments, although the chairman visited Lodges & Chapters to ascertain views on the proposals
In 1995 – Rising costs made it necessary to increase the capitation to £4.50. Mention was first made of St. John’s Chapel Stone as a possibility for a new Masonic centre. Interest was shown and negotiations commenced for its purchase and conversion. The proposed extension of Ripon Street was hence put on hold.
In 1996 – When the Bar was first installed a Bar Manager was appointed who subsequently organised a team of volunteers to staff the bar. In this year the first Bar Steward was employed. The planning authorities were unhappy with the proposals for the St John’s chapel, in particular the insertion of an upper floor throughout the building which was necessary for the scheme to work.
In 1997 – The Stone building had been sold on the open market. It was agreed to look again at the extension of Ripon Street.
In 1998 – The Temple, dining room and bar were re-decorated. A new carpet was provided for the ground floor and new furniture purchased for the dining room. An application to renew the existing planning consent for a further 5 years was successful. A structural survey had shown the building to be principally sound, but a restriction of no more than 150 people in the Temple at any one time was imposed.
For some time AMHL and ADMC had been in discussion with the owners of the Ranch House in Stoke Mandeville with a view of re-development as a Masonic Centre. These proposals were now presented to a joint meeting.
In 1999 – The Ranch House proposals having been considered by each Lodge a ballot was held. This was 15 to 2 in favour of remaining at and developing Ripon Street. Bro. Cohn Hancock resigned as Bar Steward and his place was taken by Ian Smith with W Bro Roland Dadson acting as Chairman of the Bar Sub-Committee on behalf of the directors.
In 2000 – The principal chairs in the Temple were refurbished at a cost of £1,304. Thoughts were again directed to the future of the Ripon Street building.
In 2001 – Two schemes were considered for Ripon Street and put to Lodges for debate. The mandate however was not clear.
In 2002 – It was now resolved not to move to a new site but to enhance the existing premises and Ray Stone was asked to undertake a feasibility study and provide a scheme for the enlargement and enhancement of Ripon Street.
In 2003 – The scheme, which would provide for a new kitchen, bar, and committee room together with disabled facilities was received and submitted for planning consent. This brought forth adverse comments from local residents spurred on by the Liberal Democrat “Focus” news sheet. Planning consent was finally received in November 2003.
New columns for the Wardens’ pedestals were obtained. A hearing loop and sound system were installed in the Temple. A sound system was also installed in the Dining Room.
In 2004 – The Richard Mordant Council No.189 of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees was consecrated in the Hall on 28th October 2004.
AMDC was wound up and the funds repaid to the Lodges who had contributed.
In 2005 – A new organ was donated for use in the Dining Room. Whilst there was much discussion no decision as to any building work at Ripon Street was taken.
In 2007 – A replacement organ was purchased for the Temple. The gilding on the chairs and pedestals re-done, the Steward’s chair and all three kneeling stools repaired and reupholstered. Virginia Creeper which had grown over the west wall was removed, and the wall re-pointed and made good at a cost of around £12,000.
In 2008 – A Hall Steward was employed to run the bar and to act as caretaker of the hall.
The Articles of Association were amended to incorporate the various changes seen since 1966 and to reflect the current situation. “Trustees” for lodge shares were replaced by nominees.
At last work began on the extension and refurbishment of Ripon Street. A contract was signed with Wakefield Building Services Limited. The plans, which included an extension being built in the former rear garden, had been worked on for many years. He also acted as project manager overseeing the work on a daily basis. As a mark of appreciation and to acknowledge his input the new bar has been named after him. The building was re-occupied in September 2008, even though work was far from finished.
In this phase the following had been achieved:
o A new entrance door, new hallway, passenger lift and staircase.
o A new state of the art kitchen.
o A new bar.
o Re-decorated dining room, as much of the existing panelling had been removed.
o New doors and hatches, as patching was not a viable option.
o Air conditioning to Bar, dining room, and committee room.
o New internal staircase providing independent access to the Committee Room and the Temple.
o Re-decoration and cleaning of the Temple and repair of water damage to west wall.
o The Ante-room was refurbished and re-decorated.
o New lockers were provided for Lodges.
o An enlarged storage room was made available for Chapter regalia.
o A storage room was provided for the first time for KT and Rose Croix furnishings.
o A room for the BAMR library.
o New lavatories on the first floor.
o Disabled facilities on both floors.
o New carpets almost everywhere.
Draft figures for the 12 months to end of June 2008 show that AMHL is now meeting its target of having a retained profit figure equal to at least 50% of the operating costs. Retained profits were £10,003 (2007 £3,653). The per Capita now stood at £9.00 a head and will be increased to not less than £10.50.
In order to service the borrowing and ensure that AMHL is in a position to finance ongoing repairs and maintenance to the fabric in future without having to call on members for large donations. The spend on the refurbishment so far and its financing is as follows:
Original Contract Cost £335,724 which was financed by:
| Total contract payments £349,068 | AMHL Reserves | £115,063 |
| Legal & Statutory Fees £ 5,075 | Building Funds & Donations | £ 80,983 |
| Ante Room & Temple £ 4,460 | Bank Loan | £140,000 |
| Carpets & Fittings £ 3,042 | AMHL C/A | £ 25,599 |
| £361,645 | £361,645 |
The costs overspend was due to:
• Deeper foundations required by AVDC surveyor.
• Dining Room refurbishment (not in contract).
• Provision of air conditioning/heating in dining room, bar, and committee room.
• Extra equipment for the new kitchen.
Without these additional items, the original contract would have come in at under budget.
Significant items of furniture, particularly Chairs for the Temple, were donated by Brethren and Lodges utilising the temple for their meetings. Such donations were gratefully received and served to reduce costs.
The extended and refurbished Hall was officially re-opened by the Provincial Grand Master during the course of a meeting of Buckingham Lodge No 591 on 19th February 2009.
APPENDIX 1
Possible sites for a new Hall investigated by AMHL and ADMC as recorded in the Minute Book of AMHL
1955 Waltham House Stoke Road
1955 Old tennis courts Alexander Road Aylesbury
1964 Land at Stone
1966 Land near Conservative Association HQ
1966 Land at Terrick
1966 Land in Walton Street
1967 Land in Hardwick
1968 TA Centre;
1970 86 Wendover Road
1973 7 Nelson Terrace
1973 Fox Hill Wendover Road
1973 17 Ripon Street
1973 Aston Clinton School
1976 Penn Road Baptist Chapel
1976 Botany Bay New Road Weston Turville
1980 New Street
1980 Broughton Farm 1986 ADMC proposal 1986 Aylesbury Literary Club
1995 St John’s Chapel Stone
APPENDIX 2
Sources:
A Short History of Buckingham Lodge No. 591 (formerly No. 861) from its consecration in 1852 to its jubilee in 1902.
Buckingham Lodge No. 591 formerly No. 861 from the consecration in 1852 to the centenary in 1952.
The History of Freemasonry in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1990.
Minute Books of AMHL.
APPENDIX 3
Aylesbury Masonic Hall is now home to the following:
| Lodges | Chapters | ||||
| Aylesbury | No. 4534 | Aylesbury / Fairway No.8614 | |||
| Buckingham | No. 591 | Buckingham No.591 | |||
| Concordia | No. 2492 | Ferdinand de Rothschild 2420 | |||
| deBohun | No. 8175 | Hampden No. 6483 | |||
| Fairway | No. 8614 | Pegasus No. 5637 | |||
| Ferdinand de Rothschild No. 2420 | |||||
| Harnpden | No. 6483 | Mark | |||
| Notarius No. 9662 | St Barnabas Lodge of MM No.97 | ||||
| Pegasus | No. 5637 | Bucks Installed Mark Masters No.1634 | |||
| Vale | No. 6632 | ||||
| Wendover | No. 9616 | Royal Ark Mariner | |||
| St Barnabas No. 97 | |||||
| Rose Croix | |||||
| Hope No. 240 | Knights Templar Aylesbury No. 389 | ||||
| Allied Masonic Richard Mordant 189 | |||||