THE
HISTORY
OF
BUCKINGHAM
LODGE
No.591
"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
The
White
Hart
Hotel:
Wash
drawing
by R.J.
Elliston
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
on
4th
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|