This was the Centenary of the Rochester Masonic Hall, which was converted and opened in 1906, and, to mark the occasion, a special meeting of Gundulph Lodge No.1050 took place on 2nd October. The meeting was attended by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, members of the Provincial Executive, and other active Provincial Grand Officers.

The building was converted from The Old Crown Inn stables in 1904, and was paid for by money raised from within Gundulph Lodge which was founded in 1865. The building’s original address was ‘Crown Inn Yard’ but this was changed on completion of the conversion to 'Gundulph Square' to commemorate Bishop Gundulph. It became the first and only permanent home of Freemasonry in Rochester. The Hall was opened on 4th April 1906 by the then Provincial Grand Master, Col. Fiennes Stanley Wykeham Cornwallis, and Brother M S Dewsberry was Installed as the Worshipful Master of Gundulph Lodge. As time passed further Lodges were encouraged to hold their Meetings in the Hall and in 1923 the Rochester Masonic Hall & Club Company Ltd, was formed.

Gundulph Lodge was joined by Pentangle, St Andrew’s and St Peter’s Lodges as shareholders, with appointed Directors. In 1939 St Nicholas, Hexagon and Sir Joseph Williamson Lodges also became shareholders. A Board of Directors meets monthly to manage the affairs of the limited company. Over the years other Lodges such as Durobrivae, St. George Abadan, City of Rochester, Old Roffensian and Rochester Castle have met in the building, some of which have since moved elsewhere. A number of Chapters and other Masonic Orders also meet in the Hall, as do other non-Masonic organisations.

In 1998 a new kitchen and the ‘Bodycombe Bar’ were created, funded by the sale of adjoining cottages which were formerly the home of a full-time Steward. To commemorate 100 years of Freemasonry in Rochester, a refurbishment programme was recently completed, which will ensure that our very aged building is fit to celebrate another Centenary in due course.

WBro Robert Naylar
Gundulph Lodge No.1050

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