However before we have too much history, I think we should have a look at what Freemasonry is. It is a subject of which I have no knowledge, for obvious reasons. It is easy to read that they are a ‘society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values’ however it is not for this concept that they are well known. It is for their secrecy, services and rituals that have over the years made them into a subject for discussion. Their official history began as far back as 1717 when four London lodges joined to form the Grand Lodge of England. During the 18th century ‘accepted masons’ met in a private house or room within a tavern or drinking house.

The Mason’s tools have always been used to explain their ethical conduct. Certain of the secrets of freemasonry are the ways that they demonstrate their membership. Freemasons use the tools of a Mason speculatively, The Square demonstrates Morality, the Level – Equality, the Plum rule justice and uprightness of life and actions, the chisel demonstrates their value of education. The gavel teaches the importance of self-control, and the Compasses keep the Freemason in due bounds with all Mankind. However it is not a religion and men of all beliefs are able to join their local lodge.

Now returning to the history of Gordon Lodge. I was lucky enough to be asked to take a tour of the Masonic Hall and as a result of this visit I have researched the history of the Masons. I was able to enter the Lodge Room and see some of the above signs and symbols that show the very existence and siting of the Lodge. Looking around the walls is like looking through the history books of the building of Bognor and district. One of the early associated names is that of John Naldrett, who owned the Royal Norfolk Hotel, although he eventually left the area and moved to Horsham. Names frequently appear that are synonymous with the building of the town, Tate, Stofforth, Field, Seymour, Staley and Clidero.

The premises in Canada Grove are the home of the Gordon Lodge, No. 1726 that was formed on March 13th 1878. (These premises are also the

home of Felpham Lodge, Bognor Regis Lodge, Warefarers Lodge, Pagham Lodge). The first meeting of the Gordon Lodge was held just along the road from its present premises, that of the Assembly Rooms, known today as The Picturedrome. Eventually members moved to the Victoria Hotel in Aldwick Road, which has now been demolished. By 1912 they were again seeking new premises and with the assistance of the Manager of the Royal Norfolk Hotel on the seafront, it was decided to move the Lodge meetings from the Victoria Hotel to the Royal Norfolk Hotel. Here it was agreed that the Lodge could have full and free use of the hotel lounge also an ante-room adjoining the lounge and for all their regular and emergency meetings, at a yearly rent of £10. However as the hotel became busier it became evident that they would have to move again.

The old Wesleyan Chapel in the High Street had become available, but their bid for these premises was unsuccessful. In 1924 it was decided that the ‘expense of a building would be too much to bear.’ However, according to press reports in 1926 it was proposed that money should be raised for the purchase of a building site, especially as the membership was growing rapidly. Eventually a site was found in Canada Grove, and this was purchased in July 1926 at a cost of £528. They also had to pay a further £25 to enable a number of large elm trees to be cleared from the site.

Eventually the funds were raised; the builders were employed; and the foundation stone was laid on 13th May 1929. The event was to be full of ceremony when 27 provincial Officers attended, each officer carried their banner and standard, in addition over 150 Masons were seen dressed in their full Masonic regalia. This visual presence must have caused quite a stir in 1929. The procession met at the Royal Norfolk Hotel where they had lunch prior to their procession to Canada Grove. At the head of the procession there was an apprentice carrying the cement, the Master of the Selsey Lodge carrying the cornucopia with corn. The Masters of Midhurst and St. Richards Lodges were seen bearing the two ewers of wine and oil. Building continued at a speed and within only 155 working days the Provincial Grand

When the building was first opened it consisted of a dining room, kitchen, small meeting room, and the actual Lodge Room with ante-room and two small committee rooms on the first floor. By 1948 the dining room was extended and by 1952 the bar was enlarged and in the 1980s the kitchen was also enlarged.

The Masons are involved in a wide variety of charity work, which includes not only supporting the Fire services involved with the September 11th events in America, but also local charities such as Hospices, and other organisations that benefit from their support.

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