THE LODGE CREST

It is most unusual for a Freemasons Lodge to have a coat of arms on a Lodge Banner. The follow documents the circumstances in 1939 in which this came about;

With the object of maintaining the relationship between the Lodge and the parish, in which many of the founders resided, it was decided to contact Major Gregory-Hood, the head of the family in whose possession the Styvechale Estate had been since Elizabethan times, to seek his permission to incorporate the Hood family ‘Coat of Arms’ in the Lodge banner.

When this suggestion came to the notice of the Grand Secretary he wrote to the Provincial Grand Secretary in the following terms:-

“With regard to the suggestions that the petitiorers are endeavouring to obtain permission to use a Coat of Arms on the Lodge Banner, I must point out that the use of heraldic devices in Lodge Banners is not encouraged. I enclose a circular relating to this matter and from this you will see that Lodges are recommended to adopt badges consisting of some object or objects combined to form a design with the use of a shield.”

In another letter a few days later, the Grand Secretary commented as follows:-

“In the present instance it appears that the owner of the Armorial Bearings, who has given his consent to their use by the Lodge, is not a member of the craft and therefore cannot have any personal connection with the Lodge. In these circumstances I cannot help thinking that a view of Stivichall Hall would be a more appropriate device for the Lodge Banner. If, however, the founders are not prepared to accept this suggestion, no objection will be raised to the use of the Armorial Arms.”

After the Secretary of the founders committee had advised the Provincial Grand Secretary that Stivichall Hall had been demolished, and as the Grand Secretary had stated that no objection would be raised to using the Armorial Bearings of the Gregory-Hood family, it was decided to proceed with the banner design as originally submitted.

In due time W. Bro. Harley received the following letter:-

“I shall be very pleased to give my consent for my Arms to be used in your Lodge Banner. I have written to my lawyers to have a painting of my Arms made and I will sent it to you when it arrives.”

Yours truly,

Charles Gregory-Hood

These original paintings are kept very securely, together with many other Lodge records, in the archives.