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A Seed is Sown

The Formation of the Lodge of Elmet Number 7847.

The seed was sown in 1959 by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother H. Clifford Smith, J.P. in a speech in which he stated that it was his considered opinion that, in order to maintain the interest of Brethren, it should not take longer than ten to twelve years from the time of Initiation for a Brother to be eligible for the Master's Chair. When with all things taken into account, this could not reasonably seem possible; consideration should be given to the Formation of a new Lodge.

As a result, one of the Founders, after long and careful consideration, contacted several enthusiastic and earnest Brethren of the Lodge of Benevolence No. 5612 who had previously expressed interest in the formation of a new Lodge. On the 28th March 1960 at a meeting attended by eight Brethren, it was decided to make progress. During the following two years those Brethren surrounded themselves with the requisite Founders, in total twenty-four, and proceeded with the requirements necessary in the formation of a new Lodge. It is impossible in this short history to set out in detail all that had to be discussed and the very important decisions made. Mention of the following gives some idea of what was involved:~ name, meeting place, first Master and Wardens, warrant, crest, banner, petition, finance, founders fee, bye-laws, subscription, initiation and joining fees, regalia, furniture, ornaments, jewels, ritual, officers, honorary members, lodge of instruction, and last, but not least, the consecration, installation and banquet. The petition to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master for a Warrant to hold a new Lodge to be named the Lodge of Elmet was approved by the Lodge of Benevolence No. 5612 (our Mother Lodge) on the 12th January 1962. It is interesting to record that the aforementioned labors were carried out by seven sub-committees and are named in the

minutes of the first regular meeting of the Lodge in an appreciation by the first Master Worshipful Brother J.T.L Coope.

Consecrated on the 24th October 1962 at Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Leeds, this venue has a rich history. Castle Grove is one of Headingley’s most elegant historic houses, dating back to 1834. Originally built as a gentleman’s residence for linen merchant Samuel Holmes, the property was later transformed in the late Victorian era into a grand villa featuring sweeping staircases, bay windows, and a striking domed roof. Its beautifully preserved architectural details from marble columns to ornate woodwork reflect the prosperity and craftsmanship of the era, providing the venue with its distinctive character and charm. 

In 1934, the building entered a new chapter as it became the home of several Leeds Masonic Lodges, including the Lodge of Elmet in 1962. This long period of careful stewardship ensured that the house remained intact at a time when many similar villas were lost. Today, Castle Grove is a Grade II listed building and one of the country’s best-preserved examples of Victorian domestic architecture, making it a popular choice for those searching for a a place to meet.