The Early Years of the Lodge

Initial planning for the formation of a new Lodge to meet in Exeter began in the latter months of 1938.

A list of those who agreed to assist in founding the Lodge was finalised on the 10th January 1939, their names and signatures being added to a Petition to Grand Lodge requesting permission to form the Lodge.

The sixteen Petitioners were Worshipful Brothers RJ Mairs, C Yendall, JA Lucas, WA Cole, JS Madge, WC Curry (all Past Masters of Semper Fidelis Lodge, No. 1254), and LR Truscott (Past Master of The Davie Lodge, No. 3721); Brothers PT Scott (Benevolent Lodge, No. 303), RJ Nixon (Neyland Lodge, No. 990, South Wales), LEW Huish, AN Cornish, CR Harding, FJ Taverner, TR Fulford, E Tapley and WW Cudmore (all members of Semper Fidelis Lodge, No. 1254).

The Petition was presented to the Semper Fidelis Lodge for sponsorship at their meeting on 1st May 1939, when it was approved and duly signed by the Worshipful Master WBro RJ Mairs, the Senior Warden Bro LE Huish and the Junior Warden Bro CW Cann. The United Grand Lodge of England granted the Petition on 7th June 1939.

However, following the Government's declaration of war on 3rd September, the Grand Secretary wrote to all Lodges stating that:

The instruction was promptly instituted, although rescinded later in the month, when a further letter was received giving permission for Lodges to resume their regular meetings if so desired. The Grand Master expressed his wish that Lodges wishing to meet during this difficult time should meet in the afternoon, where possible, be closed by 9pm at the latest and to omit the usual dinner afterwards.

So, under these unusual circumstances, the Lodge of St Peter in Exeter was duly founded on the 23rd October 1939. The formal ceremony was performed by officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire, led by the Lord Bishop of Crediton, the then Provincial Grand Master. Despite the recent onset of war, there were nearly 60 Masons present, of whom 18 were members of our 'Mother Lodge', Semper Fidelis. Due to the Grand Master's instructions, no formal banquet was held but Tea was served in the Dining Room afterwards.Despite the difficulties of war time the Lodge was fortunate in attracting both joining and new members, gaining some 24 in its first three years.

The City of Exeter suffered considerable damage from enemy air raids at this time, the worst occurring in the spring of 1942, during which damage was sustained to many premises, including both the Cathedral and the Masonic Hall in Gandy Street. The prompt and selfless actions of the Steward and his wife, along with nearby firemen, saved many priceless historical artefacts. A piece of carpet, damaged by molten lead from the roof, was framed and still hangs as a permanent reminder of those troubled times.

A further reminder of not only the effects of the war, but also of the global nature of Freemasonry, was when a request was received in 1944 from the Arcana Lodge of Minneapolis. They had elected a member who, before he could be initiated into their Lodge, had been posted overseas and was serving as a Chief Pharmacist with the US Navy. The Lodge of St Peter in Exeter was delighted to comply and duly initiated him at an Emergency meeting on the 4th March 1944, when there were present 39 American Brethren also serving in the US Navy.

Following the cessation of hostilities, the Lodge's membership increased gradually, in line with other Lodges in the United Kingdom, until it reached in excess of 100 members during the 1970s. Since then, membership numbers have declined to a much more manageable 30-40, offering the opportunity of progression through the Master's Chair to all.

More recently, in 2006, the Lodge of St Peter in Exeter found itself with several members having connections with the University of Exeter and was invited to participate in the Assistant Grand Master's recently launched Universities' Scheme.

We look forward to a healthy future and to celebrating our 80th Anniversary in 2009.