Carnarvon
Lodge 1739
Presently on Summer Break - Next Meeting - Passing - 15th September 2026 at 18:30
Hall Stone Jewel
"The jewel is shaped as a cross to symbolise sacrifice, with perfect squares at each end. The side squares bear the dates 1914–1918, and between them stands a winged figure of Peace presenting a temple with Masonic symbolism in its pillars, porch and steps. Suspended from the Square and Compasses, the jewel represents the Craft’s gift of a memorial temple to the 3,225 English Freemasons who gave their lives for King and Country, for Peace, Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood.”
Carnarvon Lodge 1739 is honoured with the Hall Stone Lodge Jewel.
In 1919, a special meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England was convened to celebrate the restoration of peace, and it was attended by a considerable number of Brethren. During this meeting, the M.W. Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught, made his first appeal to the Craft, requesting funds for the creation of a Masonic Peace Memorial befitting the dignity of Freemasonry. Thus, the Masonic Million Memorial Fund was established.
It was resolved that the memorial should be a new building to serve as the central home of Freemasonry. The Fund was launched in September of that year, with Brethren throughout the world invited to contribute towards the £1,000,000 required. Voluntary donations from Lodges and individuals were acknowledged by the presentation of the Masonic Million Memorial Fund Commemorative Jewel.
Masters of Lodges that contributed an average of ten guineas (£10.50) per member to the Masonic Million Memorial Fund were awarded the commemorative jewel—equivalent to roughly £2,900 today. Such Lodges became known as Hall Stone Lodges, giving the jewel its name, and their names and numbers were inscribed on the commemorative marble panels in the main ceremonial entrance vestibule of Freemasons’ Hall, London.
Carnarvon Lodge received the Hall Stone Jewel in 1924, becoming a Hall Stone Lodge. This was an extraordinary achievement, especially considering that the average weekly wage at the time was around £2.20.
The Hall Stone Jewel is worn by the Worshipful Master of Carnarvon Lodge at all Masonic gatherings and is transferred to the incoming Master during the Lodge’s Installation ceremony, in accordance with the privilege afforded to every Hall Stone Lodge. The jewel, together with its light‑blue collar, has been honourably worn by each Master of the Lodge since it was first bestowed upon Carnarvon Lodge.
Masonic Peace Memorial raised from the ground
Construction of the Masonic Peace Memorial commenced in 1927 and continued for six years, with the building being dedicated on 19th July 1933. At the onset of the Second World War in 1939, its name was changed to Freemasons’ Hall. The structure, an outstanding example of Art Deco architecture, is now Grade II listed both internally and externally. Inside, the Memorial Shrine commemorates the 3,225 Brethren who gave their lives on active service during the First World War, in whose honour the building was erected.
The stained‑glass memorial window depicts the theme of Peace achieved through Sacrifice, with the Angel of Peace bearing a model of the tower of the building. A bronze memorial casket, designed by Walter Gilbert (1871–1946), the artist responsible for the Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace, contains the memorial roll. This may be viewed through a glass aperture, the corners of which are adorned with gilt figures symbolising the fighting services
