Dover by its geographical position, has been a military town from its earliest times. It is hardly surprising, therefore, to find that the Army has played a considerable part in the history of Freemasonry in the Town with the Military Jubilee lodge No 2195 being consecrated on the 25th March 1887.
Being set up as a lodge for military service men, it was decided to name the lodge in honour of Queen Victorias Jubilee in 1887, and so became Military Jubilee.
A black and white photograph, measuring 26cm x 20cm taken in 1909 of the offices and members of the lodge came to light recently on an auction site, and has been purchased for the lodge.
Past Members
In the photo, a number of members are seen wearing their regalia and military uniforms, the offices of the lodge in 1909 were: J T Blount, Rev E B Day, R Port, Captain Fitz-Gerald Gabbett, Treasure J Rose, Secretary W A Barnes, F Cullen, J R Jackson, G Greenland and F W Foster.
Members of Military Jubilee Lodge came from all over United Kingdom and beyond, with freemasons join from local barracks in Dover, Shorncliffe and the Duke of York’s Military school.
At one time, the lodge had more than 500 members and carried out first, second- and third-degree ceremonies in one evening, among the honorary members of the lodge was Lord Cornwallis.
But it would only be a few years after the photograph was taken, that 13 members of the lodge were killed, while serving in action during the first world war, they were:
A Chapman, J Clarke, G Denton, C J L Leading, W W Hammond, F Hargreaves, H E Holland, S A Ingram, T A Knott, C W Laing, G E G Lewis, G W Press, F R Ransome, W B Saunders, J Shaw, and W G Warn.
One member of the lodge who stands out was, W.B. Traynor - he received the Victoria Cross in 1901 for the most courageous exploits in the face of the enemy during the Boer War.
Modern Day
The lodge still has members who have served in the military, although, these days its members come from all walks of life. Modern Technology has allowed us to colourise the photograph (below) bringing these historic masons back to life.
If you have information about any of those in the photo, the lodge would love to hear from you.
