Rushden’s New Masonic Hall

Pemberton Lodge of Freemasons (No 3039)

The Masonic Hall in Wellingborough Road

Notable Day for Pemberton Lodge

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. G. F. E. Wilkinson, visited Rushden yesterday (Thursday) to open a new Masonic Hall for the Pemberton Lodge. The Lodge has hitherto lacked premises of its own, but the new hall gives it conveniences and appointments worthy of its position and purpose.

On the south side of Wellingborough-road, and near the centre of town, the hall stands high on land which is likely to be developed considerably within the next few years. The exterior is of unpretentious design, built in two stories of dark Hopping Hill brick with Finedon stone dressings. The front portion is covered by a flat roof, but over the principal rooms at the rear the roof is pitched, giving additional height to the Lodge rooms.

On the lower floor is the dining room, giving ample accommodation for 120 guests, with folding doors connecting it with a small lounge. The kitchen also is on this floor.

Over the dining room is a Lodge room of similar size, lighted, according to the traditions of Freemasonry, with one small window only. There is a stepped dais at one end, and the fittings and furnishings combine to make it an impressive meeting place. Also on the upper floor are robing rooms for the officers and brothers. There is central heating and electric lighting. The floors throughout the building are of pitch pine, and the other woodwork is Oregon pine.

Mr. H. Adnitt, of Rushden, is the architect, Messrs. Packwood and Son are the builders, and Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin have done the joinery.

After the formal opening of the building the Installation Festival was held, the following officers receiving their appointments: Bro. L. Perkins, W. Master; W. Bro. J. Roe, I.P.M.; Bro. H. Timpson, S. Warden; Bro. J. A. Harris, J. Warden; W. Bro. W. Rial, Chaplain; W. Bro. A. E. Wright, Treasurer; W. Bro. F. W. Margetts, Secretary; W. Bro. O. Claridge, D of Cer.; Bro. O. A. H. Muxlow, S. Deacon; Bro. W. L. Claridge, I Deacon; W. Bro. H. O. Miller, A.D. of Cer.; W. Bro. J. Roe, Almoner; Bro. W. Harding, Organist; Bro. I. G. Roberts, A. Sec.; Bro. R. O. Bailey, I. Guard; Bro. J. H. Carroll, S. Steward; Bros. S. Robinson, H. C. Tomkins and A. W. Head, J Stewards; Bro. F. Tassell, Tyler.

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