The beginning and the founders
There must have been some informal soundings and discussions about the creation of a new Lodge in
Solihull, despite the days of austerity following the Second World War, but the first formal steps
were taken at a meeting held on 3rd December 1946. "By the kind invitation of W.Bro. Harold Cartwright,
a meeting of Masons was held at his home, Brueton Avenue, Solihull, to consider the desirability of
founding a Craft Lodge to meet in Solihull." Twelve worthy Masons were present on that occasion and,
having agreed to establish a Lodge, determined that W.Bro. Cartwright should be the first Worshipful
Master. Thus it was that a Timber Merchant, a Merchant, a Solicitor, an Industrial Research Chemist,
a General Manager, a Hosiery Manufacturer, a Sales Director, a Manager, a Manufacturer a Buyer,
a Journalist, an Advertisement Manager, a Sales Director, a Dental Surgeon, a Builders' Merchant,
a Manufacturer, an Insurance Broker and a Solicitor became founders of the lodge.
The first year of the Lodge would prove to be a busy one for W.Bro. Cartwright, since he was at
the same time Chairman of the Solihull Urban District Council. He was supported in both roles by
W.Bro. W.M.Mell, the first director of Ceremonies and the Town Clerk of Solihull.
The reasons for the formation of the new Lodge were given by W.Bro. H.S. Foster, a Founder, when he
headed a deputation of the Founders to his Mother Lodge, The Forest of Arden Lodge No 3862, on the 27th
June 1947, seeking sponsorship.
"Briefly, the object is to give young Masons who have the prosperity of the Craft at heart and
opportunity for progress and to exert our best endeavours to promote the genuine principles of the Art.
We also have in mind the convenience of Brethren living in the district and other good reasons."
As a matter for reflection, Members of the Lodge today might wish to consider that they have continued
to uphold and maintain those objects and precepts.
The Forest of Arden Lodge agreed to the request made of it and consented to the use of its furniture
for the Regular Meetings. This was most generous and fortuitous, since the first meeting place of the
new lodge was the Assembly Hall I the Council House, Poplar Road, Solihull, where the Forest of Arden
already met. The Urban District Council offered the accommodation "on the understanding the Lodge
would hold its meetings on the third Thursday in each month, and would use the furniture already
stored in the building for the Forest of Arden Lodge." It is significant to note that, although
the Lodge has had five different meeting places since it was founded, its Regular Meeting day has
never changed.
There were seven formal minuted meetings of the Founders. Amongst other important matters determined
was the first annual subscription - six guineas (£6.30), which included the dining fee! At the fifth
meeting of the Founders it was reported that the first two candidates for initiation had been
interviewed: Mr W.H.Twigg and Mr A.C.Caney. The third initiate reported to the next meeting was
Mr Raymond Priestly. Their candidature was proposed at the Consecration Meeting. W.Bro.Twigg was
initiated at the first regular meeting on 20th November 1947 by W.Bro.H.N.Cartwright, the first Master.
On the 10th Anniversary of the Consecration, in October 1957, W.Bro.Twigg was installed as Master.