The Heart of England Lodge was consecrated by the R.W.Bro. Brig. Gen. W.H.Darrell, Assistant Grand
Master, Provincial Grand Master on Thursday 16th October 1947, at the Council House, Poplar Road,
Solihull, where, as the minutes record,
"the Founders and visitors to the number of 130
were present."
Since this was a normal working day at the offices of the Local Authority, with staff and members of
the public going about their legitimate business, it is not surprising that the copy of the summons
incorporated in the Minute Book has the pencilled message on it "We are being watched from door
behind the WM." Perhaps someone's curiosity had been aroused by the large number of similarly attired
gentlemen, all carrying cases, arriving at the building at more or less the same time, and they wanted
to find out more. We will never know, and, likewise, we will never know who wrote the message, or to
whom, or with what result.
Without doubt, however, the Consecration would have been an impressive occasion, with 16 Grand Officers
supporting the Assistant Grand Master and the Lodge. W.Bro.Cartwright was installed by
W.Bro. Chas. F. Monk P.G.D, Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Working Tools were presented by
W.Bro.G.G.Alderson, P.G.D, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. A collection taken on behalf of the
Warwickshire Masonic Benevolent Fund was taken and amounted to £15-5-0. "Hearty good wishes and
congratulations on behalf of all the visitors" were tendered by W.Bro.C.Checkley, Master of Forest
of Arden Lodge.