Brief History on Berries Lodge 2928
History claims that Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who would build our cathedrals and castles. The aim was to shape the lives of its members round four important values Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.
The first Grand Lodge was established to govern Freemasonry in England and Wales on 24th June 1717 during a meeting of four Lodges at a pub in the City of London called the Goose and Gridiron. Over 300 years later Freemasonry now consists of 6800 Lodges with 200,000 members in England and Wales and approx. 6 million members worldwide. Berkshire have 100 Lodges with almost 3000 members with Berries one of them. The Duke of Kent is our Grand Master, he was installed on 14th June 1967 and still holds that office today in 2021.
Ellington Lodge was one of the first Lodges to be formed in the Maidenhead area meeting at the Town Hall. Their members decided to sponsor another Lodge called Berries Lodge No 2928 on the register of Grand Lodge. The name Berries derived from the lane in Cookham in which The Crown, which was their meeting place, was situated. The 'Berries' are two fields adjoining the river Thames - The Berry and Little Berry - divided by land which is known as Berries Road. There was a church in Little Berry which is mentioned in the Doomsday Book (1086). It is the Norman Holy Trinity Church, and the members of the new Lodge chose to have the church represented in the Lodge emblem.
The Consecration was carries out by V W Bro J T Morland PGD, Dep PGM in charge at the Crown Hotel, Berries Road on 7th October 1902. The Primus Master was W Bro Charles William Cox Past Master of Ellington Lodge and there were 22 Founders and over 60 attended this special occasion. The first regular meeting of the Lodge was two weeks later when no less than fourteen gentlemen were initiated, one of whom was W J Elliott who subsequently became Provincial Grand Secretary. The Lodge has a history of strict Emulation working and The Berries Lodge of Instruction was formed and sanctioned within two months of the Lodge been formed. The name was changed in the 1980s to Maidenhead District Lodge of Instruction as an encouragement to all freemasons in the Maidenhead area to participate in the activities.
From 1774 Maidenhead Masonry flourished with eleven Lodges formed and consecrated. Berries sponsored Hundred of Bray Lodge No 6326 which was founded in 1947 and only recently sponsored The Gourmet Lodge, which is a fine-dining Lodge meeting twice a year. All Lodges would get-together at the Guildhall 1914-1920, High Town Road 1920-1982 and finally Linden Hall 1982-1985. Unfortunately, because of the work involved and the cost Linden Hall had to be sold and the Lodges except Berries moved away to either the Sindlesham Masonic Centre, Windsor Masonic Hall or Wokingham Masonic Hall. The money raised with selling Linden Hall was given to the Province to build an extension at Sindlesham called 'The Maidenhead Room'. Berries were determined to stay in the local area and moved to Shoppenhangers Manor for several enjoyable years. Then the Lodge moved to Moor Hall in Cookham opposite The Crown where the Lodge began all those years ago. You could say Berries had done a full circle but regretfully we had to change our meeting place to the Maidenhead Golf Club where we continue to assemble.
Over the year Berries have been very fortunate to have members from all walks of life, trade or profession and several stand out for their contribution to the Lodge. W Bro Eric Blay 'Mr. Masonry of Maidenhead' was responsible for introducing many men into Berries and served has Secretary for 27 years. W Bro Bert Wheeler and his brother Arthur who made the Lodge furniture were present at every meeting. W Bro Harold Eales and his son Graham played a big part in moving the Lodge forward and W Bro Cyril Halliday who was Preceptor of the Maidenhead and District Lodge of Instruction for many years. Finally, V W Bro Peter Sands who will be celebrating 50 years' dedicated service to Freemasonry in November 2021 became Worshipful Master in 1979 and again at the Centenary Celebrations in 2002. Peter, who is well-known in the community, also became Dep PGM and Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree from 2007-2013.
Berries can look back on two very special occasions with pride when it was time to celebrate their 50 glorious years and their Centenary in 2002. The Jubilee meeting was attended by the Dep PGM V W Bro Bertie Browne, together with several Grand Officers, members and guests giving a total of 104 and a good time was had by all. Food was still rationed but the alcohol flowed freely. The Centenary Meeting which incorporated the Installation Ceremony, Act of Thanksgiving and New Banner Dedication was a night to remember. The pageantry, the parading of the Maidenhead Lodge banners, the exhibition of the dress of the day (1902) which was provided by Windsor Theatre, the many photos of members and Maidenhead past and present were also on display. Two hundred and sixty attended this memorable and momentous evening with everyone enjoying each other's company.
Menu:
- Fruit de Mer et Champagne
- Potage a la Biere
- Canard Bonhomme Normand - Legumes du jour
- Mousse de Chocolat et Cognac
- Plat du Fromage Francais
- Cafe ou The
The Provincial Grand Master Right W Bro Digby Woods was present, and W Bro John Halliday proposed his toast, W Bro Adrian Quick gave the toast to Grand Lodge and W Bro John Nixon the visitors, what a night.
Freemasonry is recognized as one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the world and gives over £40 million to masonic and non-masonic causes each year. It is not only donating money, but freemasons also give many hours of voluntary work within the local community. Berries have played their part over the years by donating to The Thames Valley Adventure Playground, Holyport Manor School. The Brett Foundation, Rosie's Rainbow Fund and many more worthy local charities who are desperate for help and support.
If you consider joining you will embark on a masonic journey, make new friendships, contribute to charitable causes and help you lead a better and fulfilled life.
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