About Redwood Lodge
Redwood Lodge 3411 is a daughter lodge of Dormer 2222, consecrated 19th December 1887.
The lodge was consecrated on the 14th December 1909 at the Sun Hotel, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. It was the 50th lodge in the Province of Surrey and the name comes from George H Redwood, who was at the time Provincial Grand Secretary of Surrey, he later became Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Surrey.
In 1913 the lodge meetings transferred to Surbiton Assembly Rooms, but because this building was taken over for billeting of troops during the First World War, it moved back to the Sun, and then moved again in 1919 to Nuthall's Restaurant.
Throughout the First World War the lodge continued to meet regularly despite many members being on war service, at one meeting the charity box amounted to 4 shillings 10d (about 24p).
The period between the two World Wars was one of steady progress, in 1921 the lodge took shares in the Kingston, Surbiton and District Masonic Hall Ltd, which has been our home ever since (Glenmore House). In June 1921 the Redwood Chapter 3411 was founded.
The Second World War 1939-45 brought another difficult period to test the resilience of the lodge; the National Emergency caused the temporary abandonment of Masonic meetings, though Redwood only lost 3. Lodge funds helped to provide comforts for brethren serving their country despite ladies festivals and garden parties that were used to raise money were being cancelled due to the blitz. Dress was not always formal since coupons were necessary to buy clothing and the meal after a meeting was reduced to a buffet. Masonic Jewels were surrendered and melted down so that the proceeds could be given to the Treasury as a Masonic gift.
The Second World War over, and despite the difficult post-war years, the lodge soon advanced to normality, by 1950 the members were attending once more in formal clothing. In 1951 the Redwood Class of Instruction and Improvement was formed.
The members always gave generously to Charities and by 1959 Redwood Lodge 3411 were the following:-
- Patron of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
- Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls
- Founding Lodge and Patron of the Royal Masonic Hospital
- Vice-Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys
With the Second World War and rationing over the lodge grew and grew, so much so that in 1964 one meeting was attended by 127 masons, the largest ever attendance in the history of the lodge so far. There have been many family connections within the lodge, Father and Sons, so the character and spirit of the lodge grew, in 1965 the lodge was now on the: - Roll of Double Patron of the Royal Masonic Hospital.
In March 1966 the lodge approved a payment towards the 250th Anniversary Commemorative Fund of Grand Lodge and by September 1966 the jewel had been received and attached to the Masters Collar.
The last three decades or so have seen many changes and advances in the world and the society in which we live. Naturally, the impact on Freemasonry has been to reflect and react to these changes. The timings of meetings, for example, have adapted to accommodate busier lives and the work practises of the members. The interest and dedication of the brethren of Redwood to maintain the truly Masonic tradition has remained firm, however, and strong fellowship has continued to be a trademark of the Lodge.
The age profile of the members now incorporates a lower average and certainly, the length of time taken to achieve the honour of the Chair has decreased. A steeper learning curve and perhaps harder work are now required.
Greater mobility has seen the geographic spread of members and although we continue to meet at the excellent facility of Glenmore House, we can no longer claim to be a localised Lodge. We have maintained a rich diversity of member’s occupations and interests which provide plenty of conversation and repartee at the Festive Board.
In the mid-nineteen eighties, a bold decision was taken by the committee to move the annual Ladies Night from a local venue to a hotel in Bournemouth. This proved very successful and the weekend away with both member and their guests has become a permanent feature of our calendar.
The steady development of the facilities at Glenmore house has also allowed us to stage other social gatherings like a pre Christmas carol evening and race nights. These events, together with our usual giving, have allowed the Lodge to maintain its good record of charitable donations to both Masonic and other chosen causes.
The first one hundred years of Redwood Lodge have provided a wide spectrum of men with a stimulating and satisfying Masonic habit. The enthusiasm of the current members to continue in this vein for years to come is tangible.
Daughter Lodges
- Lumen 4922 consecrated 27th June 1927
- Glenmore 5543 consecrated 18th October 1935
- Moreford 7097 consecrated 1st September 1951
- Lamborn 8733 consecrated 15th October 1976
- Hale 9272 consecrated 15th July 1988