THE
SMEATON LODGE
4352
Meeting in the Province of Devonshire, England
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ABOUT US
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.
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Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
Freemasons aim to shape their lives round four important values:
Integrity Friendship Respect ​Charity
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The Smeaton Lodge
Since our consecration 14th December 1921 at Friendship Masonic Hall, Devonport, The Smeaton Lodge 4352 has been a proud part of Freemasonry within the Province of Devonshire.
We’re committed to diversity and inclusion, the welfare of our members, families, charities and the advancement of Masonic knowledge through the craft and into further degrees within the Devonshire Province.
We pride ourselves on our warm hospitality and the friendship we offer both within meetings and at our festive board.
Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through an understanding of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.
Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.
Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry and the organisation provides the structure for members to make positive contributions to their communities and various causes through fundraising events or volunteer work. Individuals can make an important contribution at local, national and global level by giving both their time and money.
LODGE HISTORY
Consecration
During 1921 several meetings were held by a number of members of Friendship Lodge No. 202. To consider the formation of a new lodge. W.Bro W.M. Lebailly was chosen as the Chairman and W.Bro R. A. Jinks as Secretary.
It was eventually agreed to petition Grand Lodge for a warrant to form a new lodge. The new lodge was to be named The Smeaton Lodge. The name was chosen in commemoration of the engineer John Smeaton who built the third Eddystone lighthouse which was lit 1759.
It has not been ascertained that he was a Freemason, but his skill as a builder is undisputed.
The petition was signed by seven members and was also recommended by the Worshipful Master and Wardens of Friendship Lodge No. 202. It was then forwarded to the Provincial Grand Lodge for recommendation and final decision of the Grand Master.
At this time it was also agreed the W.Bro. G.W.M. Lebailly be the first Worshipful Master, W.Bro. J. Batten Senior Warden and W.Bro. J.W. Launder Junior Warden.
The warrant was granted on 7th September 1921, 5921 A.L. A transcript was included in the booklet of the first by-laws.
The consecration was held on Wednesday 14th December 1921, although two founders jewels the lodge has acquired have a bar indicating November.
The Smeaton Lodge No. 4352 was born, meeting on the third Tuesday of every month.
World War 2
During the night of 22nd April 1941, Friendship Masonic Hall, Granby Street, Devonport was destroyed by fire due to the ongoing enemy action. The earliest minute book, lodge regalia and personal regalia of W.Bro W. Rickard including his founder jewel were lost.
With the help of research by W.Bro. W.G. Down's P.Pr.J.G.W. and notes about the formation and consecration of the Smeaton Lodge, together with lodge circulars from the first regular meeting in January 1922 to the last meeting held at the Friendship Masonic Hall in April 1941, all left by W.Bro. W.F.W. Launder P.Pr.A.G.DC, who died April 1949, and donated by his wife to the lodge, it has been possible to assemble the history.
W.Bro. W.F.W. Launder P.Pr.A.G.DC was a founder member of the Smeaton Lodge and was its first Junior Warden, Serving as Worshipful Master in 1924, Treasurer from 1926 until 1943, a period of 17 years.
With the loss of earliest minute book, lodge regalia, lodge records etc the Worshipful Master W.Bro. M.W.N. Olver and Secretary W.Bro. W.S. Rickard, began negotiations with Huyshe Lodge No. 1099 to hold meetings at the Huyshe Masonic Hall.
An agreement was reached and at a meeting held on 16th September 1941, lodge members gave their approval and the first regular meeting of the Smeaton Lodge No. 4352 to be held at Huyshe Masonic Hall 21stOctober 1941. There was a 3 month notice clause on the tenancy agreement, rent would be £30 a year for 12 meetings and 4 extra meetings allowing for emergencies or committee meetings. Any additional meetings were to be charged at 10 Shillings 6 pence (half a guinea or 52.5p in new money).
With war time conditions, it was decided that during the winter months, October to April, the lodge would tyle at 14.30 on Saturdays.
There is no record of why, but on 21st September 1943, lodge meetings were transferred to St Aubyn Masonic Hall. Speculation has spread that maybe it was due to Huyshe Masonic Hall having no Refreshment facilities or a bar….
Post War Era
In the early years and post 1939-45 war, it was quite usual for 2 workings to be performed in one evening, ie. A first and a third. It was also usual for two candidates to be initiated or passed, although this was not allowed for a raising. It was eventually agreed never to have more than one candidate or ceremony at a meeting.
In 1963 the lodge approved a change of installation from December to March, the reason mainly to have better weather conditions and to avoid an important meeting so close to Christmas.
The weather on occasion is still just as inclement in March, Meaning that W.Bro. Downs Predecessor, W.Bro. Jack Lewis was Worshipful Master for 15 months.
In 1971 the lodge meetings were transferred back to the Huyshe Masonic Hall (they now had a bar and the rent was much less than St Aubyn Masonic Hall).
In September 1971 a service was held in Bartholomew Church, Milehouse to mark the Smeaton Lodge’s 50th Anniversary since consecration.
8th February 1991, Huyshe Masonic Hall permanently closed its doors meaning that the Smeaton Lodge moved once again back to St Aubyn. A move to an alternative venue was considered but it was agreed that the Smeaton Lodge should remain a Devonport lodge but that a change of evening would be implemented.
CHARITY
The Smeaton Lodge has donated to many various charities in the region. We are also supporters of the masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).
MCF vision
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Our Vision for Society
Everyone has the opportunity to lead positive, active and fulfilling lives, especially those that are in need, disadvantaged or marginalised
Our Vision for the Masonic Community
Masonic families are healthy, stable and secure thereby providing them with the opportunities to participate actively in their community and succeed in life.
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MCF mission
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To be a force for good by providing support, care and services to Freemasons and their families in need, and supporting other charities to help the most disadvantaged in society.
MCF values
To find out more please visit
The Masonic Charitable Foundation is the national charity of Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). UGLE is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and some Districts overseas.
To find out more about Freemasonry, visit ugle.org.uk
CALENDAR
Come Visit
We meet
Every third Tuesday
February, March (Installation), April, May, June, September, October, November & December
Tyle
Regular meeting - 18.45
Installation - 16.30
