About our Masonic Lodge
Discover more about the humble beginnings of our Masonic lodge for men living and working in Cobham, Surrey
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About Coveham Masonic Lodge. Meeting in Surbiton, Surrey
Lets start our journey in 1920. It was then that a petition was submitted to the United Grand Lodge of England by Worshipful Brother RC. Lee.
Like any petition, it must have good reasons to form a lodge.
W. Bro Lee submitted four compelling reasons to benefit the local community in Cobham:
1. It would be more convenient for Masons living in Cobham who currently meet in Guildford, London, and Kingston, to meet locally.
2. A number of local men who wished to become Masons would have had to join Lodges further afield.
3. Ten local men had expressed a wish to join Masonry but would not do so unless a Lodge was formed in Cobham due to the inaccessibility of Cobham to towns where Lodges were then being held.
4. Cobham, with a population of nearly 6,000, was large enough to support a Lodge of its
own.
The Founding ‘Father’ of The lodge
W. Bro RC. Lee
Born in Epsom to Richard and Rebecca Lee. The Lee family was one of the oldest families in Cobham with over eight generations being involved in business as blacksmiths, farriers, ironmongers and builders.
W. Bro Lee was appointed the Founding Secretary of Coveham Lodge for three years until he was elected Worshipful Master in 1924.
Following his year as Master, He resumed his duties as Lodge Secretary for a further 14 years until 1939 when his son, Bro Kenneth Rayner Chenery Lee, was Installed as Master of the Lodge.
In 1940 W. Bro Lee was forced to retire from office as Secretary due to ill health and the following year he was promoted in the Province of Surrey to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.
Meeting Places of the lodge
Royal Oak Hotel, Portsmouth Road
(demolished 1970). 1921 to 1948
Cobham Parish Rooms, Spencer Road
(now Girl Guide Hall). 1921 to 2021
New Bull Hotel, North Street, Leatherhead
(demolished 1990s) 1947 – 1969
Surbiton Masonic Centre, Glenmore House,
The Crescent, Surbiton. 1969 to Present Day
A fascinating read into a lodge steeped in history with a few surprises!
Like any Freemasons Lodge in Surrey, Coveham Lodge is no different.
During its history and modern day membership there have been many members with facinating backgrounds.
From D-Day Veterans, RAF Flight Lieutenant, Local Government Officer and an Olympic Games athlete who, in 1952, represented Iceland!
Ready to find out more about Coveham Lodge?
What to expect
Get in touch with Coveham Masonic Lodge.
We would invite you to meet locally in relaxed surroundings to have a chat over a coffee or beer at a local pub.