About the Lodge
Forest Lodge No 1852 is a very friendly, inclusive and inviting group of men from varying professions and backgrounds both currently in employment or retired, who meet at 6.00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of every month between October and April at the Mansfield Masonic Hall in Nottinghamshire.
We have a proud 142 year history in Mansfield with almost 50 members. The Lodge members have varied interests and we actively engage in social events especially during the summer months including, BBQ’s, day trips, and hotel stays in various parts of the country. These social events are often used to raise additional funds for charity purposes. We have an evening meal after each meeting which coincides with an aim to raise charitable funds.
We have a wide age group within our membership within the Lodge with a long history of fine tradition that has a progressive aim, and are looking to recruit new joining members.
If you are looking to be a part of a forward thinking group that strives to provide its members with the opportunity to embark on a life long journey of learning and self-discovery while actively supporting the local community, then Forest Lodge is for you.
Further information including annual lodge membership fees can be obtained from our Lodge membership officer Steve Grummett Tel. 07970 906659.
Lodge History
Forest Lodge No. 1852 was formed at a meeting on Monday 9th February 1880 at Mansfield Town Hall. Sixteen joining members were proposed and seconded on this date together with twelve candidates being proposed. The banquet following the consecration was held in the Swan Hotel Mansfield at a cost of 7 shillings and 6 pence per head. This equates to approximately £150.00 by todays monetary standards. Also for consideration is that average salaries in 1880 were £46.00 per annum and this equates to approximately £19,000.00 today (2023).
However, this banquet was substantial and consisted of seven courses, the full menu of which is still held in Lodge records.
A special train was laid on at 10pm that evening in order to get Nottingham Masons back home, and interestingly, in these early years, all Mansfield train station masters were members of Forest Lodge.
In 1884 Forest Lodge held a ‘Lodge Ball’ which was the forerunner for now popular Ladies Evening which is currently held in January each year.
Initial Lodge meetings were held in The Swan Hotel but then moved to Mansfield Town Hall in 1887 where they continued for the next 50 years with a few exceptions during the First World War.
In October 1914 Forest Lodge financed and provided accommodation for Belgian refugees escaping the conflict in Europe, at 65 Westgate in Mansfield town centre.
A major celebration took place to commemorate Forest Lodge’s Jubilee on Wednesday 26th February 1930.
In the early 1930’s a number of Forest Lodge members purchased a building then known as Sherwood House on Nottingham Road Mansfield and after alterations to the building it became Mansfield Masonic Hall. Forest Lodge held its first meeting in the new hall in October 1936 and has met there continuously since that first meeting.
Mansfield Masonic Hall has also since become the meeting place for a number of other Masonic Lodges from the Mansfield and Ashfield area.
Forest Lodge’s centenary celebration was held on the 11th February 1980.
Since Forest Lodge’s centenary the Lodge has continued to thrive and has the honour of one member currently appointed as the Grand Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Nottinghamshire (The Royal Arch).
In addition, Forest Lodge has also had the honour of two members having been appointed as Provincial Grand Masters for Nottinghamshire. One of whom, Right Worshipful Brother P G Marshall currently holds that rank (2023).
Ideal Candidate
To retain current members and recruit new members in Forest Lodge with the below detailed candidate profile:
• Men of all ages and backgrounds
• Interests in all types of social activities
• Has good interpersonal skills within a large group
• Be in full or part time employment or retired
• Be able to attend meetings and rehearsals (Wednesdays) between October and April of each year
• Have the ability to learn and follow the fine traditions of Forest Lodge
• Interested in being involved in Lodge activities and supporting local charities