Antiquity Chapter No. 95
Lodge History
Antiquity Chapter emerged from the Antiquity Encampment of Knights Templar for in the 18th and early 19th centuries it was common for encampments to work the Rosae Crucis degree. This degree became the Rose Croix degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, administered by the Supreme Council.
In 1866 the encampment agreed to accept a warrant from the Supreme Council and thus Antiquity Chapter was formed. However, the Chapter took the position that it could continue to operate without regard to the Supreme Council regulations and, following an acrimonious exchange of correspondence, the Chapter was suspended in 1870 for acts of contumacy (stubborn refusal to obey or comply with authority).
The Chapter ignored the suspension and continued to meet, and in the late 1870s a member, Sir Frederick Goldney, who was a prominent Freemason, approached the Supreme Council with a view to a reconciliation and, following some negotiations, the warrant was returned.
Antiquity Chapter is the only chapter under the Supreme Council to have been suspended but, since the return of its warrant in 1882, it has been a loyal adherent to the Rules and Regulations of the Supreme Council. During the period of suspension numbers had been allocated to chapters and the Chapter was given the next number on the roll (95) when the warrant was returned. Several times it has tried to obtain a lower number (a number in the early 20s would be appropriate), commensurate with date of its warrant, but the Supreme Council has always refused the Chapter’s overtures.
Nevertheless the Chapter meets in good heart supported by the many Bath Craft Lodges.
Lodge Meeting
The Chapter meets at the Masonic Hall, Old Orchard Street, Bath on the third Thursday in April, the third Tuesday in September and the Tuesday before Advent in November.
Disabled Access: Cloakroom, dedicated disabled toilet, and Temple are all available on the ground floor. Access to the bar and dining room on the first floor is by two flights of stairs.
The Masonic Hall, Old Orchard Street BAl 1JU (01225 462233)
MH in Old Orchard Street off Henry St. limited street parking. From North & East (M4/A46/A4) enter on A4. Follow Bristol signs. At Railway over bridge turn right (signed City Centre). At junction turn left into Manvers St. PCP is 150 metres on left. From South East enter on A36. Follow City Centre as above. From South enter on A367. Follow City Centre signs to Dorchester St. and pass Bus Station. Turn left at Railway Station into Manvers St. PCP 200 metres on right. Henry St. is opposite PCP. From South West/West (A37/A39/A4) enter on A39-A4-A36. Keep on A36 to Churchill River Bridge then follow City Centre to Bus Station as above. Additional parking beneath Southgate Shopping Centre (entrance immediately after pedestrian crossing at junction of A367 Corn St. with Dorchester St.).
