Yeovil Chapter No. 519
Warranted 11th July, 1957
Lodge History
Support for a Chapter in South Somerset came initially from two different sources.
In Wincanton there were a number of Brethren canvassing for a Chapter in the area, not knowing that a group of Members from the Weymouth Chapter having business connections in Somerset, were doing likewise.
Both parties approached the Inspector General making known their intentions, and not surprisingly. Geo. Travers Biggs replied by pointing out the logic of combining their efforts.
This they did; an agreement was reached that Yeovil was better suited for development, and a Petition was submitted for a Chapter of that name.
The Chapter was Consecrated 7th October, 1957, by M:.P:.Bro:. Major R. L. Loyd OBE, MC, Sovereign Grand Commander assisted by Members of Supreme Council.
Ill:.Bro. A. L. Pope 31°, a Member of the WEYMOUTH Chapter and Dep. PGM. Dorset, was Enthroned as the first MWS.
The list of Founders contained the name of a Member who was to figure prominently in t he Chapter affairs in later years. Ill:.Bro:.Rev:.Preb. R. Denman was appointed in 1990 to succeed V:.Ill:.Bro:.Rev:.Preb. Harry Franklin, as Inspector General for the District of Somerset. His Installation was scheduled for the Chapter’s Regular Meeting in October along with the Enthronement of the MWS Elect. The numbers attending made it necessary to move the Meeting by dispensation to the Masonic Hall, Taunton.
Sir Lionel Brett, Lieutenant Grand Commander, a Member of the Chapter, was to have performed the Ceremony, but died suddenly only weeks beforehand.
The Meeting was of special significance in the history of the Chapter.
Current membership is 52.V:.Ill:.Bro:.Rev:.Preb. R. Denman was the first Inspector General to be appointed and installed for the District of Somerset since it became independent in 1987. Furthermore it was a great honour for the Chapter, not only to host the Ceremony, but also to Enthrone the MWS Elect in the presence of M:.P:.Bro. H. D. Still, Sovereign Grand Commander and Members of Supreme Council.
Throughout its history the Chapter has been privileged to count amongst its numbers several “Heads of Orders”, including a Member of Supreme Council and two Inspectors General.
Lodge Meeting
Meets at the Masonic Hall, Yeovil at17-30 on the third Tuesday in July and October and on the second Tuesday in March.
The Masonic Hall, Hendford, Yeovil BA20 1TQ (07747 672808).
Disabled Access: Difficult; access to building by 14 steep steps to rear of the building, 8 regular steps to the front plus lift access to Temple. Toilets on ground floor.
Approaching from East A30 & North A37 etc. – avoid town centre – continue towards A37 South then, joining with other routes from West A30, A303 and A3088, at R/Abt (Coopers Mill (PH)/Railway Inn), follow signs to Town Centre and Octagon Theatre along Hendford. MH is opposite Manor Hotel, large PCP at rear.
