Lodge of Agriculture 1199

Origins and Founding Members

The Lodge was brought to life by members who had strong ties to the nearby Province of Bristol. Most of the founding members came from the Beaufort Lodge No. 103 in Bristol, with others from nearby lodges, including the Royal Sussex Lodge of Hospitality. Among them were W.Bro. James Roger Bramble, Bro. John Hurd, Bro. William Partridge, Bro. Thomas W. Hardwick, Bro. Gilbert P. Montague Blackburn, Bro. Alfred Wm. Stiff, and Bro. Henry Belcher.

Despite their ties to Bristol, many of the founders lived locally—Bramble and Hurd in Yatton, Partridge in Congresbury, and Stiff in Cleeve. It’s little wonder the Lodge’s early influence and support came from Bristol. The Beaufort Lodge is affectionately known as the "Mother Lodge," a sentiment reflected in one of the earliest surviving menu cards from 1868. Officially, however, the Mother Lodge is Rural Philanthropic No. 291.

The First Meetings and Growth

The Lodge held its first meeting on December 11th, 1867, at the Ship and Castle Inn in Congresbury. Six candidates were proposed for initiation, including the Rev. William Hunt, Vicar of Congresbury, and James Mountstevens, who later became the proprietor of the Railway Hotel in Yatton. Just a month later, on January 14th, 1868, the Lodge held its official Consecration Ceremony, performed by Col. Alexander Wm. Adair, the Provincial Grand Master.

At just 26 years old, W.Bro. James Roger Bramble became the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master. Despite his age, he already had an impressive Masonic background and would go on to serve as the Provincial Grand Master of Bristol and a Past Grand Deacon in the Grand Lodge.

Establishing Freemasonry in the Region

Early on, the Lodge played a vital role in expanding Freemasonry throughout Somerset. In March 1868, it supported the petition to create a Lodge in Weston-super-Mare. Later that year, its first daughter Lodge, St Kew No. 1222, was founded.

Notable members from this time included W.Bro. William Long, who joined in 1868 and later became a respected figure in both Somerset Freemasonry and public life. He went on to serve as Provincial Grand Master from 1909 to 1926 and was honoured with a special gavel and a unique illuminated book for his charitable work.

Another key figure was W.Bro. C.L.F. Edwards, who joined in 1869. He served the Lodge in multiple roles over a span of decades and was instrumental in producing the first Provincial Handbook for Somerset in 1882.

Changing Times and New Locations

By 1891, the Lodge had outgrown its original location. After some unusual disruptions—including unwanted spectators peering through windows from boats on the River Yeo—it was decided to move to the Railway Hotel in Yatton. The first meeting there was held in February 1892.

In 1935, the Lodge took a major step by moving to its current home, Larchmount Hall. The building had suffered a fire, and its interior was redesigned by W.Bro. P.B. Rigg. The new Lodge Room was officially opened on March 16th, 1936, with a dedication ceremony led by Brigadier General C.L. Norman.

War Years and Community Spirit

World War II brought many challenges. With travel restrictions and military use of the Lodge’s premises, meetings were rescheduled to Saturdays and winter months were skipped altogether. Yet the Lodge endured.

One of the most cherished traditions, “Farmer’s Night,” began in 1945. Spearheaded by local farmers, the event includes a supper and charitable collection. Over the decades, it has raised over £40,000 for Masonic charities. Today, it remains a highlight of the Lodge calendar.

Continued Growth and Legacy

In 1947, the Lodge founded its third daughter Lodge, the Winscombe Lodge, further extending Freemasonry’s reach in the region. A particularly memorable event occurred in 1954, when Sir Allan Adair, Assistant Grand Master and great-grandson of the man who had consecrated the Lodge in 1868, attended a meeting.

Throughout its history, the Lodge of Agriculture has supported Masonic charities and institutions, including the Royal Masonic Hospital, and remains a proud Patron of the three core Masonic Charities.

Looking to the Future

The Lodge of Agriculture has a rich legacy, built on the dedication of its members over more than 150 years. From humble beginnings in a village inn to a well-established institution in Somerset Freemasonry, the Lodge continues to thrive—thanks to its members' commitment to fellowship, charity, and tradition.

Whether you're already part of Freemasonry or simply curious, the Lodge of Agriculture offers a welcoming and historic insight into the heart of this unique and enduring fraternity.