Our Origins
In the 1980s, the Masonic community in Buckinghamshire—particularly in the south—was thriving, with lodges such as Hall Barn No. 8480, Seer Green No. 9055, and Penn & Tylers Green No. 5876 boasting strong membership numbers. However, new members often waited long before taking their first office. To address this, a committee explored the possibility of forming a new lodge supported by steady growth and a robust pipeline of initiates.
On 5 October 1985, fifteen dedicated petitioners convened to final ise the by-laws and appoint founding officers. W. Bro. H. H. Deacon was elected Chairman, and W. Bro. D. Ogborn became Secretary.
Choosing a name to honour the legacy and service of R.W. Bro. Major General the Rt. Hon. Lord Burnham, Past Provincial Grand Master and father of the then-current Provincial Grand Master, members agreed to adopt the title Frederick Lawson Lodge, while committing to conduct ceremonies using Emulation Ritual.
Founding Officers
The original officers included:
- W. Bro. Henry Hazard (Harry) Deacon, D.F.C. – First Worshipful Master
- W. Bro. Horatio Nelson Hall – Senior Warden
- W. Bro. Jack Cohen – Junior Warden
Additional officers were appointed as follows:
- Acting I.P.M.: W. Bro. Colin James
- Chaplain: W. Bro. Ted Taylor
- Secretary: W. Bro. David Ogborn
- D.C.: W. Bro. Doug Bygrave
- S.D.: Bro. David Milne
- J.D.: Bro. Tom Jones
- Charity Steward: W. Bro. John Zammit
- Almoner: W. Bro. Colin James
- A.D.C.: Bro. Doug Wiggins
- Asst. Sec.: Bro. John Peasgood
- I.G.: Bro. Dave Thomson
- Steward: Bro. Bill Ridden
The lodge was sponsored by Hall Barn Lodge No. 8480. Annual subscriptions were set at £30 (excluding dining fees), with a founder’s fee of £275 covering centre costs, warrant, regalia, working tools, and consecration expenses.
The Lodge of Instruction. was set to meet at 19:30 on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in each month from September to June inclusive with every brother contributing 0.50p towards the cost of hiring the room.
Consecration Ceremony
Frederick Lawson Lodge No. 9185 was consecrated at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre at 3:00 pm on 8 March 1986.
The consecrating officers included:
- R.W. Bro. Lt. Col. the Rt. Hon. Lord Burnham, D.L. (Provincial Grand Master)
- W. Bro. Eric J. Deung, P.S.G.D. (Deputy Provincial Grand Master)
- W. Bro. Stanley A. Cayzer, P.S.G.D., L.G.R. (Assistant Provincial Grand Master)
- W. Bro. George A. Gibb, C.B., P.A.G.D.C. (Assistant Provincial Grand Master)
- W. Bro. K.C. Speaks (Provincial S.G.W.)
- W. Bro. F.D.W. Fall (Provincial J.G.W.)
- W. Bro. Rev. T.R. Boyle (Provincial Grand Chaplain)
- W. Bro. Dr. R.G. Fender (Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary)
- W. Bro. R.K.C. Holton (Director of Ceremonies)
- W. Bro. N.M.D. Hooper (Provincial Grand Pursuivant, Inner Guard)
Ceremonial music was performed by the Thames Consort, directed by W. Bro. J. Howard Harries, B.A., P.P.G.W.
A total of 89 Brethren from across lodges participated, with attendance formally recorded in the lodge minute book. Preceding the ceremony, the Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to the late W. Bro. George A. Gibb, causing attendees to stand in silence.
The consecration followed established tradition: the Warrant was read, officers were approved, prayers and symbolic rituals were performed—perambulating with corn, wine, oil, and salt to symbolise plenty, joy, peace, and fidelity—followed by a dedication ceremony, benediction, and installation of the first Worshipful Master.
Visiting dignitaries then addressed the Master, Wardens, and assembled brethren. The lodge was formally adopted, and honorary memberships were conferred to the consecrating officers. New membership proposals and the first initiation candidates were also undertaken. The alms collection raised £96, and the lodge adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Frederick Lawson Lodge was the first lodge to be consecrated at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.
Summary
Frederick Lawsonn Lodge No. 9185 is a Saturday lodge, meeting at Beaconsfield in February, April, June, October and December. Established in response to robust membership needs in the Province of Buckinghamshire, the lodge was conceived in October 1985 and consecrated on 8 March 1986, with a full complement of officers and ceremonial support from Provincial Grand Lodge. The lodge honours R.W. Bro. Lord Burnham IV through its name and follows Emulation Ritual. It has a warm community fellowship — meeting five times a year with a festive White Table at its Christmas meeting.
