Consecrated on the 24th January 1888

The Beginning. In response to a petition Grand Lodge issued on 9th November 1887 a warrant constituting the formation of ONSLOW LODGE and registered as number 2234.

New Picture — Constitution Hall, Guildford

The first beautifully written Lodge minutes record the proceedings of the special meeting of Freemasons held at the Constitutional Hall, High Street, Guildford (now ‘Timberland’ and ‘The North Face’ shops) on Tuesday 24th January 1888 convened by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Surrey, General Studholme Brownrigg, CB, for the purpose of consecrating Onslow
Lodge No. 2234. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W. Bro. Frederick West, P.G.D. and about fifty brethren attended.

The founders, all of whom have long since passed on, were:-

W. Bro. George Payne, P.P.G.D.C.

W. Bro. J. Ball P.M. 1564

W. Bro. S. George, P.M. 813

W. Bro. T. Dodd, W.M. 2101

W. Bro. R. Hunt, W.M. 45

W. Bro. W. Longward, P.M.78

W. Bro. L. Gene P.P.G.St.B. (Dorset)

Bro. E. Culley

Bro. G.R. Cocksedge

Bro. G. Burrell

Bro. J.H. Bailey

Bro. C.B. Oxley

Bro. E. Miles

Bro. E.H. Hitchcock

The minutes record that the Provincial Grand Chaplain gave a very interesting address on the nature of the Order. The Consecration then proceeded with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, being the Installing Officer, Dedicating the Lodge and giving the Benediction.

To learn more, read the commemorative booklet: Onslow Lodge Centenary 1888 – 1988