FRANCIS DAVIES LODGE No 5035
Further history of Freemasonry is available below.
LODGE HISTORY
Harmonic Lodge No.252 (Dudley)
Consecrated 23rd July 1784
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Stability Lodge No.564 (Stourbridge)
Consecrated 28th June 1849
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Masefield Lodge No 2034 (Kings Heath)
Consecrated 6th May 1884
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Francis Davies Lodge No.5035 (Kings Heath)
Consecrated 26th September 1928
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Weatheroak Lodge No.7214 (Kings Heath)
Consecrated 17th December 1952
THE BEGINNING
The
Rt.Wor.Bro.Gen. Sir Francis J. Davies, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.,
K.C.V.O., D.L., P.G.D.,
Provincial Grand Master
Sir Francis served the Province of Worcestershire for 29 years, during which time he consecrated forty new lodges. For twelve of those years he also held the position of Deputy Grand Master of English Freemasonry. On two occasions he led delegations abroad, to the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1937 and the bi-centenary celebrations of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia in 1938. He lived in the village of Elmley castle where he hosted a garden party on two occasions, for the benefit of the Boys Festival 1925 and for the Girls festival in 1940.
In the year 1928 Worcestershire became a “Recorded Province” because of 175 liberal contributions to the million memorial fund. Later that year on the 26th September, he was delighted to consecrate the Lodge that was to bear his name, Francis Davies Lodge 5035. A picture of “Sir Francis” was presented in 1972 by Woodlands Lodge No.6116 and still holds pride of place beside the warrant of the lodge on each lodge night.
Sir Francis passed to the Grand Lodge above on 1st May, 1948. He will be long remembered as a great Mason and an example to be emulated.
LODGE FORMATION
You will see from the family tree above that the early history of Francis Davies Lodge is very closely connected with the Masefield Lodge 2034, and more particularly its Lodge of Instruction. The Preceptor at the time was was W.Bro C.B.Bishop, and it was he and W.Bro H.C.Lewis, Treasurer of which, were the prime movers in the founding of Francis Davies Lodge. At this time Masefield Lodge had a membership of 85, so there was plenty of scope for the formation of a new Lodge. The Petition to form Francis Davies Lodge was certified by the three principle Officers of Masefield Lodge: W.Bro. A.W.Smallwood Worshipful Master, Bro. Lt.Col.J.W.Pearce Senior Warden, and Bro. A.E.Coley Junior Warden
CONSECRATION
The Lodge was consecrated on 26th September 1928 at the Masonic Hall, Institute Road, Kings Heath by Rt.W.Bro. General Sir Francis Davies, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.L., P.G.D., Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire. The Lodge has always been very proud that it is named after so eminent a Mason. The Lodge was greatly honoured when permission was granted by Sir Francis for the Lodge to adopt his motto “Deus Tuetur ( The Lord protecteth). This appears on the Lodge banner, specially designed by Bro. J. A. Swan, and hand embroidered by a team of ladies who volunteered to carry out the work.
The proceedings commenced with a luncheon at which The Provincial Grand Master presided. This was on a far more lavish scale than obtains now-a-days, being nearly as elaborate as the banquet which followed the meeting. There were 100 diners in attendance.
THE LODGE MEETING PLACE
After its consecration the Lodge continued to meet at the Masonic Hall, Institute Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham until 1937. At that time the venue changed to The new Temple at Alcester Road South. The new Temple was opened on 28th August 1937. The dedicating Officer was Rt.W.Bro. General Sir Francis Davies, Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England and Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire.