The Ancient Charges define a lodge as "a place where freemasons assemble to work and to instruct and improve themselves in the mysteries of the ancient science. In an extended sense it applies to persons as well as to place; hence every regular assembly or duly organised meeting of masons is called a lodge".
The Lodge
There have been two Masonic Halls in Lewes, both on the same site. The original was built by South Saxon Lodge in 1797. Apart from some passing military lodges, Pelham is the fourth lodge to have found a home in the historic county town.
The warrant was issued by the Grand Master in February 1870, and the lodge was consecrated on Friday 22 April of that year. We celebrated our 150 years in April 2020.
Because we were formed before the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex, we do not have to align to the Sussex Ritual, and we have some unique and quirky traditions that we are very proud of.
Lord Pelham
The lodge is named after Lord Pelham, who was Provincial Grand Master of Sussex when it was consecrated in 1870. He was correctly known at the time as the Hon. Walter John, Lord Pelham of Stanmer, in the County of Sussex. He was born in 1838 and was a descendant of a long line of Pelhams extending back to Norman times.
For the building we meet in, see the history of the Lewes Temple.
