Forming
The forming of North Worcestershire Lodge began with a founders meeting at the old Stechford Masonic Hall in Station Rd, Stechford. The following are extracts from the founders minute book dated March 1967.

The meeting was chaired by W.Bro H.E. Clive, O.B.E. P.G.D., Deputy Provincial Grand Master. W.Bro Clive addressed the meeting and enquired as to the reasons for promoting the formation of a new Lodge, the reasons put forward were as follows:

• The Furtherance of Craft masonry in the province of Worcestershire.
• The opportunity of practicing Freemasonry between brethren already in social contact but belonging to separate Lodges.
• The possibility of more rapid advancement in the Craft for the junior brethren than would be otherwise possible.

These reasons were accepted by W.Bro Clive and he then asked the brethren to appoint a secretary to the founders of the Lodge, Bro D.L. Jessop was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved to act as secretary of the founders. The title of 'The North Worcestershire Lodge' having been put before the meeting for comment and discussion, was proposed, seconded, and unanimously resolved that this name be used.

The proposed meeting place for the new Lodge was to be the Stechford Masonic Hall, the directions of which had been indicated that the Lodge would have use of the rooms on the first Friday of the month, commencing in February 1968.

Founders
We pay a special tribute here, by remembering all of the Founders of the Lodge, for without them, there would be no Lodge. Sadly, all but one have have either resigned from the Lodge or passed to the Grand Lodge above. W.Bro R.W. Hart is an Honorary member and attends whenever possible.

Sponsors

Merston Culy Lodge

All Lodges are sponsored by another Lodge and these are commonly known as the 'Mother Lodges'. On the 18th April 1967, the North Worcestershire Lodge founders minute book records that North Worcestershire Lodge should adapt the by-laws from Merston Culy Lodge No 6879, and so, from that day forward, they became the Lodge sponsors and our mother Lodge

Lodge of Merston Culy itself, was sponsored by the Samaritan Lodge No 5728 and was consecrated on 27th August 1949.

Merston Culey is the medieval name of the local village of Marston Green, though it appears in the doomsday book as “Merstone” which is said to indicate “Marshy Farmstead”. When the 1262 assize rolls were drawn up, the manor was then held by a certain Ralph de Culy.

Two Merston Culy Past Masters were amongst the founders of our Lodge, W. Bro’s E. E. Howell and H.E. Mitchell who went on to become long serving members of our Lodge. At the time of when the reference book used for this information was written, this Lodge had a healthy membership of 52, sadly, it has now surrendered its warrant.

Consecration
North Worcestershire Lodge was granted its warrant in 1967 and its ceremony of consecration was held at the Masonic Halls, Rainbow Hill, Worcester on Wednesday February 28th 1968 at 3.30 pm.
 
The Right W. Bro Lt Col O.W.D. Smith DL (Provincial Grand Master) was doing the honours and assisting was W. Bro H.E. Clive O.B.E. (Deputy Provincial Grand Master). In attendance, there were a total of 112 people at the Ceremony.

Since it's consecration, the Lodge has remained healthy in it's membership. Up until the late 1990's membership numbers were in the high 30's and 40's, reaching a peak in 1991 when 49 members are entered in the register for that year. Until recently, the lowest number of members in the Lodge at any one time was 21 in 2003 when W.Bro E.C. Kettleborough was tasked to recruit more joining members and initiates. He was successful in this task and the numbers went back up to the 30's the following year. The Lodge is currently 19 members strong with 2 honorary brethren and are looking to recruit new initiates and accept joining members again, so if you are interested, please contact the secretary who will be only to willing to assist.

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