A Brief History of the Artifex Lodge No 4555

By W Bro Brian Reay, PPJGD

The Artifex Lodge was founded in 1923, principally for Royal Naval Chief and Engine Room Artificers. The nature of the calling of these Brethren necessitated their spending long periods at sea, with postings to foreign stations often lasting two or three years. Such postings caused serious disruption to the advancement of a Masonic career. As a result, one of the prime tenets of the new Lodge was to accommodate these postings.

In addition, existing Brethren would often have been initiated into a Lodge whilst on a foreign posting. The new Lodge would permit them to continue their Masonic careers when posted to the then thriving Naval Establishment in Chatham.

Several names were proposed for the new Lodge, including "Prince of Wales", "Emulation", "Tubal Caine" and "First Artificer". After a series of discussions with the then Grand Secretary, the name "Artifex Lodge" was coined and the Grand Master granted a Warrant on 12 June 1923.

The Lodge crest was the topic of considerable attention and eventually it was decided that the Aeolipile or, more commonly, Heiro’s Globe, should be adopted. Heiro’s Globe was the first known demonstration of a Steam Turbine and was thus eminently suitable as crest for a Lodge founded by and for Naval Engineers.

The consecration of the Artifex Lodge No 4555 took place on 12 November 1923 at the Masonic Temple, Franklin Road, Gillingham, Kent. The consecration ceremony was conducted by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Col. F S W Cornwallis, assisted by numerous distinguished Brethren. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro J White PGD, installed W Bro W Gibbs as the first Master of the Lodge.

Initially membership of the Lodge was limited to serving and ex Royal Naval Chief and Engine Room Artificers but by the early 1950s, with the contraction of the Royal Navy and the Naval Establishment at Chatham, it was clear that this rule would need to be reconsidered.

In 1953 the Lodge voted that, in future, Lewises (sons of Masons), members of all Artificer branches of the Navy, and civilians considered to be fit and proper persons to become Freemasons, would be eligible to become members of the Artifex Lodge.

Sadly none of the original founders are still alive but the Lodge is fortunate to have several worthy members who were once serving Royal Naval Chief or Engine Room Artificers in addition to a thriving membership from many occupations and professions.