The idea of forming a new lodge in Downend was first raised in correspondence between Kingswood Chase and Province on the 27th May and 7th June 1944 (a day after the D-day landings) but with the ongoing military situation this was put on hold until October of that year when things were set in motion.
The lodge was eventually consecrated on Saturday 28th April 1945 by the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro Capt. F.K.Foster O.B.E and before the minutes of the meeting had even been completed, Hitler committed suicide 2 days later. By the time the lodge met a month later the war in Europe was over and as the Primus Master noted this was a good omen for the future Peace and Harmony of the lodge.
During the initial discussion of a new lodge several names were put forward – Duke of Kent, W G Grace, South Gloucestershire, Royal Kent and the eventual winner Staple Hill. With the name decided the lodge banner was eventually dedicated on 23rd October 1957, with the Staple Hill Oak being central to theme.
The Worship Master Charles Painter stated that it was chosen because the Staple Hill Oak was clearly marked on a 1610 map of the Kingswood Chase, traditionally horses would have been tethered to the nearby staple. The lodge meets on a Wednesday as traditionally shops closed in the afternoons those days, giving members a chance to go home early and hone their ritual ready for the evenings meeting.
Staple Hill Lodge 6043 