HISTORY of the FROME MASONIC HALL

FROME MASONIC HALL

The Royal Somerset Lodge, No.973, whose warrant is dated 1863, had to wait nearly 30 years until they were able to build their own Masonic hall in North Parade, Frome. The site was formerly garden ground on the opposite side of the road to the Literary and Scientific Club, and was sold to the Lodge by Brother A.C.Hayman.

Brother Philip Edinger was the architect for the Building, all his Frome, together with a number of specialist sub-contractors. The Cost of the building, excluding land, being 4d (1.7p) per cubic Foot which, taking into account the original size of the Building, gives a figure somewhere in the region of £600.

The completed building was dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master, Viscount Dungarvan, on the 13th October l891, with all pomp and ceremony, a very full account appearing in the Local press. The original accommodation consisted of - on the Ground floor, an entrance hail, reception room on the left leading To the banqueting hall (now the dining room); with the kitchen At the rear of the entrance hall the staircase led from the Entrance hall to the first floor which contained the retiring Room and Lodge room, this latter was 40ft by 3ft.The organ Chamber, or recess, in the S. E corner of the Lodge contained An organ which was paid for by members and their friends. That Organ is still in use today being regularly serviced and tuned each year.

Besides describing the occasion of the dedication; the Press report also contained full details of the building and the Heating installation which Consisted of gas fires, low ‘ Combustion stoves together with hot water pipes to warm the Upper part when required. Lighting was by means of gas lamps. Towards the end of the I96Os, bearing in mind the Possible danger to the occupants of the Lodge room in case of The outbreak of fire in the kitchen which was on the ground Floor, an iron fire escape staircase was fitted at the rear of The building. Shortly afterwards an extension to the dining Room was carried out, to provide a larger bar and additional Dining space.