The First 50 Years
The Wokingham Masonic Centre, sometimes known as the Malt House, was formerly part of the Beeches Manor Estate which included Holt House, now part of the Holt Comprehensive School, and several other substantial properties in the area. It is generally believed to date from about 1700 but may possibly be earlier in origin. In 1946 the land and buildings known as the Wokingham Masonic Centre was purchased by Downshire Lodge 2437 for £4282 and its freehold vested in the Lodge by Trust Deed. From 1946 to1997 the Centre was managed by members of Downshire Lodge and financed by income from the 7 Craft Lodges, 16 Chapters/Side Degrees and private lettings. In 1975 a wall was built in memory of Bro. Cyril Crookson this making the Temple completely separate from the Dining Room. The splendid oak door to the Temple commemorates the seventy years combined service of Ernest and Harry Hawkins, father and son, as Tylers of the lodge. The new Temple was dedicated by R.W.Bro. Brig. E.W.C. Flavell, D.S.O., M.C., T.D., Di., Prov.G.M. on 15th September, 1975. Since then much renovation work has been undertaken.
The Future
In 1996 a meeting was held between Downshire Lodge and the users of the Wokingham Masonic Centre to agree the Way Forward for the future management and control of the centre with the participation of all the Masonic organisations meeting at Wokingham. A steering committee was formed by W. Bro Tim Dummer. This resulted in The Way Forward document which was presented to all the users on the 28th. August 1997 by W. Bro Ken Hodgson which received unanimous approval and this resulted in the formation of the Company charged with both the management of the Centre and the implementation of the steering committee’s recommendations and requirements.
The Secretary of Downshire Lodge W. Bro Brian Eveson wrote the following letter;
“After more than 50 years of ownership of the Masonic Hall Wokingham the Worshipful Master and brethren of Downshire Lodge wholeheartedly agree that the future management and running of the centre will be better served by the formation of a Joint Management Committee.
The members unanimously accept the recommendations contained in your very well presented Draft Proposal and wish every success to the new Management Committee”
The Steering Committee also received the following letter of support from the Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire at that time R.W.Bro Digby Woods;
“I have read with great interest and pleasure the planning document detailing the proposal to set up a Wokingham Hall Management Committee and it has my whole hearted support. Downshire Lodge are to be congratulated on their foresight in recognising that sharing the burden of running the hail will benefit all the Masonic organisations using it. The plan which has been put together with experience gained in similar situations elsewhere will I am confident ensure the future success of this excellent Centre for Freemasonry in the Wokingham area.”
The present time shows a considerable improvement in both the building and the facilities. The Centre is completely out of debt apart from day to day running costs. There are now 9 Craft Lodges, 6 Royal Arch Chapters, 3 Mark Master Masons Lodges and 9 Side Orders as well as The Order of Lady Masons. More recently Court Ladies previously meeting at Sindlesham are holding their Meetings at Wokingham.
The Centre has its own Caterer and Kitchen along with an adequate Licensed Bar. The kitchen has recently been classed as five star by the Wokingham Council. Outside Functions of all types are now catered for and are most welcomed. The Centre has quite a full Diary.
