The Great War: "Four years of supreme sacrifice"
During the 1914-18 War the Lodge met regularly (and dined regularly) and attendances were good. Nine Brethren served with H.M. Forces, one of whom, Bro. Frank Harold Blackford, made the supreme sacrifice - being killed in action on 24th October 1918 in Italy. Bro. Blackford was a Cashier with the NTC and as Lodge member no 40 was amongst the first to be initiated into the Lodge in October 1908.
The Lodge and Charity
As well as maintaining a high standard of work throughout its history - for which the LoI has played a major role - the Lodge also has a distinguished record in donations to Charity. The Lodge Masonic Benevolent Association was formed in 1915. After the Great War, the Lodge raised £824 towards the Masonic Peace Memorial Appeal, which assisted the construction of the magnificent Freemasons Hall. The Lodge thereby became a Hall Stone Lodge and our Masters continue to wear the Hall Stone Jewel.
The support given to our Masonic Benevolent Institution is praiseworthy and the Lodge has not failed to respond to any appeal made for various Appeal Funds inaugurated as a result of the two World Wars, the 250th and 275th Anniversaries of the Founding of the United Grand Lodge and the 1993 London Festival Appeal for the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, where the Lodge achieved Gold status.
The Lodge Tablecloth (as restored 2005) which, along with the Lodge Candlesticks, commemorate the first WM W. Bro. Frederick Harke, who died in 1918.
