The First Master of the revived Vacation Lodge in 1802 was Charles Marsh, known as “Saddler”. He must have been highly skilled in Masonic ritual being Master of several other Lodges in Somerset. These included Unanimity & Sincerity No. 261 in Taunton in 1797, Liberty & Sincerity at Wellington in 1804 and Brotherly Love at Martock’ in 1810.

It is to be hoped that Brother March’s skills as a saddle-maker enabled him to enjoy a degree of equestrian comfort during his journeys between Lodges. He died in 1819 and is buried at Wiveliscombe.

Two banners adorn the east wall of the Temple at Wiveliscombe. One is of painted silk and originates from the early 19th century. The other bearing the motto “Resurgam” belongs to the mid 20th century. Between them they summarise the history of the Loyal Vacation Lodge. The pictorial on the early banner is based on the arms of the Mason’s Company of London and displays the name “Loyal Vacation” together with two beavers as supporters. These creatures, until the Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813, were often used to depict operative masons and builders. After that date, the practice of including them on Masonic furniture was discontinued. It can be assumed therefore that the early banner predated, or coincided with, the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England.

Today’s Loyal Vacation Lodge was granted its Warrant in 1945 and received the number 6209. It was consecrated on 3rd January 1946 by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro.Brig.Gen. C.L. Norman DSO SGD. W.Bro. W.R.Ford was installed as the first Master of the Lodge.

During the time of scarcity after the War, Masonic furniture was almost impossible to obtain. W.Bro. J.Duncan, who had done more than anyone to bring the present Lodge into existence, prepared drawings of pedestals and working tools and other necessary items, which were then fabricated by local craftsmen. The first carpet was of white squares painted onto redundant blackout material. The Lodge met in the Congregational Rooms for 15 years, but the difficulties of sharing with other organisations, prompted a search for new premises.

A property in Church Street was eventually purchased in 1960, with the aid of loans from members. The Building, which was originally two flats, was, by the voluntary labour of Lodge members, quickly converted to Masonic needs. The Service of Dedication was held on 23 May 1961 and was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master. R.W.Bro. Brig. A. de L. Cazenove. W.Bro. J. Duncan had, a few years earlier, presented the Lodge with a banner depicting a Phoenix rising over the word “Resurgam” and this was dedicated at the same time as the new Temple. The original 19th century Banner had been restored by the kind offices of the Vale of Brislington Lodge, and the Tynte family had generously allowed the historic gavel to be returned to the Loyal Vacation Lodge in 1950.

The three principal items of Lodge furniture were now in place. Over the intervening years, in which the Lodge has prospered, they have been cherished as reminders of the long history of Masonry in Wiveliscombe.

This brief History of Loyal Vacation Lodge No 6209 was originally prepared by W.Bro. SMJ Turnbull, PPSuptWks, Past Master of Loyal Vacation Lodge No. 6209 in 1994 and reproduced in the book “Freemasonry in the Province of Somerset from 1733” First published 2010.