At the beginning of the twentieth century, York boasted four Masonic Lodges; York, Eboracum, Agricola and Albert Victor.
Eboracum Lodge No1611 who had been formed in 1876, had their own building in Saviourgate,York, a thriving membership and felt the need for another Lodge in the city. Initial steps were taken to become sponsors of York’s fifth Masonic Lodge.
A meeting of Eboracum members took place at St. Georges Hall, York on the 12th June 1923. They agreed to apply for a Charter to the Grand Lodge of England. They took a vote to name the new Lodge from a list of suggested names: in the final ballot “Minster” received 8 votes, “Yorwick” 5 votes and “Whytehead” 3 votes. It was proposed that Minster Lodge should meet on every fourth Thursday in the Month in the Masonic Hall St. Saviourgate, York.
Eventually the Minster Lodge was consecrated at the Masonic Hall, St. Saviourgate , York at 11am on Wednesday 17th December 1924. The Consecrating Officer was R.W. Bro. The Right Honourable, Earl of Ronaldsay the Provincial Grand Master.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master W.Bro Lt.Col. Miles J. Stapylton Installed W.Bro G.W. Halliday as the first Worshipful Master of Minster Lodge No. 4663. A further 15 Offices were filled. The Installation banquet was held at Terry’s Restaurant in St. Helens Square, York at 1.45pm.
The first Regular Lodge meeting was held on Thursday 25th January 1925. After a successful ballot, two Eboracum members Bros. H.P. Chapman and G.E. Woolgrove became joining Members of Minster Lodge. Another successful ballot was taken for seven other gentlemen who had all been proposed and seconded at the Consecration Meeting. Two gentlemen were initiated in a double ceremony. During the period from 25th January 1925 to 11th February 1926, 14 Candidates were successfully balloted for and 13 of them were Initiated, Passed and Raised. The Lodge held 13 Regular Meetings and 8 Emergency Meetings during this period, enabling 3 single and 18 double ceremonies to be carried out. Apart from one meeting W.Bro G.W. Halliday the W.M. performed the remaining 20 Ceremonies including the Ceremony of Raising throughout, including the “Traditional History”!
