Consecration Date
27th September 1870
Meeting Dates
- 3rd Saturday in January
- 4th Saturday in April
- 4th Saturday in June
- 1st Saturday in October (Installation)
Meeting Time
17:00 (5:00pm)
The Lodge today
The eighth oldest lodge in the Province, King Harold recently celebrated its sesquicentenary having been consecrated in 1870. This 150-year-old provenance has contributed to the enduring esprit de corps that characterises the lodge, ensuring an outstanding degree of resilience that has seen it survive the recent epidemic and current economic problems. This success is attributable to its highly motivated membership which strives tirelessly to ensure that the lodge’s performance; constitutionally, ceremonially and financially, is always at the top of its game, achievements regularly recognised by Province in its frequent accolades following an official visit. Complementing these essential virtues, King Harold is celebrated for its relaxed, warm and inclusive approach to all its members and visitors. One that naturally invites participation in our activities, generating a sense of belonging and a feeling of appreciation.
Our history
King Harold is the Great Granddaughter lodge of Union Waterloo Lodge, No 13 (still meeting regularly) itself an amalgamation of Royal Artillery and Royal Marine lodges consecrated in 1761. Given its military history the lodge, in its early days, attracted many representatives of the armed forces. With inevitable changes in social demographics, we are now more broad-church though it is worthy of note that we have a representative cadre of ‘Blue Light’ members from the Police and Fire Services. Hence the use of truncheons instead of gavels to keep ‘order’ at our Festive Boards!
In the community
We have no formal affiliations with any specific organisation/activity, rather have they emerged on an idiosyncratic basis through the inherent interests or backgrounds of its members. Currently, our sporting connections include Golf, Rugby, Shooting and Scouting. The charitable endeavours of these organisations are regularly supported by the lodge eg JOCA (Just One Click Away, supporting young men’s mental health issues) through Welwyn RUFC and the Isobel Hospice via our annual Golf Tournament.
Other info
The core ritual is Emulation but with certain King Harold twists which have evolved throughout its history and are unique to the lodge. These often provoke interesting comments from visitors intrigued with these variations that run counter to their own experiences with Emulation ritual. No spoilers, however, you will have to become a member first before any reveal can be made!
Contact details
James Mason – Lodge Secretary
secretarykhl1327@yahoo.co.uk