Cambridge Masonic Hall welcomed over 150 visitors when opened its doors to the public as part of the Cambridge Festival in March.
The event was coordinated by Bro. Michael Perkins, Provincial Membership Officer W.Bro. Ed Williams and Museum Curator W.Bro. Justin Curtis and was supported by over 20 brethren representing all the craft lodges that meet in the building.
A welcome was provided by the team in the car park, who directed visitors to Lodge Room, Museum, Library and ensured they were introduced to one of the ‘tour guides’ according to their particular area of interest. Refreshments were available while visitors spoke to representatives of the Order of Women Freemasons, the Cambridge University Freemasonry Society and several of the local charities who have been supported by Cambridgeshire Freemasons.
I was delighted that the event was such a success, with a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. It was fascinating to see such a wide range of visitors with such an interest in Freemasonry and the building itself. We’re very grateful to the Masonic Hall staff for providing such a welcoming atmosphere, to all the charities who were represented and of course to the Provincial Publicity Unit and all our volunteers who helped make the event such a success.
— Michael Perkins
Among the visitors were a local historian who was researching the original University Botanic Gardens and was looking for information about a Cambridge Freemason who was involved in its development. Another was interested in the architecture of the building, which used to be a theological college. As well as observing the details in the stonework relating to the four gospels, he spent considerable time trying to work out how the various rooms would have been originally used.
The Museum, which has had extensive improvements to the displays, lighting, and layout, is housed in the smaller of the two Lodge rooms and contains a wide range of Masonic regalia, porcelain, glassware, photographs and books dating back to the 1700’s. The Masonic regalia belonging to the Earl of Hardwicke, commonly known as ‘Champagne Charlie’, who owned nearby Wimpole Hall and was Provincial Grand Master in the 1800’s was remarked on by several visitors.
The last Open Day at Cambridge Masonic Hall was over 15 years ago. Given the interest from the visitors, the support from everyone involved and the wish of the Pro Grand Master to make Masonic buildings more accessible to the public, it won’t be that long until the next time!
