Lodge of Union No. 38

Lodge of Union No. 38 was formed in 1828 by the union of two lodges; the Lodge of Friendship, formed in 1811 under the Premier Grand Lodge (the so called Moderns) and the Lodge of Harmony, formed in 1812 under the Atholl Grand Lodge (the so called Antients). The two Grand Lodges united in 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England. The Lodge of Friendship and the Lodge of Harmony both had members of an even older lodge - the Lodge of St John. This Lodge had as its master in 1696 the 1st Duke of Richmond. He, together with the 2nd Duke, each became Grand Masters of the Premier Grand Lodge. A number of the Dukes of Richmond have been prominent Freemasons. Due to the particular nature of our Warrant, the Lodge of Union has a foundation or constitution date of 1812.

Chichester, as a prosperous Cathedral and Market city, attracted a great number of businessmen, tradesmen, merchants and ordinary citizens. Naturally many such were and are today Freemasons in the city. Today, as in earlier times, the Lodge of Union is very much in touch with the life of the community, its members being involved in all walks of life from industry to commerce and the arts to leisure. As always with the true spirit of Freemasonry, such considerations are put aside on meeting when we treat each other with natural courtesy and equality regardless of external station.

The Lodge of Union and its predecessors have met in many places around the city over the last 300 years. Starting with the Swan (where the NatWest Bank is now in East Street); The Dolphin; The Anchor (they were separate establishments then); The Three Tuns (was in Chapel Street); a building in Halsted's Yard (now part of Baffins Lane car park); The Fleece (was in East Street); the house immediately to the south of St John's church was built specially for masonic meetings; The White Hart; The City Council Assembly Rooms in North Street; The Vicars' Hall; the old squash courts building in The Hornet subsequently used by Rowes garage; and now in the Masonic Hall in South Pallant.

The Lodge of Union and its members are very active in supporting local, national and international charities of all kinds, both general and Masonic.

We have strong personal links with other lodges, near and far, with whom we regularly exchange convivial visits.

Currently the Lodge of Union has a lively membership of around 55 and has spawned directly and indirectly fifteen other lodges in Chichester and the surrounding area. The Lodge meets on the first Thursdays from October to May. Membership is open and enquiries should be addressed in the first instance to:

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