About us

STIVICHALL LODGE: THE VISION

After the great depression of the 1930/31 period, probably the worst depression Britain suffered for almost a century, Coventry was to become one of the centres of new industry which would lead the Country back to prosperity.  The city was to play a vital part in the drive to re-arm the Royal Ait Force, and this, with the other growing industrial establishments inevitably brought about a great expansion in the city.

In the period 1930-39 the population grew by some 52,000 and it is on record that some 42,000 of this total were migrants, and to accommodate this influx some 25,000 new houses were built.

The predominant pattern of the migrants was young adult males, who would arrive in the city, find employment and accommodation, and then send for wife and family – if he had one.

Coventry had become the fastest growing city in Britain and reached the rank of the ninth largest city, and was enjoying a decent level of prosperity by the standards of these times.

It was in this environment that during the 1936-38 period, in a number of speeches the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Colonel Sir William Wyley V.D., D.L., drew attention to the fact that with the waiting list approaching 80, the waiting time for any further applicants to join any of the existing Coventry Lodges would be in excess of five years.  he clearly indicated that there was a need for further Lodges in the city, for the membership of some Lodges was such that Masons initiated ten years ago had only just reached the office of Steward.

So it was that a body of earnest Freemasons, domiciled mainly in the neighbourhood of Styvechale, came together to form a Lodge to bear the name of ‘Styvechale’ or ‘Stivichall’.

The leader of this enterprise was W. Bro. S.J. Harley whose drive and enthusiasm are legendary.  He was a fine example of public service and dedication to all good works and it is a source of great thankfulness that he had such great devotion for the Masonic activities in Coventry.

There were two objectives before this group as they set out on their task.

1. To form a Lodge with close family connections, particularly the father and son concept.
2. To ensure that its membership reflected the great range of commercial and industrial activities (past and present) of the city.

This then, was the vision which inspired this dedicated band of freemasons in all their endeavours.

The Lodge has grown from strength to strength ever since, with experience Past Masters passing on the traditions of Freemasonry to the newer members and supporting those in our communities less fortunate that ourselves. We are proud to call ourselves Freemasons and continue the promote the honourable traditions of Freemasonry into the future.