History
Court Knoll Lodge
This presentation is based on memories of existing Founders, Lodge records and the knowledge of those who actively assisted in the foundation of Court Knoll Lodge. It is by no means certain that this account is accurate, as it has not been possible at this time to gain access to the opening records of the two main bodies involved - Nayland and District Masonic Club and Court Knoll Lodge.
Early Beginnings
At a meeting in the early 1980’s at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club, Brother David Mitchell, a then resident of Nayland explained about the recent closure of the Bentwaters Square and Compasses Club (SCC) and suggested that a similar club be created in the Nayland area. After discussion it was agreed by all those present that such a club be formed and the Nayland and District Masonic Club (NDMC) came into being, meeting at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club.
Shortly thereafter, we believe sometime in 1984, following a NDMC meeting, some members discussed the locations of their respective Lodges – present were Bro John Dyble, W Bro Mike George, Bro Henry Keeble, Bro David Mitchell, Bro Howard Norfolk and Bro Antony Williams.
It transpired, if it was possible to have a Masonic Club in the Nayland area why could we not have a Masonic Craft Lodge in the same locale? This would serve a dual purpose in overcoming the necessity to travel great distances and in essence it would serve the rural area formed by the towns of Colchester, Hadleigh and Sudbury. Thus was sown the concept of what was to become Court Knoll Lodge.
Wissington Venue 1984/5
Thanks to the contacts of Bro J Dyble a suitable venue had been identified which was close to Nayland, namely the Social Club at the Jane Walker Hospital in Wissington.
On 26th March 1985 a letter was sent to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master informing him that there were 19 proposed Founders and that an Association had been formed.
Name Change 1985
By now all aspects were proceeding well and the next meeting of significance took place on 4th November 1985 at which the following points were agreed (amongst others):
- That the Lodge should be called Court Knoll Lodge.
- As represented on our Summons and Banner there is an amoeba-like figure which is an actual representation of a Tumulus behind the Anchor Public House. This is said to be the site of the original village of Einland from which Nayland derives its name.
- It was agreed that the Lodge of Virtue and Silence No 332 would be approached to sponsor the Lodge.
Lodge of Virtue and Silence No 332-Petition Recommendation 1986
The Petition was submitted to W Bro J Sadler Most Worshipful Grand Master on 1st March 1986. The names of the Brethren who became Founders are listed in the columns depicted on the front of the Lodge summons and on the steps shown on the Banner of the Lodge.
Consecration Day October 7th 1986
Rehearsals were undertaken and finally everything was ready for the day of the Consecration at the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds.
The Consecration ceremony followed. the V W Bro F W Sergeant Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Suffolk then proceeded to conduct the Installation Ceremony of the first Worshipful Master of Court Knoll Lodge No 9194, W Bro R F Hawtin.
Sudbury Venue 1989
The vote was taken for the lodge to meet at Sudbury and was carried 17th October 1989.
Assington Venue 1994
Court Knoll Lodge moved their meetings to Assington Village Hall 15th March 1994
Stoke by Nayland Golf Club Venue 1997
Court Knoll Lodge had moved venues and was now meeting at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club
Assington Venue 2003
The lodge was now meeting at Assington Village Hall again.
Boxford Village Hall Venue 2013
By now Court Knoll Lodge had moved to their present venue in Boxford Village Hall.
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