PETERSFIELD.
Agent—Mr. G. DUPLOCK.
FREEMASONRY.—A new lodge of the Order of Freemasons was opened here on Wednesday last, at the Dolphin Hotel. There was formerly a lodge of some note existing in the town, but it has been for many years extinct. The designation of the new lodge is ‟The Lodge of Friendship.” There was a considerable muster of brethren from Winchester, Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant, Guildford, &c. Two candidates were admitted into the ‟order,” and other masonic business was transacted, after which the brethren adjourned to the dinner, which was served up by Mr. Crafts in his usual excellent style. It was altogether a very satisfactory opening, and to all one from which it is augured that the ‟Petersfield Lodge of Friendship” will take root and flourish.
Hampshire Chronicle — Saturday 20 September 1862
PETERSFIELD.—An interesting Masonic gathering took place here on Wednesday last, being the resuscitation of a working lodge. An old lodge had existed in the town many years ago, and at one time it was very flourishing; it had been in abeyance, however, for about thirty years. The Masonic spirit having again revived—probably the result of the especially vigorous working of the Hampshire province during the last few years— the ‟Lodge of Friendship,” taking the number 1230, was reopened Wednesday, under circumstances of great promise. It started with the comparatively large number of twenty brethren. The lodge was merely re-established, not formally constituted—that imposing ceremony being postponed until a more convenient opportunity. There were present on the occasion, Brothers H. C. Levander, W. M. Sherry, S.W. J. Naish, J.W.; also. Bros. A. Smith, W.M. of No. 90 (Winchester); Hasleham, P.M. of No. 90; Rev T. A. Willes, Vicar of Wickham, Province. G. Chaplain; M. E. Frost, W.M. 717; Weeks, W.M. 1106; Emery, W.M. 428; Dr. Kirkman, 1106, and many other brethren from Winchester, Portsmouth, Havant, Guildford, and other places in the neighbourhood. The Lodge was opened at 4.30 and some candidates passed through the ceremony of initiation in the craft. A truly excellent and elegant banquet followed in the evening, comprising every delicacy of the season, the best of wines, and splendid dessert, all provided by Mr. Crafts, of the Dolphin Hotel. The accustomed loyal Masonic toasts were duly honoured, the W.M. Levander being surrounded by an influential gathering of about 30 of the brethren, who remained for the entertainment. Many excellent speeches were delivered, and the result of the day was most flattering to all concerned. The new lodge has been re-established under the auspices of Lodge No. 90, and considering the support it will also receive from the neighbouring lodge at Havant, there is every likelihood of the Petersfield brotherhood being blessed with rapid increase and prosperity.