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Celebrating 150 years of the
Duke of Cornwall Lodge
Since its consecration in 1875, the Duke of Cornwall Lodge No. 1529 has been a cornerstone of the St. Columb community. Originally established by a group of local businessmen and residents who met by the light of the full moon, our Lodge has grown from a small gathering at the Red Lion Hotel into a vibrant Masonic community with a rich 150-year heritage. We remain dedicated to the timeless Masonic values of friendship, charity, and integrity, preserving the traditions passed down through generations while looking forward to a bright future in the heart of Cornwall.
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A Brief History
Foundation and the "Moonlight" Meetings (1875 - 1877)
The Duke of Cornwall Lodge was granted its warrant on 17th January 1875, and was consecrated on on 17th August of that same year by the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. In its earliest days, the Lodge met at the Red Lion Hotel in St. Columb Major. Meetings were scheduled on the Wednesday "on or after the full moon" to ensure that members - many of whom were local farmers and traders - could travel safely to and from the Lodge by moonlight.
A Permanent Home (1877 - 1918)
In 1877, the Lodge moved from the hotel to its own dedicated premises: a converted former Chapel in Victoria Street. This transition was supported by the generosity of early members who donated many of the Lodge’s iconic furnishings, including the wooden pillars at the Temple entrance and the intricate tessellated pavement. After forty years of careful financial management, the Lodge achieved full financial freedom in 1918.
Growth and Expansion (1919 - 1975)
The "middle years" saw significant physical and membership growth. In 1932, the building underwent its largest renovation since its purchase, including a new dining room extension and the installation of central heating. Membership peaked in 1956 with 158 members. During this era, the Lodge also saw one of its own, R.W. Bro. Edward Neynoe Willyams, rise to the prestigious office of Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall in 1952.
The Modern Era and Our 150th Anniversary (1975 - 2025)
The Lodge celebrated its Centenary in 1975 with a thanksgiving service at St. Columb Parish Church. In the following decades, the building was further modernised with kitchen and bar upgrades to accommodate the growing number of Masonic orders that now share our facilities. Today, as we celebrate our 150th Anniversary in 2025, the Duke of Cornwall Lodge remains a well-supported and vibrant presence in the Province, continuing the finest traditions of Freemasonry for a new generation.
Full Lodge History
For a more detailed account of our first 150 years, including lists of Past Masters and stories from our archives, you can download the full commemorative history below.
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