Day 96
Trafalgar Hall
Masonic Temple
Lodge Trafalgar No. 223
Lodge Trafalgar
Trafalgar Hall was built by the Masons of Lodge Trafalgar based in the Port of Leith in 1888. The name ‘Trafalgar’ came about as the Lodge was formed not long after the famous battle of Trafalgar in 1805, in which the British Navy led by Admiral Lord Nelson defeated the combined might of the French and Spanish Navies, before dying towards the end of the battle.
The hall decorated for the Trafalgar night celebration
Given the importance of Leith as a port, a good number of the sailors who took part in the battle hailed from Leith - although whether they had volunteered themselves, or been “press-ganged” into service in the navy is unknown. In 1905 a special service was held to mark the centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, and this has continued as an annual “Trafalgar Night” celebration to this day.
After it’s creation in 1808, the Lodge was based in several locations around Leith over the next 80 years, with a period of dormancy between in 1837 to 1858. These include a house on Rotten Row (now Water Street), the New Ship Hotel, Constitution Street, and a Glassworks classroom on Salamander Street.
Trafalgar Hall
Several attempts over the preceding years were made to find a location for a permanent building to house Lodge Trafalgar, but it was not until they finally secured the plot at St Anthony Place on which Trafalgar Hall now stands that their new Masonic Temple could be built. A procession from the previous lodge premises on Bernard Street accompanied the laying of the first foundation stone on 17th March 1888, with full masonic honours by the Right Worshipful Master, Brother G. Craig, the procession reformed and returned to Bernard Street.
Pen drawing of Trafalgar Hall 1888, held in Capital Collections.
To the good fortune of Trafalgar Lodge, Right Worshipful Master, Brother G. Craig, was an architect. He designed the building specifically for Trafalgar Lodge, and the result is one of the finest purpose-built Masonic Temples in the country. Brother Craig was presented with a silver trowel, which has since been returned to the lodge and now rests in the lodge museum.
The building was completed in just 8 months, and on the 22nd of October the inauguration ceremony was held. An impressive procession again proceeded from Bernard street to the new Lodge premises, led by Brethren on Horseback, the Tyler in full naval uniform with his sword, and the Lodge’s then flag flying high, carried by the standard bearer. A pipe band followed, then brethren dressed in full masonic colours. Once inside the Right Worshipful Master received a deputation from the Metropolitan District Committee, headed by the Chairman, Brother R. Crichton, who performed the consecration ceremony.
Explore the exterior of the building in detail with this fabulous 3D Model by Digital Artist Lesley Johnston.
At the time the entrance held carved finials of the Sun, Moon and Stars, which have had to be removed due to weathering and decay. On the front of the building you can still see copies of the marks of the Right Worshipful Master and the Brethren of the Building Committee. The crest of Lodge Trafalgar was introduced in 1912, with the motto “At Home and Abroad”.
Lisaseventyfive, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Over the last 133 years, the Temple has served its intended purpose as a Masonic Temple, and continues to do so now. The seafaring character of the building inside and out has been shaped over the years by the brethren who meet there, and their connection to the Port of Leith and the sea. The Lodge museum holds many items of historical interest that have been gifted, and bought by Brethren over the years, and is well worth a visit - Anyone interested in visiting the lodge should contact the secretary.
Interior of the Hall showing 7 oak stall chairs and an oak pedestal: Presented by Brother Sir Robert Maule in October 1913.
Detail from the interior of the lodge showing
The wheel of H.M.S. King George V: presented to the Lodge on 25th October 1965 by Captain Adam Tait, of H.M. T/S Dolphin. This battleship saw action at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916, and the wheel can be seen in the West of the Lodge where the addition of port, starboard and masthead lights form the bridge of a ship, with a naval ensign in the background.
The Ship’s Bell shown here was also a gift to the Lodge.
A ship’s bell from H.M.S Repulse: presented by Brother J. H. Dormer, on behalf of his Masonic Brethren of that ship, completes the bridge. Brother Dormer explained that the bell had come from the foundry in a crude condition and that his shipmates had
applied the finishing touches. The bell is rung at Harmony in remembrance of all Trafalgar Brethren wherever they be, "At Home or Abroad".
Renovation and refurbishment
A discovery of dry rot in 1955 caused major concern, however prompt action by our members, Brethren and Sister Lodges enabled this to be dealt with, and a Canadian pine floor was laid in the Temple, an improvement on the old knotted one.
Demolition work by South Leith Parish Church of the old Kirkgate Church Hall, which adjoined Trafalgar hall, meant that this wall had to be made safe. The Brethren once more had to contribute, and the work has been carried out to the satisfaction of the Lodge.
There is an ongoing programme of refurbishment to ensure the second century of Trafalgar Hall has recently been completed, including measures to make the Hall more accessible to older and less mobile Brethren and visitors, thus keeping this unique building to the fore in Scottish Freemasonry.
Community
Lodge members over the years have come from across the globe. Some of them have played prominent parts in civic life in Leith, such as Brother Sir Richard Mackie, who also served as Leith Provost from 1899 to 1908. The lodge contributes to the community through fundraising efforts, frequently working together with South Leith Parish Church through close ties due to the proximity and history of the two organisations, and regularly donating to the Citadel Youth Centre and other community projects.
Many thanks to Trafalgar Lodge Secretary Billy Goodfellow for his assistance with this post, and providing the images of the interior. Anyone interested in finding out more about Trafalgar Lodge, or arranging a visit to Trafalgar Hall can contact Billy by email.
