The Lodge moved from Cirencester to Cheltenham in 1822 and in the following circumstances. Foundation Lodge had arrived in the town from Abingdon in 1817. Approximately three years later on the 6th December 1821 a group of Masons gathered at an informal meeting chaired by Bro. Samuel Moss, a local chemist, with a view to forming a second Lodge in the town but found that there were a number of hurdles to cross.

 

Royal Union Lodge 1823
Artists Impression in 1823

They needed to obtain a Warrant, find premises where they could meet, and mainly out of courtesy obtain the approval of Foundation Lodge. Bro. Moss entered into correspondence with Grand Lodge.

 

Another Brother ascertained that Royal Union Lodge meeting in Cirencester wished to dispose of their Warrant, also their jewels and furniture which they had previously purchased from the Royal York Lodge No. 546.

 

The Brother concerned was instructed to negotiate a price and to arrange for delivery. This he did and struck a bargain at £35.

 

Bro. Moss obtained the blessing of Foundation Lodge and a suitable room was found at The Fleece Hotel Cheltenham on the corner of Henrietta Street where the first meeting of the Lodge in Cheltenham took place on the 22nd April 1822. W.Bro. Richardson the Master of the Cirencester Lodge was in the Chair.

 

He was accompanied by his Senior and Junior Wardens also from Cirencester. All the original Cheltenham members were present. The remainder of the Cirencester Brethren had resigned. W.Bro. Richardson appointed and invested the Cheltenham Brethren as his officers, Bro. Samuel Moss being Senior Warden.

 

The Master then informed the Brethren that it would be extremely difficult for him to attend the Lodge in Cheltenham and he appointed Bro. Moss as Deputy Master who went on to become the first Cheltonian to be Master of the Lodge. A fitting reward for the man who had worked so hard to establish Royal Union Lodge in the town.

 

For the remainder of 1822 Bro Moss conducted the business of the Lodge until December 27th when the Brethren were summoned to attend their first Installation Festival in Cheltenham. Bro. Cox, Master of Foundation Lodge presided and installed Bro. Moss as the Worshipful Master of Royal Union Lodge.

 

In the early years both Lodges held their Festivals on 27th December (the Feast of St John), but in different buildings and a custom grew up for a party of three or four brothers to leave their banquet at Foundation Lodge and convey greetings to the Master and Brethren of their sister Lodge. They were then joined by a party of a few Brethren and returned to their Lodge to convey greetings from Royal Union.

 

It is believed that the portrait on the wall of our lodge room is that of St John.

 

At this point it is worth quoting the resolution of Foundation Lodge regarding Royal Union’s transfer from Cirencester to Cheltenham.

 

“that the Foundation Lodge unanimously approve of the formation of another Lodge in Cheltenham when sanctioned by such respectable names as those on the list presented to them and at the same time in a brotherly manner advise the other Lodge to be very circumspect in the admission of members so as to keep the Lodge as respectable as possible and Masonry not to brought into disrepute: and on such a pledge they agree to its formation”.

 

Royal Union Lodge continues to attach great importance to the standards set by this resolution.