History

Howe Lodge

About Us

In 1851 when Howe Lodge was formed there were four lodges in Birmingham at that time, all meeting in the City Centre. In the early days Lodges did not dine after the meeting, but now each meeting is followed by a ‘Festive Board’ when a few toasts are proposed, thus increasing the confidence, and character building of individual members, whilst providing a formal structure to the evening.

The founding Worshipful Master, John Ward Lloyd, born in Ireland in 1811, was a brass founder in Birmingham. He was initiated into freemasonry in Athol Lodge in 1845 and was appointed Provincial Grand Senior Warden in 1855. Besides the founding Master of Howe Craft Lodge he was also founding Master of Howe Mark Master Masons Lodge and a founder of Howe Royal Arch Chapter.

In the past one hundred and seventy years Howe Lodge has numbered amongst its Members leaders in the Arts, the professions, in business and in municipal affairs. Its Members have made a worthy contribution to their day and generation in their respective spheres. It will be for those who follow in the years to come to preserve the great principles which the Founders had in mind when establishing the Lodge.

Howes Namesake

The Earl of Howe

Howe Lodge no 587 was formed in 1851 and named after Richard William Curzon-Howe, 1st Earl Howe (11 December 1796 – 12 May 1870) The first meeting of Howe Lodge was held on Monday 10th March 1851 when Earl Howe was elected an Honorary Member.

Earl Howe lived at Gopsall Hall near Hinckley, Leicestershire. He was Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire from 1843 to 1852. He was also Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire Province from 1856 until 1869 and Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England 1844 to 1846.

A much loved and generous benefactor within the Hinckley Town area, where he helped many destitute families during the great depression of the 1840’s. He also donated large sums of money to build and repair Churches throughout Leicestershire.