The Hall Stone Jewel
In 1919, after the First World War, Grand Lodge decided to embark on the building of a new headquarters for the English Craft as a memorial to the many brethren who had given their lives during the war (this building, now known as Freemasons Hall, stands in Great Queen Street, London). For this purpose an appeal was made to every member of the English Constitution for contributions to a fund which, from the target set, came to be known as the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Contributions to this fund were entirely voluntary and were to be recognised by the award of commemorative jewels.
In addition to the breast jewels awarded to individual donors, Lodges contributing an average of ten guineas per member were awarded a single special jewel and became known as Hall Stone Lodges (thus giving the jewel its name). 1,321 Lodges at home and abroad qualified as Hall Stone Lodges; their names are inscribed on commemorative marble panels in the main ceremonial entrance vestibule of Freemasons Hall. All the then-existing Buckinghamshire Lodges, including our own, qualified as Hall Stone Lodges, giving the Province the honour of being the sole Hall Stone Province.
The Jewel is a medal (42.0mm) in gold on silver suspended from a light blue collarette. By command of the Grand Master it is worn by the ruling Master of Hall Stone Lodges on all Masonic occasions.
The Jewel is a medal (42.0mm) in gold on silver suspended from a light blue collarette. By command of the Grand Master it is worn by the ruling Master of Hall Stone Lodges on all Masonic occasions.
Minute book entry of Thursday 8th October 1925 recording our receipt of the Jewel from the R W Provincial Grand Master, Rear Admiral Sir E F Inglefield.
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Rear Admiral Edward Fitzmaurice Inglefield, KCB in Masonic dress in 1919.
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Aylesbury Lodge's Hall Stone Jewel
Obverse
The jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends. The left and right squares bear the dates 1914-1918. Between these is a winged figure of Peace presenting the representation of a Temple with special Masonic allusion in the Pillars, Porch and Steps. The medal is suspended by the Square and Compasses and attached to a light blue ribbon, symbolic of the Craft; the whole thus symbolising the Craft’s gift of a Temple in memory of those brethren who gave their lives for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood.
Reverse
