Ancient Order of Druids in the 1920s

[Heron Hiker]

As I learn more it is starting to get complicated.
If I have been paying attention:
Goodfellow Lodge in Stockwell is 'normal' AOD'
Chapter 29 in Balham is a sort of higher level, side-order
and the Supreme Royal Arch medals were for a national Chapter,
giving him three separate memberships.   

Are the Supreme Royal Arch medals you mention the coloured stars with the letters FSC?
I think you said the Grand Lodge of England was for being a former Lodge chairman
(presumably of Goodfellow Lodge because the collarette is quite worn but he died just a couple of years after receiving his Past Arch jewel from Girdler Lodge). 

When I completed my Scout Leader training I became a member of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group.  It doesn't really exist, it is just a title.  I wonder if Grand Lodge of England was like this, or was it something important?

David.
Bishop's Stortford, Herts.

[BarryW]

Hi Dave

Yes you reading of the relationship of the lodges is about right apart from the final bit

Goodfellow Lodge in Stockwell is indeed a  'normal' lodge which in the AOD is called a primitive lodge. A number of lodges in a geographic area were under the custody of Grand Lodges (there were four in London based on geography). A bit like scouts groups being grouped by county say. Above this was the national organisation to which all the grand lodges reported. This was called Imperial Grand Lodge which at that time had its HQ in Theobald's Rd in London WC1 (which was lost in the war). This is the equivalent of the Scout HQ and would have the control of all the lodges in the world. No new lodge could be formed without a dispensation being issued from IGL who also control things like fees, the ritual used etc. There was also a Board of General Purpose which looked after the charitable side of the order.

Chapter 29 in Balham is indeed a side order and at one time membership was quite selectiv. It would have drawn members from a few lodges. It would report to the national Chapter (called the supreme chapter) which met at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet St. This was still subservient to the Imperial Grand Lodge
 
He would indeed have three probably four  separate memberships.   

The Supreme Royal Arch medals are the ones with the coloured stars with the letters FSC?
The two lodge medals (Goodfellow and Girdler were for being a former Lodge chairman. It seems he went through the Chair in both lodges - not unusual.

Hope this helps

Barry

[chrisgran]

Hi Barry, if you are still able to reply on this thread,

I was fascinated to read all the above, as my grandfather was chairman of Croydon Lodge, No. 458, in 1922. He was also landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, at 30 Waddon New Road, Croydon at that time, which may have been connected with his membership of the AOD. I attach 4 photos of item I recently received which had been kept by my father, but never shown to me until now, several years after my father died. I also have his Grand Lodge 'cross' jewel.

Would the letters NA signify 'Noble Arch', was that the title of the 'Chairman' of the time? Finally, is the period of only 3 months on the medal at all unusual? I assumed one would hold the office for a year, usually?

I wonder if there are any records of Lodge 458 for 1922 which might reveal anything else about my grandfather, T. W. Granger, and whether that might be one of the surviving Lodges today?

Chris.
North Staffs.

[BarryW]

Hi Chris

Unfortunately not much left of the Croyden Lodge now. The only remaining Lodge close to Croyden is in Dartford.

Had a look in the 1923 Lodge lists and Cryden Lodge is listed as meeting at Alhambra Hotel, West Croydon. Meeting on a Thurday. Can't tell you much more about it I am afraid.

Yes Noble Arch was the chairman of the lodge and he was most often in that position from 3 to 6 months, sometimes he might occupy it for a year. He was only in it for three months as the Lodge met every week unlike say Masonic Lodges who always met monthly.

If I can help in any other way please let me know. The closest Lodge that still meets the nearest to you (and me) is in Bedworth. There were some Druids lodges in Stoke and in Leek but these seemed to have switched to become  United Ancient Order of Druids Lodges

Barry

Lichfield

[chrisgran]

Thanks for that reply, Barry.

I don't think there is any more to be found out - it is interesting, though, as there was nothing ever mentioned in our family while my father was alive. I don't think he ever joined, either, as there were no relics of his own.

Regards,

Chris
North Staffs

[illidge knight]

Hi Chris

Unfortunately not much left of the Croyden Lodge now. The only remaining Lodge close to Croyden is in Dartford.

Had a look in the 1923 Lodge lists and Cryden Lodge is listed as meeting at Alhambra Hotel, West Croydon. Meeting on a Thurday. Can't tell you much more about it I am afraid.

Yes Noble Arch was the chairman of the lodge and he was most often in that position from 3 to 6 months, sometimes he might occupy it for a year. He was only in it for three months as the Lodge met every week unlike say Masonic Lodges who always met monthly.

If I can help in any other way please let me know. The closest Lodge that still meets the nearest to you (and me) is in Bedworth. There were some Druids lodges in Stoke and in Leek but these seemed to have switched to become  United Ancient Order of Druids Lodges

Barry

Lichfield

[illidge knight]

My father was a druid in lodge 642 and chapter 29, does anyone know if these are still going today? I think he was a druid in 1957 his name was Horace Knight or fred to his friends

[The Secretary]

Hello All.
I've just discovered some AOD medals dated 1925 relating to  my Grandfather at Wood Green Lodge 576 in pretty good condition with all the inscription readable. Happy to upload if anyone interested. I wonder if BarryW in particular could tell me anything about that particular lodge.

Many thanks

[BarryW]

Hello 'Secretary' and 'illidge knight'

Wood Green Lodge 576 met at Three Jolly Butchers, High Rd, Wood Green in 1923 on a Monday. By 1937 it had moved to the Fishmonger's Arms. I think this lodge had closed by the 60's

Lodge 642 was West Norwood Lodge which met at Rosendale Hotel, Park Rd, West Norwood. SE27 again on a Monday in 1923 . By 1937 it had moved to the Norwood Hotel, Knight's Hill. West Norwood. This Lodge survived until at least the 60's.

Chapter 29 met at the Balham Hotel, Balham in the 30's and was still in existence in the 60's.

Hope this helps and always keen to see any pictures

regards

Barry