History of Rowner Lodge No. 6974

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In 2025, we were proud to celebrate a major milestone, the 75th Anniversary of Rowner Lodge No. 6974. Over the decades, the Lodge has become well known for being welcoming, friendly and full of good humour. We are a Lodge built on fellowship, family values, and lasting friendships and, as many will confirm, we can be a little lively at times!

 

Why the name “Rowner”?

The name Rowner comes from what was originally a medieval manor near Gosport, close to an important military fort of the same name. The local parish church, St Mary the Virgin, is well known for its distinctive lych-gate.

 

Both the name Rowner and the image of the church form the inspiration for our Lodge Banner, a proud symbol of our connection to the local area and its heritage.

 

A lasting connection with St Mary the Virgin

That connection was especially recognised during our 50th Anniversary celebrations. With generous support from Rowner Lodge and the Province, the lych-gate at St Mary the Virgin was restored and re-dedicated on Sunday 14th May 2000. A brass plaque on the gate marks this link and remains a lasting reminder of the Lodge’s commitment to local tradition and community.

 

How Rowner Lodge was formed

Rowner Lodge was created during a period of significant growth in Freemasonry in Gosport, particularly in the years following the Second World War.

At that time, there were four established Lodges in the town:

• Gosport Lodge No. 903 (founded 1871)

• The Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1705 (founded 1877)

• St Swithun’s Lodge No. 4795 (founded 1925)

• Lee Britten Lodge No. 5782 (founded 1939)

 

By the late 1940s, membership across these Lodges had grown to over 800 Brethren. Many new candidates were serving or former servicemen seeking an organisation that offered camaraderie, strong values, benevolence and structure, and Freemasonry provided exactly that.

 

As interest continued to rise, waiting lists grew longer and it became clear that a new Lodge was needed in Gosport.

 

When and how the Lodge began.

In 1949, a group of prospective founders began meeting to explore the formation of a new Lodge. Under the guidance of the Acting Secretary, Arthur Lawrence, the necessary steps were taken and a petition signed by 31 Freemasons was submitted. As a result, Rowner Lodge No. 6974 was formed in May 1950.

 

Where we meet

Since its formation, Rowner Lodge has always met at Gosport Masonic Hall. Over the years, many of our members have played an active role in supporting the management and success of the Hall, helping to ensure it remains a thriving home for Freemasonry in the area.

 

The Brethren, the heart of the Lodge

While buildings, banners and history matter, the true strength of any Lodge is its people.

Rowner Lodge has been fortunate to welcome Brethren from all walks of life, including headmasters, mechanics, civil servants, shopkeepers, tradesmen, and many more. The founders reflected the diversity of Gosport itself, just as our membership continues to do today.

 

What unites our members is a shared commitment to brotherhood, friendship, and the enjoyment of Freemasonry. It is these values and the people who live by them that have shaped the Lodge over the past 75 years and will continue to guide us long into the future.