King Edward VII of Great Britain is among the prominent historic visitors to Masons Hall.
During the summer and fall of 1860, the future king, Prince of Wales, stayed two days in Richmond and had the great honor of visiting Masons Hall. He was 18 years old at the time. While in Richmond on October 6th and 7th, the Prince also attended Church at St. Paul’s, toured the capital and visited Hollywood Cemetery. He was well received during the entire 4 month trip and met by large cheering crowds who sought to get a glimpse of the future King.
Perhaps his visit helped further interest him in the Masonry as it is not until 5 years later that while in Sweden he is made a Mason. In fact since the death of the Duke of Sussex in 1843 there had been 25 years without any royal participation in Masonry in Britain. For the simple reason that there were no princes of an age to join at the time.
In 1869 he was elected a Past Grand Master and in 1874 became Grand Master, holding office until he came to the throne in 1901 when he took the title of Protector of Freemasonry.
Masons’ Hall is proud to include HRH Edward VII as one of our notable visitors over the past 230 Years.
Written by: Lee Oppenheim
Sources:
Rady, Charles P. History of Richmond Randolph Lodge #19 A.F. & A.M. Richmond, J.W. Fergusson & Son; 1888
Harpers Weekly Article from New York Time Website: https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/harp/0922.html. Accessed 8/14/2016