On the evening of 25th November 2025, members of Sir Joshua Reynolds Lodge No. 4752 gathered to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Lodge’s founding. The centenary meeting brought together brethren, guest, neighbouring lodges and members of the Province in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
The Masonic Hall in Plympton was heaving with brethren for the event. The Head of Freemasonry in Devon, Nicholas Ball, lead the proceedings after processing in to the lodge with all the pomp and pageantry that befits such an occasion, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and Provincial Grand Standard Bearers.
Their namesake, Sir Joshua Reynolds, was born in Plympton in 1723 and his father was master of the local grammar school. He moved to London and trained as a portrait artist and had many clients among the aristocracy of Georgian London. In 1768 he helped to establish the Royal Academy of Arts, known simply as the Royal Academy, and was elected its first president. This significant local artist was an obvious choice for the name for a new lodge being formed in 1925.
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master, Michael Brockwell, and the lodge officers. The Provincial Party was then admitted, under the director of the Lodge DC John Henwell, and the Provincial DC Keith Williams. The Provincial Grand Master then took charge of the Lodge and installed Provincial officers into the key offices. The Assistant Head of Freemasonry, Anthony Eldred, then recited the original warrant which formed the lodge back in 1925 from the Grand Master. The Master of the Lodge, Michael Brockwell, then gave a history of the lodge from the initial idea of founding a lodge locally right up until the current day. This included several personal stories from relatives of current members, and of course details of current members joining the lodge. The Provincial Secretary then read the new Centenary Warrant, which includes a design of a new Centenary Jewel which all lodge members were later allowed to wear. The Assistant Provincial Chaplain then read an oration and lead the brethren in prayer for the further success of the Lodge.
The Provincial Grand Master then returned the regular Lodge Officers to their seats and himself returned the Lodge under the control of the Master before retiring from the Lodge.
The Brethren all retired to the local Con Club were a fabulous 6 course banquet was laid on for them which was presented in the traditional French Menu style which was typical of the time of the Consecration. The Festive Board was decorated with balloons with 100 on them.
The Lodge is grateful to so many people who have been instrumental in the preparation for the event, but most especially to Trevor Saunders, the Lodge’s Treasurer, who has been the driving force behind that organisation.
As the lodge celebrates its centenary, it has honoured not only the years served but also the virtues, also represented by Sir Joshua Reynolds himself, of dedication to the craft, the pursuit of excellence, a commitment to community, and the belief that discipline and fellowship can elevate individuals and strengthen society. In choosing his name, the founders connected our Brotherhood to a legacy of refinement, creativity, and aspiration, values that the Lodge continues to uphold today.
Pictured are various photos include the entire lodge membership, Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers who attended, the Master with 2 Lodge Members (The Provincial Grand Master and the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master), Members of the Craft Executive Present and Past in attendance, the Master and Provincial Grand Master with the Centenary Warrant, the Centenary Jewel, and photos of the Standards and Sword prior to the meeting, as well as photos from the festive board.
