History of Zetland Lodge

In the mid 1800s a young Scottish doctor set up practice in Stokesley. John Hepburn Handyside had been a member of the Lodge of St Andrew, Edinburgh. His zeal and interest led to the establishment of Cleveland Lodge, and Zetland Lodge two years later. The Lodge was named after the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Honourable Thomas Dundas, second Earl of Zetland.

Zetland Lodge was consecrated on Wednesday June 13 1849 at the Cock Inn in Guisborough (now occupied by the NatWest Bank). Seven members and eighteen visitors were present. Bro John Handyside was installed as WM, Bros George Wray as SW, and Bro Joseph Penistan as JW. The appointment of other officers was deferred until a subsequent Lodge. Five new members were balloted for and initiated. The new initiates paid their fee of Four Guineas each to the secretary, until a Treasurer could be appointed. The minutes conclude ‘the Brethren partook of a sumptuous banquet provided by Bro Henry Watson. They passed the evening in convivial Harmony and afterwards departed in brotherly love’.

On August 13 1863 the number of the lodge was altered from 820 to its present number 561 on the register of the United Grand lodge of England. Meetings continued in the Cock Inn until 1874 when the present Masonic Hall was built, where meeting have been held since. Meetings were initially held in the lodge room downstairs, but in 1914 a new lodge room was added upstairs. It was first used on September 16 1914, and has been used ever since.

Zetland Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday  June 18 1949, opened by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. J. Darrell Buttery. After deputations were received from four neighbouring Lodges, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro Locklin Harrison, gave a speech ‘worthy of the occasion’. Bro. The Revd A. Gillies Wilken delivered an Oration which ’will surely find a permanent niche in the memories o those who were privileged to hear it’ .The lodge was closed and Brethren adjoined to the Carlton hall for dinner. (The Carlton Hall became a cinema, and is now the Health club).

A week later on Sunday June 26 1949  a Special Masonic Service was held at the Parish Church, Guisborough. The service was conducted by Bro. The Revd A. Gillies Wilken, and the sermon was given by the lord Bishop of Whitby (Very Worshipful Bro The Rt. Rev H Badderley).