Short History of Trinity Lodge, Coventry (Currently No. 254)

The Lodge history parallels and reflects the history of the Grand Lodge of England, and the different approaches to Freemasonry of the years, the splits and re-unifications. These were because of opinions on what constituted Freemasonry, and what degrees and ceremonies should be included in the basis of it, and which were considered additions to it.

Trinity Lodge was warranted in Coventry, England, on 3rd December 1755, as No. 43 of the Antients. The Warrant was renewed on 24th June 1776 on the payment of six shillings.

A Moderns Warrant was obtained on May 4th 1785, as No. 471, the W.M. being John Wilson. The Antients Warrant was cancelled on 5th June 1793. There was thus a short period where Trinity Lodge was “hedging its bets”,  with Warrants issued under the two rival Grand Lodges!

Subsequent changes of the Lodge Numbers made by Grand Lodge were as follows:. 1792  – no 382; 1814 – no 476; 1832 – no 316; 1863 – no 254. The Centenary Warrant  of the lodge was granted in 1885. The Bi-Centenary Warrant was granted in 1955. There is thus an apparent 30- years difference, as it was only in the second century that the lodge’s origins were proved to be uninterrupted from Lodge no 43 in 1755, and not no. 471 of 1785!

Lodge Masters

The history of Trinity Lodge 254 and many of it’s Past Masters is intertwined with the history of the City of Coventry. We would be pleased to learn more and if considered appropriate, we will be happy to add the information regarding any Past Master to this website.

Lodge Meeting Places

1755 ‘Golden Lion’, Bull Ring.
1761 ‘Bird in Hand’, Little Park Street.
1762 ‘Rose and Crown Inn, High Street.
1773 ‘Golden Lion’, Bull Ring.*
1785 ‘Golden Lion’, Bull Ring.
1804 ‘Bull and Anchor’, Bishop Street.
1806 ‘Spotted Dog’, Bull Ring.
1808 ‘George Inn’, Little Park Street.
1824 ‘Castle Inn’, Broadgate.
1876 ‘Craven Arms’, High Street.
1905 ‘Masonic Hall’, Little Park Street.
1971 ‘Allesley Hotel’, Allesley.
1974 ‘George Hotel’, Solihull.
1975 ‘Drapers Club’,  now called “Dalecote House”, Warwick Road.

The Trinity Chair

One of the great privileges accorded to the Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge is the right to sit in this magnificent Master’s Chair. This ornate and impressive chair has been in regular use for over two hundred years but its date of origin and its arrival in Trinity Lodge is a conundrum on which we can only speculate.