Lodge History 1877 – 1977

To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Albert Edward Lodge.

I am very pleased to be able to write a few words of introduction to this history of Albert Edward Lodge 1714. Nearly 52 years ago I was initiated into this Lodge at the Municipal Buildings, Camberley, which was also my place of work for 27 years as the Rating and Valuation officer.

Strangely enough my first introduction to Freemasonry was through music; whilst working late one evening I heard what I thought to be a Male Voice Choir, it was in fact members of Albert Edward Lodge holding one of their meetings at the Municipal Buildings.

1 decided that I would like to join this Brotherhood of men, and what followed proved to be a lifetime of rewarding and pleasant Masonic service, including being a past Master of Albert Edward Lodge with Provincial and Grand Lodge Honours; also a founder member, the first Worshipful Master and Secretary for 16 years of Agincourt Lodge 7172.

Talking of horses reminds me of a personal anecdote; I served in the Yeomanry 1908-1913 and during the first World War, as a Sharpshooter, I met a Sgt. Richard “Bob” Shepherd from Sandhurst, where he was in charge of equinary instruction. This fine’ soldier made a tremendous impression on me. One I will never forget. After this encounter I never met him again, but when I was initiated I noticed on one of the Banners W.Bro. R. Shepherd, the same man, W.M. in 1910. I knew then that I had joined a fine Lodge and made the right decision.

There were a lot of important events in 1877, centenaries of which you have read about this year, but to several hundred men and certainly myself the most important event was the formation of our Lodge.

The history that follows, compiled by W.Bro. Peter Fitchew after a lot of research, is about our Lodge and any contribution that I have been able to make has given me great pleasure.

Thank you all,
ARTHUR H. COVENTRY, P.A.G.D.C.