Evingar Lodge
No. 9512
The Idea for a New Lodge
The story of Evingar Lodge began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when two separate groups of Freemasons were exploring the possibility of founding a new Lodge.
One group was based in Chandler’s Ford and the other in Whitchurch. In May 1991, it was suggested that the two groups should combine their efforts and establish a new Lodge at the recently opened Winchester Masonic Centre on Alresford Road.
This brought together a group of founders who shared a clear ambition: to create a Lodge that respected Masonic tradition while developing its own progressive and distinctive character.
The Name “Evingar”
The founders agreed that the new Lodge would be called Evingar.
Research showed that Evingar was an ancient Saxon name associated with an area of land near Whitchurch. It was believed to have been a Saxon “Hundred”: an area capable of supporting approximately one hundred people.
The name gave the Lodge a strong local and historical identity, connecting its Whitchurch origins with the surrounding Hampshire landscape.
Establishing the Lodge’s Character
The first formal meeting of the founders took place on 30 May 1991.
At that meeting, it was agreed that the Lodge would practise Emulation Ritual and that it would develop its own distinctive character.
From the outset, the intention was to create a Lodge that was respectful of tradition, well organised, welcoming and free from unnecessary formality.
The founders also agreed that Economy Lodge No. 76 should be invited to sponsor the new Lodge.
Preparing for Consecration
Founders’ meetings continued regularly over the following months.
During these meetings, the Brethren refined the Lodge’s identity and considered practical matters including its crest, banner, by-laws, subscription fees and the appointment of officers.
On 5 October 1992, a formal petition was submitted to the Provincial Grand Master requesting permission to establish a new Lodge under the name of Evingar.
By December 1992, confirmation had been received that all necessary permissions had been granted. The Consecration Ceremony was scheduled for 18 June 1993 at the Winchester Masonic Centre.
The Consecration of Evingar Lodge
At 2.30pm on 18 June 1993, the founders, Provincial Officers and guests assembled to witness the consecration of Evingar Lodge No. 9512.
Following the Consecration Ceremony, the Lodge’s Founding Master was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.
This marked the formal beginning of Evingar Lodge and the start of a new chapter in Freemasonry in Winchester.
The Cornflower Tradition
At the request of the Founding Master, each founder wore a cornflower in his lapel during the Consecration.
The flower was chosen to represent the purity of Masonic blue and to recall the cornflowers that would once have grown among the crops cultivated within the ancient Saxon Hundred of Evingar.
The cornflower subsequently became an important symbol of the Lodge.
Its deep blue colour represents freedom and beauty, while its habit of scattering seeds amongst the corn came to symbolise growth, prosperity and the spread of Brotherly Love.
The Lodge Banner
Evingar Lodge continued to flourish following its consecration, attracting both joining members and new initiates.
One significant element had not been completed before the founding ceremony: the Lodge banner.
Discussions about the banner began in 1995, based on a design produced by a member of the Lodge. After considerable consultation and approximately six months of work, the completed banner was presented and dedicated at the eighteenth meeting of Evingar Lodge on 21 February 1996.
The banner was formally dedicated and blessed during the meeting.
The Meaning of the Banner
The banner’s satin-blue background represents traditional Masonic blue, while the embroidered sections were created using a technique known as appliqué.
At the centre is the Lodge crest, formed from the square and compasses placed over a red rose. In the apex is a stylised church.
Above the crest are three cornflowers, while beneath it is a scroll bearing the Lodge’s name and the Latin inscription:
NISI DOMINUS DOMUM CONSTRUERIT
This translates as:
“Except the Lord build the house.”
The inscription is drawn from the opening words of Psalm 127 and reflects the principles upon which the Lodge was founded.
The three cornflowers continue to represent freedom, beauty, growth and prosperity.
A Strong Tradition of Charity
From its earliest years, Evingar Lodge embraced the principles established by its founders, particularly its commitment to charity.
During the 2005 Provincial Charity Festival, Evingar achieved bronze, silver and gold certificates, together with a commemorative trowel, in recognition of the total amount raised.
This achievement was repeated during the 2016 Provincial Festival, when the Lodge again received bronze, silver and gold certificates, together with a commemorative gavel recognising its charitable contribution.
These awards reflect a sustained commitment by the members of Evingar to supporting those in need and contributing positively to the wider community.
Continuing the Founders’ Vision
More than thirty years after its consecration, Evingar Lodge continues to flourish.
It remains committed to respecting tradition, maintaining a progressive and welcoming outlook, and making a meaningful contribution through charity.
Like the cornflower scattering its seeds amongst the fields of Evingar, the Lodge continues to spread the principles of Brotherly Love, kindness, growth and service throughout the community around it.