Invicta Chapter has a relatively long history having been consecrated in Ashford on the 14th of March 1877. It has always met in Ashford and since 1923 at the Masonic Hall North Street.

It meets four times a year on the second Thursday of the months of February, April, October, and December. Its regular Convocations generally commence at 6.15 pm. However, the April Installation Convocation usually commences at 5.15pm. Following these a festive board is held in the hall. Always an enjoyable occasion for the Companions and their guests and these generally end before 10 pm.  

The Companions of the Chapter are mindful of its history and traditions and do their best to maintain them both as regards ritual and generally ever remembering that the enjoyment of all attending a Convocation is a major factor. It has moved with the times and in relation to ritual has adopted the practice of “sharing the work” of a ceremony whenever possible.

Brief History

For some time during the 19 th Century the formation of a Royal Arch Chapter in Ashford was contemplated but a decision was made to defer action in this regard pending the building of a Masonic Hall in the town. However, this changed when Viscount Holmesdale the Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent for Kent agreed to proposals to become a Founder and first Principal designate for a Chapter to be attached to the Invicta Lodge No 709 of which he was a member.

The petition for it was granted on the 7th of February 1877. The Chapter was consecrated on the 14th of March of that year at the Whitfeld Hall, Bank Street. Sixty-nine Companions were present. The annual subscription was fixed at £1, the joining fee one guinea and the exaltation fee four guineas – how times have changed!

The expenses attending the Consecration and those of the furniture were £104 having been considerably lessened by gifts of the five Principal Banners by Viscount Holmesdale, the sceptre’s, three small candlesticks and a kneeling stool by J.S.Estes. The bibles, pedestal, veil, triangle, circle and letters by the Rev. T. Robinson. The twelve shields and staves by A. Kingsnorth.

After Consecration meetings initially took place at the Corn Exchange but the following year the venue changed to the Bank Street Hall until in 1923 the Chapter moved to its home at the North Street Masonic Hall. On the 14 th of March 1977 it obtained its Centenary warrant and 2027 will see its 150-year anniversary.

Chapter Profile

As of March 2024 there are were 34 members of the chapter, just under 1/3rd of whom are aged under 60. Our members are drawn from Ashford and a number of neighbouring East Kent Lodges, with a wide range of backgrounds and interests, making it perfect for those wishing to meet other masons from outside of their own Lodge.

Our ritual for Installation is unique – “Invicta working”.  Full versions of all three lectures are performed once a year which are shared between companions. In the absence of candidates our evenings are always one of enlightenment, education and involvement.     

Subscriptions are £50-00 per year due on 1st January. The dining fee is presently £23-00.

Interested in joining?

Companions who wish to consider joining or Brethren looking to complete their journey into “Pure and Antient Freemasonry” by being exalted into it should in the first instance please contact Clive Manuel Scribe E – manuel.clive @yahoo.com. Tel: 01233 663643.

Last updated: July 2024