Warranted 8th March 1810
Not only was St. John's the first masonic lodge to be warranted in Torquay, it was also the very first secular society to be formed in the town, even before the Post Office, the Council, and the Police.
For 200 years we have been meeting in Torquay, initially in Taverns (many early Brethren were innkeepers) then in various premises until we built our present Masonic Hall in 1857.
W.Bro David Dawson made a donation with a difference at our 200 year celebrations by donating Derek, the travelling teddy. The idea being that Derek is raffled off using Gift Aid donations and the winner then takes possession of Derek and arranges to raffle him again, either at their own lodge or on a visit. The principle being that any funds raised should be donated to the Provincial Teddy Bear Fund. Each winner is asked to take an unusual photo of Derek and we will publish it here on the website under Derek's Travels. Here is Derek's letter of introduction to the lodge.
