The Howe Chapter is the oldest continually verifiable Chapter in the Province of Warwickshire.
The Chapter is indebted to the Howe Lodge No. 857 for bringing about its existence which was recommended by St. Peter’s Chapter No. 607 at a regular meeting at the Star and Garter Hotel, Wolverhampton in December 1854.
At a regular meeting of the Howe Lodge No. 857, held at The Masonic Rooms, Newhall St. Birmingham on 8th Jan. 1855 it was resolved that consent be given to a Royal Arch Chapter being attached thereto.
Accordingly, the Charter was granted on the 7th February 1855. The first meeting of the Howe Chapter No 857 was held at the Masonic Rooms, Newhall Street, Birmingham on Thursday 10th May 1855.
In the year 1855, there appears to have been only two other Chapters which met in Warwickshire: Fortitude Chapter No. 43 and Shakespeare Chapter.
In 1863, on the revision of the register of Grand Lodge, the number of the Howe Lodge was altered from 857 to 587; the Chapter followed suit.
In 1866 the numerical strength of the Chapter was recorded maximum at 97 members.
A full Provincial team joined The Howe Chapter in a Special Meeting at Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Tuesday 17th May 2005 for 150 Year Celebrations which included the presentation of a script to the Grand Superintendent to mark his acceptance of Honorary Membership of Howe Chapter.
During the previous 50 years we had in excess of 8 new Joining Members and 78 new Exalted Members.
During the last 20 years since that celebration, we have had 1 Joining member and 8 new Exalted Members. The 2023 membership in 2023 is 17.
The Chapter draws its members from several Lodges which meet mainly but not exclusively in Birmingham.
The Howe Chapter meets on the first Thursday of September, November, January and the second Thursday of March each year, at Handsworth Masonic Hall, 21 Wretham Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B19 1ED.
The meetings start at 6pm and are followed by a social festive board. New members are very welcome. Enquiries should be addressed to our Scribe E (Secretary) Parminder Bhamra using: –
psb_3@hotmail.com.
