AN open day was held at the Masonic Lodge in Crediton as part of the celebrations to mark 300 years of Freemasonry.

Visitors attending the event were given the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Freemasons and what they do.

Freemasons come from all walks of life, from judges to lorry drivers, and are no longer shrouded in secrecy as they once were. They honour the old-fashioned values of friendship, trust and integrity.

Experienced Freemasons were available on the day to answer any questions and also gave visitors guided tours of the 19th century Masonic Lodge.

On the ground floor there is a large dining room which can be hired, and makes an ideal meeting room. Also on the ground floor are the kitchen and two committee rooms where photographs and items connected to the Crediton Freemasons were displayed.

Visitors were able to see the stunning Lodge Room on the first floor, where the Freemasons hold their meetings and ceremonies. The room has a beautiful symbolic ceiling, carved stone fireplace, antique furniture and three beautifully carved Principal Throne Chairs, which are arranged around the outside of the room around a black and white "checkerboard" floor (representing the dark and light in life).

There are many symbolic and historic items of interest at the Masonic Lodge, which are of great significance to the Freemasons who are said to be the second biggest charity donor in the country, second to the Lottery, and raise a substantial amount from donations and draws.

At the end of the open day a presentation ceremony was held in the meeting room where a number of groups and organisations received a share of £1,800 of Brethren money raised by Freemasons in Crediton.

Freemason, Peter Coleman ran the presentation and Derek Jennings, the Worshipfull Master, presented them to Lapford Scouts, The Turning Tides Project, Devon Racqueteers, Morchard Bishop Primary School and Crediton Play Scheme.

There were also representatives from organisations who have received funding from the Devon Freemasons WAKE fund who talked about how the funding has helped them.

These included Huntington’s Disease Association, Crediton Army Cadets and Age Concern Crediton & District. Crediton guides were unable to attend but their district Commisioner, Mrs Jill Taylor, sent a kind note advising how the girls are enjoying the new baking skills in the new kitchen.

The Masonic Lodge in Crediton will celebrate its 150th Anniversary on June 24, 2020.