Hall Stone Jewels
Their Story
This is the Peace Medal issued at the special Grand Lodge meeting of June 1919.
An example of this Jewel can be seen in Display Case 4 in our Lodge Room as shown below.
The Design of Hall Stone Jewels
After the announcement of the Masonic Million Memorial Fund in January 1920 a competition was held to obtain the most appropriate design of jewel which won by Cyril Saunders Spackman, a Freemason whose mother Lodge was Panmure No. 720. His design for a Hall Stone jewel pendant in the form of a winged angel carrying a temple atop a symmetrical cross laying atop a wreath. At the head of the cross are the Square and Compasses, two of the most recognised and significant symbols used within Freemasonry. The dimensions of the cross appear to be perfect square, with square blocks also being emphasised on the [points] of the cross. On the side points of the cross within the square blocks, the dates of the Great War are inscribed; 1914 on the left, 1918 on the right. The colour of the ribbon is deep blue, or light blue dependent on the variant.
It is reportedly recorded in official notes:
The Hall Stone jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends, on the left and right, squares being the dates 1914-1918, the years in which the supreme sacrifice was made. Between these is a winged figure of Peace presenting the representation of a Temple with special Masonic allusion in the Pillars, Porch and Steps. The medal is suspended by the Square and Compasses, attached to a ribband, the whole thus symbolising the Craft’s gift of a Temple in memory of those brethren who gave all for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood.
Personal Hall Stone Jewel (Silver)
The Masonic Million Fund Commemorative Jewel – This is an individually worn breast jewel and is the smallest of the three measuring around 3.5cm (diameter of the wreath). It is suspended on a dark blue ribbon. 10 guineas or more purchased this silver edition.
Personal Hall Stone Jewel (Gold)
The Masonic Million Fund Commemorative Jewel – This is an individually worn breast jewel and is the smallest of the three measuring around 3.5cm (diameter of the wreath). It is suspended on a dark blue ribbon. 100 guineas or more purchased this gold edition.
Hall Stone Lodge Jewel
The Hall Stone Lodge Jewel – This jewel is slightly larger at 4.2cm (diameter of the wreath) and are handed down from Master to Master of Lodges who achieved an average contribution to the Fund of 10 guineas per member. They are of silver gilt and appended to a light blue ribbon and worn around the collar on a collarette.
The Provincial or District Hall Stone Jewel
This is the largest Hall Stone jewel and made of 18 ct. gold embellished with coloured enamels. It is similar in respect except the dates and wreath are highlighted with enamelling and the size is slightly larger at 4.8cm diameter. It is worn by means of a dark blue collar. To qualify for this jewel, the Province or District must have contributed an average of 500 guineas from its component Lodges. As the Hall Stone Lodge Jewel is worn by successive Masters, so the Provincial or District Hall Stone Lodge Jewel is passed down and worn by successive Provincial/District Grand Master’s.
Abbey Lodge 2529 Hall Stone Jewel – Front
Abbey Lodge 2529 Hall Stone Jewel – Rear
Abbey Lodge Master’s Collar and Hall Stone Collarette
Abbey 2529 Inscription
by the
Peace Memorial at Grand Lodge
On 8 August 1925, some 7,250 freemasons had lunch with the Grand Master at Olympia, still the largest ever catered meal served in Europe. At the end of lunch, it was announced that more than £825,000 had been raised toward the target of £1,000,000 for the new building.
Some of the personal Hall Stone Jewels on display in the Lodge Room at Whalley that dating back to 1923.
An example of the 1919 Peace Jewel and an “Olympia Jewel” are also included.
