FREEMASONRY has had a place in Okehampton since 1878, meeting first in the school room in North Lane, and the White Hart Hotel, before building a dedicated hall in 1901 — which will be open to the public this weekend.

Membership in the first 25 years of the Okehampton Freemasons increased to 57, and in 1888 discussions were held to consider the desirability of a lodge room rather than in a hotel.

A decision was made to purchase 'Nathan's Plot' on the corner of Station Road for building a Freemasons' Hall and trustees were empowered to borrow from the bankers and to mortgage the building on completion of the single-storey hall.

The hall was dedicated in 1901, but lacked a kitchen. Plans to extend the building to provide a dining hall and a second storey were put forward, and the hall was reopened in 1910.

During the 1970s the dining room fireplace was converted to a bar, a kitchen was added and other improvements have since been made, including a disabled toilet, a commercial cooker installed, redecoration and central heating.

The hall can be hired for functions and will be open to view from 11am to 9pm tomorrow (Friday) and 10am to 4pm on Saturday (April 5).

For more information contact 01837 840234.