The story of Freemasonry in East Grinstead began in 1876, when Sackville Lodge No. 1619 was granted its Warrant by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. The Lodge was consecrated on 11 July 1876, with its earliest meetings taking place at the Crown Hotel in the town centre.
As the Lodge grew, meetings moved between several venues, including rooms in the High Street, before returning once again to the Crown Hotel. Although the brethren had established a thriving Lodge, they shared an ambition to create a permanent home for Freemasonry in East Grinstead.
That ambition became reality in 1898, when work began on a purpose-built Masonic Temple in St James' Road.
The foundation stone was laid on 6 June 1898 in a ceremony attended by distinguished members of the Province of Sussex, acting on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master. Just three months later, on 6 September 1898, Sackville Lodge held its first meeting in the new Temple. It marked the beginning of Freemasonry in East Grinstead having a permanent home of its own. At the time, it was only the second building in Sussex dedicated entirely to Freemasonry.
The land was generously donated by Worshipful Brother F. J. Budd-Budd, whose financial support made the construction of the Temple possible. His generosity was publicly recognised by the Provincial Grand Master, who praised the achievement and expressed the hope that others might follow such an example.
During the twentieth century, the Centre continued to flourish. Despite the challenges of two World Wars, Freemasonry in East Grinstead remained active, with ceremonies being conducted for many servicemen stationed locally during the First World War.
As membership increased, Sackville Lodge sponsored the formation of new Lodges:
- 1938 — The Three Counties Lodge No. 5726
- 1965 — Greenstede Lodge No. 8035
- 1976 — Hinge of Friendship Lodge No. 8708
Together these Lodges helped establish the Centre as an important meeting place for Freemasonry across North Sussex.
As the number of Lodges and Orders increased, the adjoining Centenary Building was acquired and connected to the original Temple. This transformation created the dining room, bar, robing facilities and improved accommodation that continue to serve members and visitors today. The work was made possible through the generosity and fundraising efforts of the many Lodges and Orders that call the Centre home.
In 2003, the Centre celebrated becoming effectively debt free, marking another important milestone in its history and securing its future for generations to come.
Today, the East Grinstead Masonic Centre is home to a vibrant community of Lodges, Chapters and other Masonic Orders. While much has changed since those first meetings in the Crown Hotel nearly 150 years ago, the principles of friendship, charity and service remain exactly the same.
In September 2022, the Centre was honoured with the installation of a Blue Plaque recognising that Freemasons have met in East Grinstead since 1876. The plaque celebrates almost a century and a half of continuous Masonic history in the town and stands as a reminder of the many generations of brethren who have contributed to the life of the Centre.