Ferraria

Origins and Foundation

Ferraria Lodge was founded in 1972 to support the growing Masonic community in Corby. The name “Ferraria” was chosen to reflect Corby’s industrial heritage. Taken from the Latin word for iron forges, it honours the town’s history of iron and steelmaking that brought generations of families to the area.

The idea for the lodge came from members of Thistle and Rose and Willowbrook Lodges who saw the need for a new Craft lodge to serve Corby’s expanding population. Several names were proposed—including Corby St John, Rockingham, Hazelwood, and Industry—but Ferraria narrowly won the vote.

A formal petition to establish the lodge was submitted in October 1972. The warrant was granted in December that year.

Consecration and Early Years

Ferraria Lodge was consecrated on 19 May 1973 at the Masonic Hall in York Road, Kettering. The ceremony brought together brethren from across the province and laid the foundations for what would become a well-supported and active lodge in Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.

Initially, meetings were held in Kettering. In September 1973, the lodge moved to the Lutheran Hall in Corby. While the space allowed Ferraria to operate closer to its spiritual home, the practicalities of preparing the hall—often by a small group of dedicated members—made regular meetings difficult. By 1976, meetings had returned to Kettering until a permanent home could be established.

The Move to Rockingham Road

Ferraria played a key role in establishing the Corby Masonic Complex on Rockingham Road. Members contributed time, skills, and funding to create a purpose-built space for Freemasonry in the town. When the new centre opened, Ferraria became one of the first lodges to meet there and has remained based at the complex ever since.

The original lodge banner was hand-embroidered by Mrs Doris Blackley, the wife of a founding member. That same banner still hangs in the temple today.

Key Moments and Milestones

Over its five decades, Ferraria has remained active and engaged with both Freemasonry and the wider community. Among its most notable milestones:

• The 400th meeting was marked with a historical presentation looking back over key events in the lodge’s journey.
• The 50th anniversary was celebrated in May 2023 with a well-attended gathering of over 70 brethren. During that event, the Worshipful Master received new working tools hand-crafted by local members as a gift from WBro Barry Cole, the last surviving founding member.
• In November 2023, the lodge’s banner was formally re-dedicated in a ceremony that recognised Ferraria’s enduring legacy.

People and Legacy

Ferraria Lodge has produced and supported many respected Freemasons in the region. One of its most influential members was WBro Sam Roberts, who served as Worshipful Master in 1980. He was also instrumental in establishing the Corby Masonic Centre itself.

Today, Ferraria Lodge continues to offer strong leadership, a sense of brotherhood, and a commitment to the values of Freemasonry. Its meetings are well attended, and its traditions—rooted in both local pride and Masonic principles—remain at the heart of everything it does.