Hall Stone Jewel

At the end of the Great War and to celebrate the ensuing peace, Prince Albert, His Royal Highness The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn K.G., P.C., K.T., K.P., G.C.M.G., etc., the M.W. Grand Master at that time, attended an extraordinary meeting at the Royal Albert Hall and suggested that a new building be erected “in this Metropolis of the Empire dedicated to the Most High and worthy of the great traditions of the United Grand Lodge of England.”

The primary goal for this proposed construction was to provide a fitting memorial which would honour those brethren who made the

'Supreme Sacrifice' during the course of the Great war 1914-1918. This building would also serve as a Headquarters to replace the existing complex at Great Queen Street, London.

The idea developed further and to fund such an ambitious goal, the "Masonic Million Memorial Fund" was launched in 1920. An appeal to Craft Lodges within the English Constitution was made requesting that, as the title so amply states, a million pounds be raised towards the new "Masonic Peace Memorial".  A system of honorifics was drawn up which would be in the form of a jewel in order to encourage individuals to participate through voluntary contribution.

The jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends, on the left and right, squares bearing 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.

The Lodge of Unity, No. 69 was a contributor to the "Masonic Million Memorial Fund" and was awarded a Hall Stone Jewel.