During the early years of the lodge there is evidence of at least one Chapter in this area. A ceremony first mentioned on 2nd April 1818 and on numerous occasions after is that of Passing the Chair, which was adopted to enable brethren to advance in Royal Arch Masonry without having occupied the chair in a Craft Lodge. We read in the minutes for 12th February 1835 that “the lodge was opened in the fourth degree and Bros Russell, Cowey and Hill were passed the chair and paid the usual fee”.

On 21st January 1836 it was stated that a set of Royal Arch Regalia was available and it was agreed to purchase this, and that a Chapter should be attached to this lodge, but no mention of this can again be found in any documentation.

The lodge was ever small in numbers and there had been occasions when insufficient brethren were present to form a lodge. In 1836 it was decided to impose a fine of 2s 6d (£13.87) on those failing to attend on St John’s Night. Considering that the price of the meal that night was only 5s (£27.74) this was a substantial fine but it still only produced an attendance of 12.

In October 1837 a proposition was carried to send a deputation to the PGM, requesting him to remodel Provincial Grand Lodge by appointing proper officers to conduct the business thereafter.

In June 1837 it is mentioned that the frame of the warrant was in need of regilding. It is rarely that you see a warrant framed these days. It is also recorded that Bro Hodsden who had been initiated free to serve as Tyler, having filled that post for three years be admitted as a subscribing member.

The lodge returned to the “Bull Inn” in 1839 at the same time the WM, Bro Stidulph, produced a drawing of Masonic Chairs and the lodge agreed that he should supply three chairs for the cost of 30 guineas. These are probably the chairs now in use.

Another unusual proposition in April 1839 suggested that the Waiter should receive a remuneration of 1s 6d per lodge night for care of the furniture and attendance on the lodge. We then find a minute on 7th November that year that Mr George Bench be initiated into the mysteries of Masonry so as to act as Waiter to the lodge.

A hint that more troubles were on the way is found in March 1841 when it is recorded that “Bro Russell having taken a view of the state of the lodge and of masonry in Dartford concluded by requesting to be discontinued as a subscribing member and that some other person be appointed Treasurer”.

Lodge meetings gradually became more irregular and poorly attended until we find on 15th February 1844 that it was recorded that the lodge be adjourned until further notice.

The next record of a meeting is a year later on 6th February 1845 when it was resolved that “in consequence of the unfavourable state of affairs in the lodge and the non-attendance of several of the members for a very considerable time past, and being unable to meet the necessary contingent expenses, it is deemed absolutely requisite to discontinue its meetings”. It was also agreed to take an inventory of the lodge furniture and property and to obtain a valuation, as an offer had been received by a brother at Cornhill to purchase the entire equipment.

That offer was not taken up and the writing is not very clear at that time but it is possible that the offer was made by a Bro George Warrener who became a joining member at the next meeting.