The first meeting of brethren interested in the formation of a new lodge in Taunton was held in July 1974 and deliberations continued for more than a year, during which time the Vivary Lodge's name was decided on. The formation of Vivary Lodge was formally sponsored by the Lodge of St George No. 3158.
One of the main reasons for the setting up of Vivary Lodge was to form a masonic home for those moving into Taunton, who were unable to find someone to sponsor them into an existing Taunton Craft Lodge. Many moved into the area from GCHQ at Culmhead and the Hydrographic Office personnel from Cricklewood who moved to Taunton in 1968.
The collars and jewels of the offices were donated by the first officers taking that post, the gavels and the Master's Square and Compasses were donated by various members of the Lodge. The lodge banner was presented by W Bro Dr K C Bailey and dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Col H Owen Hughes, in April 1977. The lodge crest, designed by Bryon Turner, which appears on the banner and this website, bears the motto “Virtute et Amicitia” which translates as “By Virtue and Friendship”.
The Consecration of Vivary Lodge took place on 17th October 1975 at Taunton Masonic Hall, with the 18 Lodge Founders present. At the conclusion of the Consecration itself the first Master W Bro Dr K C Bailey was installed and he then appointed and invested his Officers.
In March 1982 a "Festive Meeting of Founders and Consecrating Officers" was held, when the First Officers and Consecrating Officers were invited to perform a Raising ceremony. Hence the first Vivary Past Master’s Meeting was formed, which is a tradition still carried on by the lodge, albeit now every January. The subscription in 1975/76 was £17.50p and £4 for Country Members.
At the 25th Anniversary in 2000, W Bro John Rudge produced a history, which was very welcome. On the 300th meeting in April 2018, W Bro Mark Crawley was in the Chair and a large cake was made and Mark, together with R W Bro Stuart Hadler, Provincial Grand Master at the time, cut the cake.
Vivary Lodge members’ employment has been traditionally as varied as could be, for example: doctors, accountants, farmers, farm suppliers, builders, electricians, locksmiths, draughtsmen, civil servants, firemen and fire chiefs, printers, landlords, IT professionals… and the variety continues so to this this day.
The three gavels used by the lodge to this day were made for and presented to the Lodge by Terry Wood (From Bridgwater). Records do not confirm if he was a Mason or not.
Vivary Lodge has raised thousands of pounds for charity since its formation, both locally and nationally. This has been achieved by donations and special events like quiz nights, barbecues, summer teas, Ladies Nights, Skittles evenings and so on.
Vivary Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary on the 17th October 2025, with huge respect to the past founders who had the foresight to form a new lodge in 1975 and with a look to the future, with a continued determination to ensure the Lodge continues to provide a welcome home to those wishing to join a friendly Masonic Lodge based in Taunton.