Historic Oddfellows Honour Board Returns to Spiritual Home in Camborne Church

Photo: The Loyal Basset Lodge of Oddfellows Honour Board beneath the Oddfellows stained glass window in Camborne Church with Oddfellows members and Camborne Church Wardens, David Thomas and David Fielding

In a ceremony held at St. Martin and St. Meriadoc’s Parish Church in Camborne, a significant piece of history has been reunited with its spiritual home. Local members of the Oddfellows Friendly Society presented a unique artefact, the Basset Lodge Oddfellows Honour Board, to the church, enhancing the rich historical tapestry of this beloved community landmark.

A Rich Historical Connection

The Oddfellows stained glass window, a prominent feature at the west end of the north aisle of the church, has stood since 1863. This window, funded and commissioned by the Loyal Basset Lodge of the Oddfellows, was created to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The intricate four-light window, costly at the time, represented the financial and communal efforts of the local Oddfellows, many of whom were miners suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Peter English, the local Oddfellows Secretary, noted the importance of the window, saying, “Many members of today’s Oddfellows Friendly Society very much enjoy visiting the church in Camborne to view the magnificent window commissioned and paid for by their predecessors and indeed, members travel from across the country to view it.”

Photo: Close up photographs of the Loyal Basset Lodge of Oddfellows Honour Board

The Honour Board’s Journey

Among the artefacts at Oddfellows Hall in Redruth, the Basset Lodge Honour Board was rediscovered, detailing the names of members from the 1860s. Recognising its historical significance, the decision was made to approach the Camborne Parochial Church Council to place the Honour Board in the church alongside the stained glass window. The Council readily agreed, and a presentation was arranged.

Church Warden, historian, and author, David Thomas, who accepted the Honour Board on behalf of the church, said, “We discussed this at the Parochial Church Council Meeting and it was agreed that this was a wonderful proposition. From my research, I know a considerable amount about many of those whose names appear on the board, local people from our town in times gone by.”

Photo: The Oddfellows stained glass window in Camborne Parish Church

Preserving History for Future Generations

David Thomas, alongside fellow Church Warden and Lay Minister David Fielding and Mrs. Fielding, guided the visiting Oddfellows members through the church, highlighting its many historical items. The Honour Board, now positioned in the church, complements the stained glass window and offers a tangible connection to Camborne’s past residents and their contributions to the community.

The minute book from the 1860s, also handed over during the presentation, contains fascinating details, including the decision to commission the window and an intriguing note about Camborne’s transition to national railway time from local Cornish time.

Continuing the Legacy

The Oddfellows Friendly Society, with activities in Redruth, Truro, Plymouth, and other locations, continues to provide support and fellowship to its members. New members of all ages and genders are always welcomed. For more information, contact Peter English at 01209 200810, by email at peter.english@oddfellows.co.uk, or visit the Oddfellows website.

The Oddfellows window in St. Martin and St. Meriadoc’s Parish Church remains a testament to the society’s enduring legacy. With symbols of charity, hope, and protection, it stands as a beautiful and poignant reminder of the community’s history and values.

Photo: David Thomas, Church Warden, discusses one of the church’s historic treasures with …the visitors assisted by a local Oddfellows member