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The origin of the Cestrefeld Lodge (originally intended to be called Chesterfield Lodge) may be said to stem from a letter written on 27th May 1918, by W. Bro. J. H. Marsh (following his conversation with W. Bro. W. H. Edmunds) to the Prov. G. Sec., W.Bro. W. S. Gilman, asking for instruction and guidance in the formation of a new Lodge.

The first meeting of the Founders took place on 12th June 1918, with W.Bro. W.H. Edmunds in the Chair and Bro. J.H. Marsh as Secretary.

At the Lodge meeting held on 14th April 1919, it was proposed by Bro. W.T. Buckland, W.M., and seconded by W.Bro. T.E. Haslam that the Lodge place on record its appreciation of the services of W.Bro. W.H. Edmunds and Bro. J.H. Marsh for their efforts in the foundation of the Lodge. Following a petition from the Scarsdale Lodge, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught and Strathern granted a charter on the 14th October 1918, to twelve W.Brethren and Brethren of the three local lodges, Scarsdale 681, Hardwick 2373 and Cavendish 3055: W. Bros. W. H. Edmunds P. Prov. S. G. D., J. L. Somerset P. Prov. J. G. D., R. H. Phillips P. Prov. A. G. D. of C., T. E. Haslam P. M., Bro. H. J. Watson J. W., all of the Scarsdale Lodge No.681; W. Bros. W. T. Buckland P. Prov. J. G. W., C. G. Broomhead P. Prov. J.G.D., Bros. C. Black, J. H. Marsh and E. Colledge of the Hardwick Lodge No.2373; and W. Bros. J. A. Wostenholm P. Prov. G. S of W and J. Mansell P. M of the Cavendish Lodge No.3055. Of these we are happy to record that W. Bro. T. E. Haslam at the age of 96 and Bro. (now W. Bro. ) J. H. Marsh, aged 82, are still alive. 

The consecration of the Lodge was performed on 17th March, 1919, in the presence of about 100 brethren by the Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bro. N. J. Hughes Hallet P. G. D., in the unavoidable absence of the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master, His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, in Canada as Governor General of that country.

After the ceremony of consecration the Deputy Provincial Grandmaster installed W. Bro. W. T. Buckland as the first Master; he in turn appointed his officers as follows:- 

The installation dinner was held in the Market Hall Chesterfield.

The name of the Lodge is taken from the Roman name of the town – “Castra-feld” meaning a camp in the field. 

The Lodge has always met in its present premises, as have the three other craft lodges in Chesterfield, and (up to 1925) the East Derbyshire Club. On 8th June, 1925, it was proposed that steps be taken to purchase the premises from the East Derbyshire Club for £2,945, and on the 1st February, 1926, The Masonic Hall Co. Ltd. was registered. During the 42 years to date there have been only three Secretaries of the Club, all of whom have been members of Cestrefeld Lodge, namely W. Bro. H. J. Watson, J. E. Bird and H. C. Day. 

The first item of interest in the Lodge was unique in that it saw the last public procession in Chesterfield of Freemasons in full regalia. The occasion was the laying of the foundation stone of the out-patients department of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital on the 6th November, 1920, by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. N. J. Hughes Hallett, in the continued absence of the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master, His Grace the Duke of Devonshire.

The 21st Anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated in war-time on 11th March, 1940, with Bro. F. Simms in the chair. To mark the occasion the W. M., S. W. and J. W., Bros. F. Simms, L. A. Syddall and A. R. R. Slack respectively, presented ivory gavels to the Lodge and the Lodge members donated the four chairs now used by the S.D., J.D., I.P.M. and Senior Grand Lodge Officer present.

At the Lodge meeting on the 8th April, 1940, a letter was received from Provincial Grand Secretary conveying appreciation for the support given to the R. M. B. I festival held 28th February, 1940, when His Grace the Duke of Devonshire presided.

A Victory Thanksgiving Service, with Bro. R. J. Tucker in the chair, was held on 8th October, 1945, to mark the end of the world war in Europe. At this point it might be of interest to record that during the whole of the war the Lodge was never prematurely closed as a result of air raid alerts.

The Lodge Regalia was renewed in January, 1954.

On 8th October, 1956, it was resolved that a donation towards the cost of three mahogany candlesticks with silver mountings and a centenary jewel be made in conjunction with Hardwick and Cavendish Lodges, to mark the centenary of the Scarsdale Lodge.

As an acknowledgement of the services rendered to the Lodge during his long membership, W. Bro. T. E. Haslam was made an honorary member on the 12th June,1967.

The 250th anniversary of the founding of Grand Lodge and the installation of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent as Grand Master were celebrated on 27th June, 1967. A commemorative medallion is worn on the Worshipful Master’s collar.