A Reading merchant
John Kendrick was born in Reading in 1573 and became a prosperous cloth merchant. He died in 1624 and left a substantial charitable bequest to Reading and Newbury.
A legacy of work and education
His bequest became associated with employment and educational provision, and the Kendrick name remains prominent in Reading.
Connection to the lodge
The name offers a strong public link between Reading history, philanthropy and service. The founders’ precise reason for choosing it should be verified from lodge records.
