The Princess Royal Union Lodge on Cobb’s Hill — better known as Samaritan’s Hall — could soon become a Historic Monument listed building.

According to a government spokeswoman, Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, has officially proposed that the building be given a Grade HM listing.

The Princess Royal Union Lodge was built by members of the Wilson, Dill and DeShields families. While the lodge was established in 1899, the building was not officially dedicated until 1924.

Since then, it has served as a schoolroom for generations of students, a church meeting place, a youth club, a concert hall and a meeting place for members of the friendly society.

The land belonged to Alletta Blanche Bassett Wilson of Warwick and an indenture was made between her and The Trustees of the lodge under Mr. Ralph Campbell Dill and others for the sum of £180. It was paid for with funds from the Trustees themselves.

Lodge member Michael Bradshaw said: “The lodge is predicated upon the principle of fraternity and was far ahead of the times in its attitudes of equality with regards to gender, race and social status.

“Members of our early church communities in Warwick were heavily involved in the lodge. Early members understood the great affinity that existed between the ‘friendly societies’ such as the Good Samaritans and the major tenets of Christianity.”

As part of the listing process, legislation requires a public consultation period, which is set to continue until March 31. Upon the conclusion of the public consultation period, the Minister will make his final decision on the listing designation.

Any comments may be sent to the permanent secretary for home affairs, care of the Forward Planning office of the Department of Planning.