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Archived Stories - Pre 2007
Another First for Rochdale
The Amalgamation of Hollingworth Lodge and Tudor Lodge with the Lodge of Friendship 277 took place on Wednesday 12th April 2006. The Dep.PGM WBro.Dr.Nigel G Bramley-Haworth officiated at the ceremony. The attendance of 81 members and visitors enhanced a very unique and moving ceremony.
The receiving Lodge, Friendship, was founded in 1789, a year not without its momentous occasions. In April of that year, the Mutiny on the Bounty took place. On the 30th of that month, George Washington became the first President of the USA and in July, the storming of the Bastille heralded the start of the French Revolution.
Tudor Lodge was founded in 1840, it being the product of a West Yorkshire Lodge, Candour and an East Lancashire Lodge, Friendship. The Banner of the Lodge depicts the two Counties in that the white and red rose emblems are shown intertwined.
A distinguished member of Friendship, Henry Lees Hollingworth, started his Masonic career on Boxing Day 1866 when he was initiated into the Lodge. He rapidly gained prominence and rose to become Director of Ceremonies a position he held for many years.
He petitioned United Grand Lodge and was successful in his application to form a new Lodge which was named after him. So the Hollingworth Lodge came in being, a highly respected Lodge which thrived under his guidance.
Over the years all three Lodges have suffered a steady decline in membership. The demise of their former home, the Union Club in Oldham has also not helped to encourage new members. The new venue of Rochdale is now seen as the saviour of the members.
The future looks bright again for all concerned.
It is fitting that the three Lodges who are so linked in their histories should become amalgamated into one Lodge.
Also fitting is that the Worshipful Master of the Amalgamated Lodge is RWBro Peter Walthall, the principal architect of Amalgamation and who first muted to United Grand Lodge the idea of such an action within the English Constitution.
Another first in Rochdale?
Rochdale Lodge, No 6721, cannot boast having the PGM and two Past PGMs in attendance at its Installation Meeting as did Friendship Lodge, No 277 in December 2005. However, at the Installation Meeting of Rochdale Lodge held on 27th February 2006 there were in attendance three members of the Lodge who currently held the Office of First Principal in a Royal Arch Chapter.
WBro/EComp David Garnett was the First Principal of Hollingworth Chapter, No 2702, currently holding its Convocations at the Middleton Masonic Hall. WBro/EComp David Acton was Installed as First Principal of St Martin's Chapter, No 2320, and WBro/EComp James Belfield was Installed as First Principal of Tudor Chapter, No 277, both on the day : the 20 February 2006.
Two other members of Rochdale Lodge, No 6721, WBro/EComp Peter Rhodes and WBro/EComp Colin Chew are respectively the Second and Third Principals of Tudor Chapter, No 277.
At the Installation Meeting of Rochdale Lodge, No 6721, held on 27 February 2006, WBro Colin Chew was Installed as Worshipful Master.
Is this another first for Rochdale and the Province of East Lancashire?
Rochdale having a bumper year of personal 50ths
It must have been something in the water 50 years ago, as the Rochdale district celebrates twelve personal 50ths this year.
We celebrated:
WBro Harry Mellor 2702, in November
W.Bro Harry Bucknell 5120 in January
Brian Morant 5573 in February
Derek Wheater 298 in March
And Frank Shackleton 363 in April.
The celebration for Frank Shackleton was at Frank's home in Rochdale , and the APGM W.Bro Harold Woodward and his wife Phyllis were accompanied by the District Chairman W.Bro Eric Kirkbride and his wife Barbara.
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As can be seen, Frank was in his regalia and also present was his wife Joyce, the WM of Keystone Lodge Bro Alex Broadbent, the Lodge Secretary W.Bro Robert Codling, W.Bro Barry Pinfield and his wife Wendy ,The Lodge Almoner W.Bro James Gartside, W.Bro Herbert Rushton and W.Bro Fred Knight.
The presentation was conducted in a most sincere way which left all present with a sense of real joy and fellowship. Frank was presented with an illuminated scroll by the APGM and an engraved silver salver from the Lodge Brethren.
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