"History, yes, and history in the making"

Royal Lancashire Lodge, No. 116, marked 250 years of Masonry at their Lodge evening of 21st October, 2010. The number of guests dictated a change of venue from Colne Masonic Hall and a dispensation was obtained, permitting a temporary move to Colne Municipal Hall, which duly became the Lodge for the ensuing ceremony. A Provincial delegation, led by our Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, was admitted after the usual Lodge business, shortly followed by RWBro Nigel Brown, the Grand Secretary, accompanied by other Grand Officers.

The assembled Brethren were then treated to a talk, given by WBro Robert E. Heap, PProvDepGSuptWks, Junior Deacon of Royal Lancashire Lodge. The history of the Lodge was described, from its origins, through many early trials and tribulations, eventually becoming the "Mother" Lodge of some nineteen others not including additional Orders, most of which are still thriving today. Reference was also made to the "Murder of the Master", during the Chartist Riots and the beneficial influence of the Parker family in the 1850's and 60's. After delivering the talk in a clear and concise manner, heartily applauded by his listeners, WBro Heap sat down in his chair.

"Bob", in common with the majority of those present, had no inkling of what was about to happen. He was summoned before our RW Provincial Grand Master and promoted, 'on the spot', to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. Clearly the tremendous amount of work which he has done over many years, both for his Lodge and for Masonry in general, has been recognised and rewarded. Perhaps the standing ovation which he subsequently received will serve to convince him, modest though he is, of the high esteem in which he is held by those who know him.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Stephen Rothwell, then presented cheques to the following charities, RMBI 2015 Festival, ELMC, Grand Charity, Help for Heroes, Pendleside Hospice, NW Air Ambulance and other local charities, to the princely sum of £10,000-00, a magnificent gesture.

After a well presented and satisfying Festive Board, the Brethren took wine in accordance with the toast list, with the exception that the Grand Secretary claimed the Senior Wardens toast, delivering a talk which touched on the history of the Lodge, in addition to expressing his confidence for the future. Roses Lodge, itself being a 'Daughter' of Royal Lancashire, by permission of Grand Lodge, presented a framed portrait of the Brethren of the Lodge, to be displayed in the Commitee Room of Colne Masonic Hall.

Jack Price and Alan Garnett with the Grand Secretary, Nigel Brown

 

The success of the evening reflected the effort put in by the Lodge members, in particular the steering commitee, who organised the event, by our esteemed visitors, who so freely supported the Lodge, by the character and individuality of the members, past and present, who have come together in peace and harmony to make Royal Lancashire Lodge the success which it is today. The last word must remain with our Grand Secretary who said of this wonderful occasion and of this grand old Lodge, "History, yes, and history in the making".

Snapshots of the evening