Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

Amalgamation / Closure of Lodges

A suggested draft of the final closing letter from the Secretary of a closing Lodge to the
Provincial Grand Secretary

The Provincial Grand Secretary
Freemasons' Hall
Bridge Street
Manchester
M3 3BT

 

Dear Provincial Grand Secretary,

As you are aware this Lodge has been in difficulty for some time with falling membership and all the problems that stem there-from. Our current strength is........, of which ..... are actually active.

Accordingly, the Members, having considered carefully the current position, have resolved to close the Lodge and return the Warrant. After due consultation with our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro ................. the required formailities have been observed, i.e.

  • All outstanding dues and debts have been paid or settled and accounts brought up to date.
  • The Lodge records have been completed.
  • Provision has been made for the disposal of all surplus funds to charity or as otherwise decided by the Members (see Appendix 1).
  • Provision has been made for the disposal / storage of our equipment and artefacts (See Appendix 2).
  • Alternative Lodges have been approached and Brethren have either joined, or applied to join according to their choice (see Appendix 3).
  • Provison has been made for our Widows and dependants who are listed under Appendix 4.
    [Confirmation should be given that the Lodge Almoner has been in contact with the Provincial Grand Almoner and through him ELMC, and that the appropriate actions have been taken to ensure that adequate provision has been made for the Widows and dependants of the Lodge] .

Having completed the above, arrangements were made to formally hand over to WBro..........(APGM), the Lodge Warrant on .......(date). From that date the Lodge ceases to operate as a working entity. I would, therefore, request you to make the necessary arrangements for the RW Provincial Grand Master to be informed and for the Warrant and other appropriate items to be returned to United Grand Lodge. The accounts and record books [including those indicated at Appendix 5 and 6] will be returned to the Province on .........(date).

Though deeply regretting that this course of action has become necessary we are grateful for you kind co-operation and assistance.

Yours sincerely and fraternally

 

Secretary
Lodge [Name and Number]

 

Appendix1
List all the names and addresses of the Charities and sums given.
Show where Joining fees have been paid for Brethren.

Appendix 2
List items and to whom they have been transferred.
List unallocated items required for disposal by Province.

Appendix 3
List all Brethren and show new Lodges.
List any Brethren who may not be transferring and the reason.

Appendix 4
Gives names and addresses, ages, dates of birth and other important details (where known) of Widows and dependants. Included should be advice whether another Lodge has agreed to be responsible, or whether the Provincial Grand Almoner / ELMC has agreed to accept responsibility.

Appendix 5
Photocopy of the Annual Returns showing the payment of the dues to United Grand Lodge.

Appendix 6
Photocopy of the Annual Returns showing the payment of the dues to Provincial Grand Lodge.

 

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