Blackpool Lodge No 1476, based at the Masonic Hall in Blackpool, celebrated its 150th anniversary which is a milestone that only a few lodges have reached. Almost 90 brethren filled the lodge room, echoing the attendance from their first meeting at the hall in 1899. The layout and seating plan in the temple being similar to that of 125 years ago. Only the abundance of bushy facial hair and magnificently styled moustaches separating the years.
The meeting was opened in due form by the master of the lodge Ian Fowler. After the general lodge business had been concluded, there was a report and Ryan Modlin, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, was admitted and announced that the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, demanded admission. Mark was admitted, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Duncan Smith and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Randerson, the Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly and a fine collection of grand officers including Geoffrey Lee, Stuart Thornber, Keith Beardmore, Giles Berkley, David Edwards, Edward Rhodes, John Turpin and Eric Hart.
These officers were supported by the new acting Provincial grand officers of the Province who had been appointed at Provincial Grand Lodge held at the Blackpool Winter Gardens. Their highly polished jewels glinting in the afternoon sun light, complete with newly pressed creases in striped trousers with immaculate black jackets yet to be christened with the obligatory festive board gravy. The only exception being Neil Higgins who, having served as the acting Provincial Grand Pursuivant for the past two years is now the acting Provincial Grand Tyler for a further two years and leads the procession of acting officers, alongside Provincial Grand Steward Jason Bleakley.
Neil and Jason were followed by the new Provincial Senior Grand Warden Mark Humphrey, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Michael Silver, Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Martin Clements and Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Keith Bennett. Once everyone had been seated, Ian offered the gavel to Mark who politely declined the offer, informing Ian and the brethren that he was looking forward to a most interesting and informative afternoon and evening.
The next business on the summons was for Ian to give a precis of the lodge’s rich and diverse history. He explained that the lodge has had a deep connection with Blackpool since its inception. Not only taking the name of the town, but also its motto and coat of arms of Progress. The lodge was consecrated on 22 May 1874 at the Clifton Arms and Pier Hotel, some 20 years before the Blackpool Tower was built and opened. A totally different skyline to that which we see today.
In 1891 Blackpool Lodge initiated a meeting calling for the purpose of building a dedicated Masonic hall which was eventually built in 1898. The lodge held their first regular meeting at the new hall in 1899. In recent years, the lodge has initiated 29 new members and in the 150 years of existence the lodge has welcome over 640 brethren into the lodge and Freemasonry.
Modern Blackpool Lodge has now a policy of inviting gentlemen who are interested in Freemasonry to dine at their festive boards every month if they wish. Only retiring when specific Masonic toasts have to be given. The ability to continually dine at the festive boards keep the gentleman interested whilst waiting to join the lodge.
This policy has recently resulted in three entered apprentices and three fellow crafts with a new proposal for membership given at this 150th celebration meeting, thus securing the lodge’s future. With this input of younger brethren and more prospective candidates wishing to know more about our ancient institution waiting to join, it can only revitalise the lodge and give new life to the organisation.
The new members are keen to get involved with all aspects of Freemasonry and we should nurture this enthusiasm, as these younger brethren will be the next generation who will be the future rulers of the Craft. This unbridled enthusiasm can only bode well for the next 25 years for Blackpool Lodge. As our ancient brethren said: “May the tenets and principles of our profession be transmitted pure and unpolluted through this lodge from generation to generation.”
