A year ago, Newton Lodge No 6288 faced the possibility of surrendering its warrant due to a decline of members. Thanks to David Whitmore, the lodge secretary, and support from the Warrington Group Executive and other lodges, Newton Lodge now has a promising future.
In February of this year, it was decided that Newton Lodge would be renamed to Newton Lodge of Masonic Research. With this change, the lodge aims to support the transfer of Masonic knowledge to younger brethren, assist with mentoring and explore Masonic history.
The uptake has been phenomenal. David Whitmore has had a busy few months processing the 13 Form P’s he has received to join the lodge. The March meeting was the lodge’s installation meeting, which saw Paul Maskall retain the chair for a second year in the presence of the representative of the Provincial Grand Master, Stewart Cranage, and several distinguished guests.
Stewart rose to give his greetings and congratulations to the WM on being proclaimed master of Newton Lodge for a second successive year, adding how he had enjoyed his visit to Newton Lodge, along with the hospitality offered and the correspondence received before the meeting. He also mentioned the generous donations made, amounting to £1,550 from a lodge of nine members, concluding with best wishes for the WM, members and all the visitors, especially as the lodge progresses as a Masonic Research Lodge.
