Warrington Temple Lodge No 6420 brethren marked a momentous occasion with a Banner Dedication Ceremony, following the lodge’s consecration on 8 October, 1947. This remarkable event took place at the Warrington Masonic Hall and brought together distinguished guests and brethren for a truly memorable evening.
The Provincial team, led by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Master Stuart Boyd, graced the ceremony with their presence. The service was conducted by the Provincial Grand Chaplain Rev John Hall, alongside Warrington Group Chairman John Tyrer, vice chairman John McIntyre, secretary Nick Delaney and other esteemed attendees.
The journey to this historic moment began five years ago when John Moore attended the Warrington Group’s rededication service at St Elphin’s Church. It was there that he noticed Warrington Temple Lodge was one of the few lodges without a banner. This observation sparked an inquiry among the lodge committee to uncover why a banner had never been commissioned. Despite thorough research of the lodge archives and minutes by members, including the then group chairman Andy Barton, no record of a banner was found.
Two years later, during a lodge committee meeting, a decision was made to commission a banner. This milestone coincided with John Moore’s first appointment as WM. Tasked with the project, John Moore embarked on the mission to design and produce the lodge’s first banner.
The final design features a pale blue background adorned with two prominent pillars standing on a chequered floor, a timeless emblem of Freemasonry. Inscribed on the pillars are the names of the lodge’s founders, while the insignia proudly displays a depiction of Warrington Masonic Hall, the lodge’s home.
On the much-anticipated evening of the dedication ceremony, the new banner was ceremoniously paraded into the lodge room by the newest master Mason, Jonathan Berks. Rev John Hall delivered a moving oration, providing a detailed explanation of the banner’s symbolism and its connection to the lodge’s founding in 1947.
Following the meeting, the brethren gathered around the banner to capture photographs of this historic occasion. The celebrations continued downstairs at the festive board, where a raffle was held to support local charities. The evening concluded with a strong sense of camaraderie and pride, leaving an indelible mark on the lodge’s history.
The Banner Dedication Ceremony not only honoured the lodge’s rich heritage but also symbolised the enduring spirit of Freemasonry within Warrington Temple Lodge.
