Membership and identity
Its predominantly serving and veteran membership helps maintain an authentic military environment, while welcoming those who value its service ethos.
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Armed Forces & Freemasonry
An excellent fit
Integrity, respect, discipline and a clear sense of duty are familiar foundations in both military life and Freemasonry. Members meet as equals and are united by standards that extend well beyond the lodge room.
For serving personnel, veterans and their families, a lodge can provide lasting friendship and a dependable local community. Rank and background are left at the door, while mutual support remains central.
The desire to contribute does not end when military service changes or comes to a close. Freemasonry offers practical ways to support charities, strengthen communities and continue a life shaped by service.
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This short film explores the natural connection between military service and Freemasonry: shared values, lasting friendship and a strong commitment to supporting others.
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Service lodges
West Lancashire is home to two lodges shaped by Armed Forces experience. Each offers the familiar values, friendship and sense of purpose of service life within Freemasonry.
Select a lodge below to explore its history, culture and distinctive military character.
Pro Patria Lodge No 9952 was consecrated at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, on 9 February 2018 by James Anthony Harrison, then Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire. It was established for serving and former members of the Armed Forces and meets at Masonic venues around the Fylde Coast.
The lodge provides a dedicated place for camaraderie, mutual support and remembrance among people who share the particular bond of military life.
Its predominantly serving and veteran membership helps maintain an authentic military environment, while welcoming those who value its service ethos.
As a member of the Circuit of Service Lodges, Pro Patria is connected to a nationwide network that preserves service traditions and fellowship.
Annual meetings are known as “yearly manoeuvres”. Installations and officer handovers carry the order of a formal parade, with the Director of Ceremonies often using a military pace stick.
The lodge supports military and community causes, including SSAFA, Cadet Forces and organisations serving people across the Fylde Coast.
Following the First World War, a formal petition was made on 5 January 1921 for a new lodge to be called Kemp Hall Lodge, commemorating two officers who had died fighting for their country. Grand Lodge did not favour lodges being named after individuals, so the name Lodge of Valour was chosen instead.
Its warrant was dated 3 August 1921 and the lodge was consecrated on 9 January 1922 in the rooms in Gas Street, Leigh.
In December 2025, a rededication ceremony at Leigh Masonic Hall formally marked the lodge’s modern focus as a dedicated military lodge.
The transition reaffirmed support for serving personnel, veterans and their families, reflecting Freemasonry’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ceremony included a banner rededication, formal perambulations, a reading from Exodus 30 and symbolic offerings of salt and incense.
The rededication was led by Mark Matthews, Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire, accompanied by a full Provincial team.
Interested in finding a new sense of community after service?
Membership enquiryThe complete journey
The journey through Freemasonry is made up of four connected ceremonies. The first three take place in a Craft Lodge; the fourth takes place in a Royal Arch Chapter, enriching and completing the journey in Pure Antient Masonry.
The first step in a Freemason’s journey. A candidate is formally initiated into the Lodge and commits to the principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.
The candidate progresses to the Fellowcraft Degree, which encourages exploration of nature, science and the place of the self within the universe.
The final stage of the Craft, symbolising self-reflection, moral growth and contemplation of life’s deeper meanings.
Members follow the clues from the Third Degree in a memorable ceremony that completes their journey in Pure Antient Masonry. Continued participation brings old friends and new Companions together to build on the Craft’s principles and discover fresh perspectives on Freemasonry’s meaning and value.
In practical terms, Craft and Royal Arch are one organisation. From the outset, every new Freemason should understand that the Royal Arch is the fourth and ultimate stage of a journey we hope all will fulfil when the time is right.
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Our commitment
Re-signing the Covenant demonstrates West Lancashire Freemasons’ commitment to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families.
It is a promise that the Armed Forces community will be treated with fairness and respect in the places where they live and work, recognising both their sacrifices and the challenges they may face.
Mark Matthews, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire, renewed our commitment to the Armed Forces when he re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on 25 January 2025. The original Covenant was signed on 20 October 2021.
Read more about the Armed Forces CovenantSupport from groups across West Lancashire
Presented to the dignitaries’ chosen charities
Fairness and respect for the Armed Forces community
Plan ahead
Monthly breakfast · local
Monthly breakfast · local
Monthly breakfast · local
Careers fair · Cheltenham
Monthly breakfast · local
Veterans’ support · local
Monthly breakfast · local
Careers fair · London
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