Pharos Lodge No 7421, meeting in Fleetwood Masonic Hall, marked its 70 years of continuous working with the warmth and good humour that have long defined its character. Consecrated in April 1956, the lodge has enjoyed seven decades of fellowship, service and steady tradition and this milestone was observed with the dignity such a history deserves.
The celebration carried a particularly charming touch, as Reverend John Hall, true to a promise many suspected might remain purely theoretical, arrived bearing a home baked cake crafted specially for the occasion. Its appearance caused no small amount of delight, not only because it tasted every bit as good as it looked, but because it symbolised the spirit of camaraderie that has sustained the lodge across the years.
In its own modest way, the cake captured what the 70 years of Pharos Lodge brethren and Freemasonry truly represent; generosity, humour and a willingness to contribute something of oneself for the good of the whole.
The lodge was opened in due form by WM Paul Troughton, after which, a normal business meeting ensued. A moment of quiet reflection followed when the original minutes from 70 years ago were read aloud with great clarity by lodge secretary, John Darrell. They recorded that the founders of Pharos Lodge, 17 in number, together with 46 visiting brethren whose names are recorded in the tyler’s book.
These founding brethren and visitors assembled at 2:30pm on Tuesday 10 April 1956 for the ceremony of consecration of the lodge in the temple at the Masonic Hall, Fleetwood. Hearing those words again, exactly as they were set down on that historic day, provided a poignant link between the founder’s hopes and the living reality of the lodge today.
At the festive board, a tradition carried forward from the earliest lodge meetings was once again observed; the newest initiate offering a toast to the founders. On this occasion the honour fell to John Eastwood, who paid tribute to those renowned gentlemen, now long gone but never forgotten, with sincerity and respect.
George Brookes, fulfilling the office of junior warden, then rose to offer a gracious and heartfelt toast to the visiting brethren. In response, WM Phil Drake of Broadwater Lodge No 9027, delivered a reply marked by quiet dignity and the finest fraternal courtesy. Junior deacon Andy Greenlees carried out a Chorley auction raising £150 from the members and visitors to be put forward for good causes.
70 years on, Fleetwood’s Pharos Lodge continues to thrive, not through grand gestures but through the steady goodwill of its members, the friendships forged over time and the shared commitment to uphold the values on which it was founded. This anniversary celebration, marked by sincerity, laughter and a rather excellent cake, was a fitting tribute to a lodge that remains as spirited and welcoming as ever.
