There was deep regret as 13 lodge members and 26 visitors attended the final meeting of Tithebarn Lodge No 8446 in December 2025 marking the conclusion of a distinguished lodge in West Lancashire Freemasonry. The lodge, which was consecrated on 20 December 1972, had completed 53 years of Masonic service to this exact day with the associated memories of those who formed its ranks, including brethren who have passed to higher service and those present witnessing its last formal Masonic rites.
The lodge met regularly at Poulton-le-Fylde Masonic Hall from its consecration right up until the closure of the hall in May 2024. The lodge then relocated to Cleveleys Masonic Hall where this final lodge meeting was held. The consecration meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool where 263 brethren including 24 founding members, witnessed Sir Knowles Edge BT, Provincial Grand Master of Lancashire (Western Division) perform the ceremony. Since the consecration, the lodge has initiated 94 brethren and welcomed numerous joining members from other lodges.
The final meeting saw Keith Jackson, the lodge’s second oldest subscribing member, installed into the chair of King Solomon in a ceremony performed by the installing Master, Stephen Bruce. At the conclusion of the lodge business, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, accepted the gavel of the lodge when offered to him and took his place in the chair of King Solomon where he provided a poignant address to the brethren and requested that the lodge secretary, Grahame Whattam to recite the minutes from the consecration meeting. The North Fylde Group Chairman, John Cross, then delivered the valedictory address.
One of the most poignant moments of this meeting was the formal handing over of the warrant of the lodge by Keith Jackson to Michael Tax, who received it with heartfelt regret and emotion. This symbolic act marked the official closure of Tithebarn Lodge, signifying the end of its formal Masonic journey whilst ensuring its legacy remains within the Province of West Lancashire. For Tithebarn Lodge and its members, the journey is now over, but the lodge will never be forgotten and will take a place in the annals of Freemasonry, where it will be remembered until time shall be no more.