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Foreword This history has been compiled to commemorate the Bi-Centenary of The Lodge of Friendship No.44, which traces its existence back to 1755. It is unlikely that the early founders and members of the original Lodge would have contemplated a ceremony celebrating continuing existence in 2003. Nevertheless, the contents of this work will enable present and future generations to look back over the whole period and to follow the fortunes of the Lodge in the changing social background of the last 248 years. I trust that the Brethren of the Lodge, present and in the future, will be inspired to maintain the Lodge's traditions and its contribution to the members Masonic satisfaction and the wellbeing of our great Province of East Lancashire. R.Bro. James D. Hemsley P.Prov. G.M. Provincial Grand Master 1990 — 1999 1

History of the Lodge of Friendship No.44 The origins of the Lodge of Friendship are synonymous with the origins of Freemasonry in Manchester. There were three Lodges in being in Manchester and Salford when the forerunner of what is now known as The Lodge of Friendship No.44 was constituted on the 18th June 1755. One of the three, The Lodge of Fortitude No.64 is still with us, the second, Lodge of Unanimity No.89 no longer meets in Manchester, and the third, alas, expired after a brief existence. The forerunner of the Lodge of Friendship was originally known as No.39 and was one of the first Lodges to become part of the "Ancients, afterwards called the "Athol" Lodges. The group of Lodges called themselves "Ancient Masons" and set themselves up as a Grand Lodge, designating their rivals as the "Moderns". They became strong and influential under the leadership of Laurence Dermott and continued until 1813 when the rival Grand Lodges merged to become The United Grand Lodge of England. Sadly, so far as this history is concerned there is very little documentary evidence in sufficient detail to provide evidence of any depth. This in itself reflects something of the times, since education was not universally available until much later, and in all probability only a limited number of brethren would feel comfortable with the task of reading and recording the minutes of the meetings. Indeed, it is easy to imagine that only a few members would be capable of fulfilling the office of secretary. Furthermore, one must remember that lodge rooms during those early days would need to rely on candlelight, and it would be necessary for the candlewicks to be "snuffed" at regular intervals in order to attain maximum light. "Snuffing" was the action of removing the burnt end of the wick, by trimming it with an instrument akin to a pair of scissors. Members would have had to cope with this practice of "snuffing" until 1825, when the advent of the twisted wicks made life much easier. Records were obviously kept to a minimum and the ceremonies worked relied mainly 2

on word of mouth from brother to brother. All this led to a fluidity of traditions which in many aspects are still found in Lodge workings today. At this juncture, let us consider how Manchester and Salford must have looked in 1755. It must have been a pleasant county town. The number of residents would have been no more than 20,000. It would be full of picturesque, but probably unsanitary houses in the Tudor Style, interspersed with a number of fine commodious houses of the "Well-to-do" merchants of the day. The Parish Church, now a Cathedral, would have dominated the landscape on its elevated position on the hill at the confluence of the rivers Irwell and Irk. Other churches, such as St.Ann's and the Sacred Trinity, across the Irwell, would have stood tall above the smaller and somewhat squalid houses that surrounded them. The main streets, such as, Deansgate, Cateaton Street, Hanging Ditch, Fennell Street, Withy Grove etc., were interspersed with many "yards" and "alleys". These were generally well endowed with numerous Public Houses, which the Lodge of Friendship and others frequented and vacated from time to time. In the process of researching the history of the Lodge, it soon became apparent that other worthy brethren of the Lodge had studied the subject thoroughly and recorded their findings. Notes left by Bro. Nathan Heywood, who served the Lodge with distinction for many years, have proved invaluable. These he published in 1901.Similar scholarship was also contributed by W.Bros. Paul Ridgway and Charles W. Sutton, both Past-Masters of the Lodge, who each published their valued work at different times. Therefore, large tracts of their published notes have found their way into this latest History. (Bro. Nathan Heywood recorded the following:) The first recorded meeting of the Lodge was at St.Ann's Church and Mitre. A public house located in Cathedral Yard, this must have been a mistake as there was no Cathedral in the year 1755, only the Parish Church of the day. The original Warrant was dated 18th June in that year, but somehow during the succeeding twenty years Lodge Officers had carelessly lost the document , for we read that on 25th March 1775 in answer to a petition from the Lodge, then meeting at The Black Moor's Head, Old Churchyard, a renewal Warrant was obtained from the Athol Grand Lodge on the payment of six shillings, not a particularly heavy charge. For some 3

unexplained reason, perhaps culpable carelessness on the part of the Secretary or Treasurer, perhaps owing to a lack of funds, no returns were sent up to the Athol Grand Lodge for some years, resulting in the cancellation of the warrant on the 5th June 1793. Less than two years later, on the 4th Marchl795, a renewal Warrant was granted to Bro. Watson and others, meeting at the Queens Head, Old Churchyard, which sacred precincts apparently sheltered a fair number of public houses. The cancelled Warrant, which was surrendered in exchange "is now", states Bro. Heywood "in the possession of United Grand Lodge." The renewed Warrant of 1795 was granted on the recommendation of the Lodge of Fidelity No.275, and the Lodge of Unity No.278, but in its turn met with misfortune and lapsed due to the non-payment of dues. At the beginning of the nineteenth century it was difficult for a Lodge to obtain a new Warrant. In 1799 an act was passed by Parliament for the suppression of seditious societies, by which, it was enacted that all societies whose members were required to take an oath not authorised by law should be deemed unlawful combinations and their members should be liable to a penalty. Though societies "held under the denomination of Lodges of Freemasons", were expressly excepted from the operation of the Act, because their meetings "have been in great measure directed to charitable purposes," it was assumed that no new Lodges could be constituted. At a Grand Lodge Meeting held on November 20th 1799, the common threat of erasure from the list for non-compliance with its arbitrary regulations was invested with a new terror. The necessity of conforming to the laws was once more laid down, followed by this note of warning: "It behoves every Lodge to be particularly careful not to incur a forfeiture of its constitution at the present period, as in consequence of the late Act of Parliament no new constitution can be granted." It is interesting to note: A new Warrant was not issued on the 1803 revival, but on the payment of two guineas, the petitioners were granted the Warrant of No.39 on the roll of Lodges. This really was the start of the present Lodge. The place of meeting of the new Lodge was The Horse Shoe, Old Shambles, and William McCormick was made Worshipful Master. At this time, and for many years previously, as was the 4

custom, there were two Installations each year; St. John's Day in June (St. John's in Harvest) and St. John's Day in December (St. John's in Winter ) Of the early Masters of the Lodge we know little beyond their names as given in the imposing list printed on the back of the Summons of the Lodge. From the old directories we find that they were for the most part tradesmen, such as oilman, cloth-dresser, cabinetmaker, silk dyer, calenderer, and so on. There are two described as muslin and dimity manufacturers; one as a silk and muslin mercer, and another as a victual and fustian dealer on Cockpit Hill. Retracing our steps in time, we now refer to John Cartwright, who was Master of the Lodge in 1762, when he was "granted liberty to make masons at discretion." He was a person of local Masonic fame. He was Master of the Lodge of Benevolence at Stockport in 1774. He had previously delivered Masonic lectures in that Lodge, and when he changed his residence in 1776, he was elected an honorary member, because he was considered ,"A mason of extensive knowledge and experience in the Art," and had rendered distinguished service to the Lodge, whose meetings he still occasionally attended up to the year 1787. He even perpetrated Masonic Songs, which you will find printed in the 1801 edition of "Ahimon Rezon." The last line 5

of one of his songs runs thus: Then join your hands and tongues with mine, Our glorious art to praise; Discreetly take the generous wine Let reason rule your ways. (which makes sound sense, but hardly ranks as poetry ) An interesting incident in the annals of the Lodge, occurred on June 11th 1786, when a petition to the Grand Lodge of all England at York for the warrant of the Jerusalem Encampment of Knights Templar, "the first and premier encampment in all Lancashire," was signed by Bros.John Hassall, Joseph Carter, John Watson,(who served as Worshipful Master the following year,) and others of Lodge No.39. particulars are given by Bro.John Yarker in his notes of the Jerusalem Encampment 1869, and in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum 1905. John Hassall was a Yorkshireman and had been Master of the Druidical Lodge at Rotherham in 1778, before he came to reside in Manchester. He joined in at least two other petitions to the York Grand Lodge, one on 22nd December 1787, for a "regular constituted Lodge of Master Masons" to be held at the house of John Woodman, at the Brushmaker's Arms, Smithy Door, the other in November 1790, for the Lodge of Fortitude, meeting at the Sun Inn, Hollinwood. He was "Commander" of the Jerusalem Encampment from October1786, to October 1792, and died in 1795. (It is interesting to note that the same "Sun Inn", Hollinwood, still remains active today). We are not aware that the Jerusalem Encampment had any further connection with Lodge No.39, but it is recorded by Bro. Heywood that an Encampment of Knights Templar was held in the later years by the Lodge, as a Knights Templar as well as a Royal Arch Chapter, also a Chapter of Excellent and Super-Excellent Masons and other degrees. This was in accordance with the unlicensed habit of the time, before the participation in such luxuries came to be regulated by authority. John Watson, mentioned above, appears to have been an active Mason of his day. Besides being instrumental in the starting of the Lodge in 1795, we read of him as Acting Grand Master by dispensation from the Ancient Grand Lodge at Wigan, in 6

1786. He was assisted by John Parker as Senior Grand Warden, William McAvoy as Junior Grand Warden, and John Barlow as Grand Secretary, all being members of Lodge No.39. Many other members appear among the founders, including Thomas Doncaster, twice Mayor of Wigan, who was chosen as the first Master and occupied the position for six years. A further early incident should be mentioned, and it refers to the Lodge money box. On July 23rd 1763, John Unsworth, Bellman of the Town, apparently employed as Tyler of the Lodge, was tried at the Quarter Sessions for robbing the box belonging to the Freemasons at Henry Wallworth's public house, and was sentenced to seven years transportation. The case is reported in the periodical called, "Universal Museum" of September 1763. The manner of committing the crime was as follows. On a typical Lodge night, he attended with his key, and two other officers each had a key, the box having three locks. Business being over, he officiously got from his brother officers their keys, pretending to lock the box for them, but left both their locks un-shot while his own secured it from being known. He soon afterwards found an opportunity for committing the robbery and then had the meanness to lay the crime on John Sweetlow, a reduced soldier, at the time on his way to Ireland, who was charitably assisted by the members, as was their custom. So far as we know this is the only case of anyone connected with the Lodge being transported. An interesting occasion happened in 1788. A Grand Military Procession to St.John's Church (later to become a Cathedral) was to take place in Manchester. The Modern & Ancient Lodges, dressed in full regalia, were invited to take part. The Lodges under the two authorities were not allowed to fraternise as indicated by a resolution passed at an extraordinary meeting of the Modern Grand Lodge on April 7th 1777, to the effect that, "Neither shall any Person initiated at these irregular Meetings be admitted into any Lodge without being remade and paying the usual Making fees". However, the urge to take part in a procession was so great that many of our brethren sold their birthright and were made "Modern Masons" in St. John's Lodge on September 28th. The following day the members of the Lodge met at 8 o'clock and joined the procession to St. John's Church. By the turn of the century Manchester was changing rapidly, the town’s population of 70,000 was growing at a prodigious rate. We are told in Scholes' Directory 7

that the population may be calculated from the great number of cotton factories, wherein it is thought some 20,000 men, women and children were employed in the production of preparing warp and weft. Add to these the many hands employed in weaving etc. as well as the general mechanics, householders, domestic servants, and Manchester may well have been ranked as the most populated market town in England. The number of Irish names listed amongst the members of the Lodge suggests that these men emigrated to what seemed a Utopia, and carried on with their crafts, alas, soon to be ousted by the power looms of the Industrial Revolution. It is interesting to note, that a return to Grand Lodge in 1804, which is in our possession, shows that out of fourteen members of the Lodge, twelve were manufacturers or weavers. Some idea of the value of money in those days is afforded in the cost of the Installation dinner on December 27th 1803:- Dinner for 16 members.............................. £1 12s. Od. Drink.................................................... £1 2s. Od. Servant ............................................................. 5s. Od. Tyler ................................................................ 9s. Od. An amusing item appears in the minutes regarding the conduct of Bro.Wm.McCormick, the first Worshipful Master, who soon found himself at variance with the Lodge on July 4th 1803, on being admonished for being intoxicated. It is reported that he left in high dudgeon, saying, "he would not be reproved by a parcel of schoolboys, and swore he would be dammed in open Lodge if he did not have his money." Evidently he soon saw the error of his ways, made repeated efforts to rejoin, but was not admitted until April 6th 1812. Up to 1813 the workings of the Lodge had been that of "The Ancients," but at the Union the working of the "Moderns" was decided upon. Our Lodge, however, continued the old form of working, which caused a friction with the other Lodges meeting in Manchester, and to smooth all questions for the future, a Lodge of 8

Reconciliation was held at the Talbot Inn, Market Street, Manchester on August 2nd 1814. An Obligation of Conciliation was taken by the respective Masters of each Lodge according to the instructions of The United Grand Lodge of England. The Lodge continued to hold its usual quarterly Royal Arch Chapter, and in 1817 an objection was taken to its working that degree by the Deputy Grand Master of the Province, Bro. D. Lynch. An entry in the minutes records the Lodge's protest on the Yd. March 1817, against his interference regarding the Arch and other matters. What Bro. Lynch's objection was, or what the other matters were, is not recorded, but a charter to hold a Royal Arch Chapter was granted in the November following, and the sum of two pounds was paid out of Lodge funds for "registry money". The Chapter had previously met at the White Hart Inn, Sugar Lane, but had then moved to The Fox, Jackson's Row, there were, at the date of the Charter, eighteen subscribing Companions. Bro.J.McClelland (whose name appears amongst the members of the Lodge in 1803) was appointed First Principal under the Charter. The original document and some Royal Arch furniture, purchased in February 1833, are still preserved in the archives of the Lodge. It would appear that in those early days the Lodge was in reality a Sick and Burial Society. The Manchester Lodges joining together to defray the funeral expenses of a brother. This arrangement was, however, annulled in November, 1814. The Lodge of Friendship therefore unanimously agreed, that in future it would inter its own deceased Brethren. An entry dated May 28th 1816, refers to the burial of Brother Francis Moreton in the Lodge's grave at St. Marks Church, Cheetham Hill. In May, 1833, negotiations were in progress to merge with the Lodge of Unity No.334, but they fell through. On September the 2❑d of the same year, appears the following minute. "In reply to a request as to the date of our Warrant, a letter has been received from Grand Lodge stating that it appears to have been granted 18th June, 1755." Despite this, the Lodge does not claim continuity from that date. Bro Beasley, in his interesting history of the "Wigan Grand Lodge," does not implicate the Lodge very greatly, but he does tell us that according to the minutes of Grand Lodge, March 6th 1822, four of its members were suspended from their 9

Masonic privileges for participating in the issue of a circular in this connection. They seemed to have appealed successfully for reinstatement, as no brethren of the Lodge appear in the list of those later expelled from the fraternity. The Lodge minutes record that in 1835 the Warrant of 1795 had become almost illegible, and that a petition was presented to H.R.H. The Duke of Sussex, as Grand Master, for a new Warrant in exchange. The prayers of the Brethren were duly answered on 29th June, the number of the Lodge being given as 52. The Lodge number, which had originally been 39, became 59 in 1813, and 52 in 1835, and so remained until the renumbering in 1863, when the Lodge received its present number of 44. A unique Charity Box was presented to the Lodge in April 1835 by Bro. John Hickman. It is on wheels and was presumably pushed around the table at the Social Board. It is currently to be seen on the floor of the Lodge at each meeting. The Lodge Meeting on May 2nd 1836, was held at the Bull's Head Inn. After opening the Lodge in the three degrees, it was announced that the Deputy Provincial Grand 10

Master was in attendance with his Officers. On being admitted, he declared it a Provincial Grand Lodge. The Warrant, books and accounts were examined. The minutes of the meeting were taken, duly signed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial. Grand Secretary and the Provincial Seal affixed. Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed. The Worshipful Master then reoccupied his chair and with his officers closed the Lodge in peace and harmony. A deputation from the Lodge of Virtue attended on December 6th, 1842, to consult as to the observance of St. John's Day. A return deputation was appointed to arrange that they officiate as Stewards, and the ceremony be held on December 28th, this to replace the normal January meeting. The Installation was duly held and both Lodges attended, the practise of which, continued for many years. Whilst there is no mention of amalgamation, the Lodges were very closely connected in fellowship, and of mutual interest! It would appear that the Flag "Friendship & Virtue" was provided to grace these occasions. It is gratifying, that the practice of displaying the Pennant at the Installations continues. 11

In 1847, Edward Akers, a medical student, being under the age of 2lyears, was "Initiated" by "Dispensation". and on August 2nd. of the same year a request was received from the Prov.G.Chaplain for a subscription towards a Masonic Tower, but there is no record as to what this was or of any response. In October 1851, the annual subscription for membership to the Lodge of Friendship was raised from four to six guineas. George le Boutillier Diamond, kindly made a presentation of a Silver Snuff Box in 1856. This is generally passed round at the social boards. He later also presented the Lodge with a new "Charity Box," He became a joining member of the Lodge in December 1854 and came from Lodge No.107, of London (a further connection to this event is mentioned later). The Earl of Yarborough, Deputy Grand Master, visited the Lodge of Friendship on February 1 st.1855, and amongst the numerous visitors was a Brother from Canada, who resided in the District of Newfoundland. The Deputy Grand Master requested the Worshipful Master to propose him as a member of the Lodge. The ballot which took place on March 2nd. was unanimously in favour of the proposition and a letter from the Earl of Yarborough thanking the brethren for electing him an honorary member was received. New By-Laws were approved on March 30th 1855. These were published and read out in open Lodge and distributed to the members, It was announced on March 18th 1856 by the Grand Secretary, that Bro. Stephen Blair had been appointed as Provincial Grand Master designate for the Eastern Division of Lancashire. A letter was received from Bro.J.W.Petty regarding the building of a Masonic Hall at the cost of £5000, the capital to be raised by issuing shares of £10 payable within three years. This was discussed within the lodge and support for the scheme was promised. The proposal was well received by all the Lodges in Manchester, and the foundation stone was laid on 25th July 1862. The Lodge possesses a steel Lewis which was used during the erection of the Building. 12

A pleasing expression of inter-Lodge courtesy was manifested on September 19865, when a deputation from the Anchor & Hope Lodge, No.37, of Bolton, visited and presented the Lodge with their Master's Silver Chain of Office. This chain was made in Manchester by Bro.Botsford, a member of the Lodge of Friendship. Feeling that as a result of the renumbering that it could not now be legally used by them, it was resolved to present it to the new No.44. Sincere thanks "For this very handsome gift, one which shall be treasured and taken great care of," were accorded to the Anchor & Hope Lodge by the Worshipful Master and the Brethren. Notice was received from Grand Lodge in September 1870, that Bro. Nicholas le Gendre Starkie had been appointed Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire. A pleasing act on the part of W.Bro. James Rait Beard was his presentation to the Lodge on December 1st. 1882 of a V.S.L. (this is still in use at our regular meetings and can be found on the Worshipful Masters pedestal.) Lodge expenditure in 1879 was causing anxiety and as a result of various proposals, new By-Laws, of which unfortunately there is no copy, were finally adopted in February 1880. 13

The unrest, however, continued and in March, 1881, a committee was appointed to enquire as to the terms of tenancy, etc., and report as to the desirability or otherwise of removing from the Freemasons' Hall. Eventually notice was given to terminate the tenancy in September 1882. At an emergency meeting on the 26th, it was decided to remove to the Albion Hotel, Piccadilly, which proved to be our home for the next forty years. "A name of nostalgic memories." The meetings there generally commenced with high tea, a custom which persisted except at Installations. The Grand Master in 1887 honoured W.Bro. John Chadwick by conferring on him the rank of P.G.Swd. B. At the December meeting in 1889, Bro. Nathan Heywood presented to the Lodge a very valuable rapier, once the property of King William III. In vouching for its authenticity, Bro. Heywood gave the secretary the following particulars: "The sword was the Court Dress Rapier of William, Prince of Orange. The grip is of solid gold and on either side of the blade is a portrait of Mary Stuart, daughter of King James II and wife of King William III. (This weapon takes pride of place in the lodge and is constantly used by the I.G.) In 1895 a Petition was presented to Grand Lodge praying for a Centenary Warrant, such warrant to date from 1755. The petition, though courageous, was not successful. (We have to admire the tenacity of our forebears) 14

With the commencement of the First World War and the uncertainties of the days and months to follow, Grand Lodge in its wisdom, suggested that Lodges should meet for business only, and each lodge should determine the extent of such business. The Lodge committee decided to hold their meetings at lunchtime and reduce the duration of such meetings according to the business at hand. The Lodge Crest as we know it, was first used on the Summons in 1916. In the original seal, as used prior to 1863, the arm was vambraced, (armoured) but the motto was identical. With the signing of the Armistice on the 1st November, 1918, the Lodge reverted back to its regular meetings but with one amendment. The June meeting was abandoned, and replaced by a meeting to be held on the first Friday of each January. New Ashlars, cut from stone taken from St.Peter's Church were presented to the Lodge in May ,1920. The General Strike in 1926 dislocated all traffic and caused the cancellation of the May meeting. At the meeting held on the 6th May 1927, W.Bro.Sir, Edward Rhodes was congratulated by the brethren of the Lodge on receiving the honour of Acting J.G.D. The 1920s were years of great activity in the Province, drawing plans for the new Temple and laying schemes for their accomplishment. The Lodge of Friendship played a not insignificant part in the ultimate success of the venture. The Worshipful Master inaugurated the sending of birthday greetings to the members in 1933, one of those little unobtrusive acts which during the years has been very much appreciated. At the January meeting in 1934 the Lodge was notified that the Finance Committee of the E.L.M.B.I. would be pleased to accept the clock offered, and requested that it be placed in the Goulburn Room. The task was very ably executed by Bro.P.C. Buss. 15

To commemorate Lord Derby's 70th birthday and his 36th year as Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge, at a meeting held in Manchester Town Hall on April 26th 1935, enthusiastically passed a resolution to present to Grand Lodge the main door of the Masonic Peace Memorial Temple as a gift from the Province of East Lancashire. The sum required was 1,750 guineas, which was provided by all the Lodges of the Province. A tablet recording the gift in the name of our late R.W.Provincial Grand Master, Lord Derby, is to be found by the side of the Doors. The Installation meeting in October, 1939, was the first meeting after the outbreak of war. The meetings following were generally held at mid-day, and there commenced a period of austerity. The meeting held in September 1940 marked an epoch in the history of the Lodge, in that the Deputy Prov. Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir Alan Sykes, Bt. J.P.,D.L., attended, and presented a Centenary Warrant to the Lodge." the outward visible sign of 100 years of spiritual grace" Also in his address he said, "At the present time, outside, there are many forms of evil. We, inside are cemented by the bond of brotherhood, and can anyone doubt which is best and which in the long run will prevail? You are meeting today in the Rhodes Lodge Room, and are the first Lodge to 16

do so. It must be very gratifying to you, as it is to me, that you are inaugurating the Rhodes Suite, which takes its name from one of your own members." In September 1941, W. Bro.H.B.Longley was invested as Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Surrey, giving the Lodge the distinction of having had two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters,from out of its ranks, up to that time The war years, with the exigencies of the Services, presented difficulties, which led to the Installation of W.Bro. J.D.Hughes P.P.G.W.,as Worshipful Master for a second time. In September, 1944, W.Bro.H.B.Longley P.G.D. was invested as Deputy Prov. Grand Master of Surrey. The agitation for a Royal Arch Chapter to be attached to the Lodge reached fruition when a Petition was signed in the Lodge in September, 1945. The Chapter, which was consecrated on February 25th, 1946, was granted permission to use the Lodge Number and Crest. At the Installation of the Grand Master in March, 1948, not the least the pleasurable occurrence was the announcement that our R.W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes had been promoted to the rank of P.G.W. Later, on June 23rd. he was invested as Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The services or an old and well-beloved brother were suitably acknowledge in November, 1948, when W.Bro. Joseph Wadsworth, P.P.G.D., P.P.G.Org. Organist of the Lodge for no less than 36 years, was presented with a canteen of cutlery "as a token of esteem and affection in which he is held by his brethren." Another presentation took place in September, 1950, when, on the completion of 25 years as Secretary, W.Bro.Paul Ridgway, P.P G.W. received from his brethren "a token of esteem and affection" in the form of a Silver Salver. R.W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes, P.G.D. was Installed as Provincial Grand Master on October 5th 1950, the ceremony being conducted by the Grand Master M.W.Bro. The Duke of Devonshire K.G. etc etc. He was the first member of the Lodge to attain this high office. 17

At the meeting in May, 1951 W.Bro.Paul Ridgway,whom the Grand Master had invested as P.A.G.D.C. on April 25th, was welcomed into the Lodge and received the congratulations of the Worshipful Master and the Brethren. W.Bro. E. Sims-Hilditch, a country member had received the same Rank at that meeting of Grand Lodge. Now commences a new era. Let us resolve, brethren, that we pass on to our successors, "This good old Lodge of Friendship pure and unsullied, shorn of none of its former splendour and with its lustre undimmed. W. Bro. Paul Ridgway P.A.G.D.C. Continuing with the history of the Lodge, for the years, 1952-84 we refer to the items recorded by W.Bro. E.G.Buss P.A.G.D.C. In February, 1952, came the sad announcement of the death of his Majesty King George VI Past Grand Master. Who, during his reign, had enthused the nation, particularly during the turbulent years of the Second World War. He was also a firm supporter of the Craft and took great interest in its affairs. The year also brought a severe blow to the Lodge with the death of W.Bro. Fred Berry, who had occupied the Chair of the Lodge in 1920. He was noted for his contributions to entertaining the brethren at the social boards, reciting monologues of his own composition. All of which have been carefully preserved in the Lodge archives. In 1952, His Royal Highness, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was initiated in to the Craft. The year of 1953 was a very important period for the Nation. The country was still suffering from post-war austerity, rationing of foodstuffs and other commodities still prevailed. However, the news of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June captivated and lifted the hearts of her subjects. The Coronation Ceremony was to take place at Westminster Abbey, but on this occasion, it was to be broadcast visually to the nation on Television for the first time. 18

Such was the excitement that almost one million television sets were purchased to view this historical event. People fortunate enough to be able to own television sets invited friends and neighbours to share in the historical spectacle. On the same day came the most unexpected announcement of the conquering of Mt. Everest by Edmund Hillary (later to be Knighted) and Sherpa Tensing. The year also introduced the "Sesqui-Centenary" of the Lodge's existence. The Worshipful Master was W. Bro.Robert Wagstaff. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes attended, together with an Official Deputation from Provincial Grand Lodge. The signed attendance sheet is of particular interest, as amongst the list of acting officers is W.Bro.C.R.Peers who is still with us today, and our longest serving member. The meeting on this occasion was held in the Derby Suite. W. Bro. Paul Ridgway P.A.G.D.C. presented his paper on the history of the Lodge. At the meeting in May 1955, W. Bro.Paul Ridgway took the opportunity of reading for the benefit of the brethren, the minutes as recorded in the Lodge a hundred years previously, which was warmly received by all present. At the April meeting in 1956, the Lodge admitted as a joining member Bro.L.J.R.Downing, who was proposed by R.W.Bro.H.B.Longley Provincial Grand Master for Surrey, the second Lodge member to hold this high office. In November 1956, W. Bro. S.M.Rice G.Stwd., and a member of Old Union Lodge No. 46, gave details of his meeting with the grandson of W.Bro. George le Boutellier Diamond who had been Master of the Lodge of Friendship in 1857, and had presented to the Lodge a Silver Snuff-Box and the Charity Box already referred to. Both these items continue to be regularly displayed. 19

At the 1958 May meeting, R. W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes, P.G.M. and W.Bro. A.Hasleham were, at the pleasure of the Lodge, given Honorary Membership. At that meeting also, W.Bro. Norman Pointer was welcomed into the Lodge on his appointment to Grand Rank. In the September following, W.Bro. Eric G. Buss , was congratulated by the brethren on his appointment to Grand Rank. At the 1959 May meeting, congratulations were given to R.W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes P.G.M. and to W.Bro.A.Hasleham P.P.G.W. Chaplain, on their joint celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry. During the years 1953 —1980, the following brethren of the Lodge received Grand Rank. W.Bros. Paul Ridgway, L.Chambers, W.N.Pointer, G.H.Bissenden, Eric G.Buss, and P. Jervis Taylor. In September 1959 R. W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes, resigned from the office of Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire. In April 1960 The Lord Derby Dep.Provincial Grand. Master, was appointed and invested in that Office. Throughout its history, records show that active membership of the Lodge of Friendship appears to have been on average 20-30 members, with a steady trickle of initiates and joining members to replace natural erosion. The early post war years were fruitful and membership increased substantially with the return of many ex-servicemen. During the 50s and 60s, dramatic changes were taking place in society. Modes of transport began to change, more people owned cars, which gave them the freedom of individual movement and personal comfort. The age of travel by rail began to wane, Lord Beeching carried out his dramatic, (and in some peoples minds) catastrophic destruction of the railway system. With the advent of the Motorways, a trip to London by road which would have previously have taken two days, could now be undertaken in one. One of the greatest social changes was the continuing movement for the equal rights of women in society. This was a period which saw more women than hitherto 20

going out to work, and discovering their new independence. Men generally, and in particularly the younger element realized that they had to take an equal share of domestic chores. In short, the greater independence of women, quite rightly, clipped the freedom that men had previously enjoyed. The contemporary scene of the early sixties saw the initiation into Freemasonry of H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, and his eventual Installation as Grand Master on the 27th June 1967. March 1965, saw the introduction of the alternative wording in the Initiate's Obligation, the choice to adopt being left to the discretion of the Lodge. It was decided, after deliberation, to adopt the same. During the decade, between the years 1965-75 the Lodge began to experience a lack of Candidates, possibly because our brethren were becoming older. Fortunately, this trend was completely reversed in the following decade, when we had a large influx of joining members who began to bring in new members. At the October meeting in 1968, WBro. Paul Ridgway P.A.G.D.C., a former Secretary of the Lodge, celebrated his 91St birthday. In 1949, a presentation had been made to him of a Silver Salver, following a presentation of his published paper "Pathway in Freemasonry." W.Bro Ridgway was a prolific writer on Masonic matters, and was a leading light in the Manchester Lodge of Masonic Research. Sadly, W.Bro.Paul Ridgway P.A.G.D.C. died in his 92"d- year, and the Lodge mourned a much loved and well respected brother. The resignation of R.WBro. The Lord Derby P.P.G.M. was announced in 1971. R.W.Bro.Fred Towns, P.J.G.W., acted as Deputy in Charge. In September it was announced that Lord Hewlett C.B.E. who had been appointed Baron of the Realm by her Majesty the Queen, was to be installed as the next Provincial Grand Master. On November 18th 1971 R.W.Bro. Sir Clyde Hewlett, Kt. C.B.E. J.P. M.A. was installed as the Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire. The Installation ceremony took place at Belle Vue, Manchester. 21

In 1973 W.Bro. P. Jervis Taylor was congratulated by the brethren of the Lodge on his appointment to Grand Rank, as P.A.G.D.C. In October 1973, Bro. Leslie Hall was installed into the Chair of King Solomon, and W.Bro. C.R.Peers, received Provincial promotion to P.P.S.G.D. The commercial world outside was changing. Some of our younger members were being moved in their work to other parts of the country, a loss to us, and a gain elsewhere. Nevertheless, there was a steady influx of new members to make up for our losses. At the March meeting, 1974, the Lodge received a visit from V.W.Bro.Frederick W.Towns P.G.Swd. Br., Deputy Prov. Grand Master, accompanied by W. Bros. G.K. Moss, A.P.G.M. H.Smethurst, A.P.G.M., and also V.W.Bro. Rev. Canon Francis Paton-Williams, O.S.M.,Past Grand Chaplain, all of whom were warmly greeted by the brethren of the Lodge and Saluted in due form. In October 1974, W.Bro.Eric G. Buss P.A.G.D.C., was installed for a second term, after a lapse of 25years. In September 1975, W.Bro. G.K. Moss A.P.G.M., presented the Lodge with a Silver Snuff box still of inherent interest to the Lodge. At the meeting in December 1975 two joining members were admitted into the Lodge, namely, Bros. Carlisle and Shed. In 1976, following a discussion on the finances of the Lodge, it was decided to reduce the number of meetings to six per annum. Members were shocked at the September meeting, on hearing of the theft from our Lodge Locker of items of Lodge Silver including our Masters' Silver Chain of office. This as mentioned previously, had been donated to the Lodge of Friendship from the Brethren of the Anchor & Hope Lodge No. 37 of Bolton. By good fortune, and the efforts and efficiency of the Police in Manchester and Glasgow, alerted by a Jeweller who was also a Freemason, the items were totally recovered. At the Installation meeting in October, 1976, W.Bro. L.C.Titterton was installed for a second term as Worshipful Master. 22

At the 1979 September meeting, came the announcement of the death of three senior Brethren of the Lodge, W.Bro.Sydney Horrocks P.Prov. G.Org. W.Bro.J.Blakemore, and W.Bro.A.S.Templeman. At the same meeting, W.Bro. L. Chambers P.A.G.D.C. was awarded Honorary Membership, but sadly he died during the following year. The March 1980 meeting was the occasion of the 50th anniversary of membership in the Lodge of W.Bro.P.Jervis Taylor P.A.G.D.C., who received congratulations from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, conveyed by V.W.Bro.F.W. Towns,P.G.Swd. Br., Dep.Prov.G.M., who had led a Provincial Deputation to the meeting. The Treasurer, W. Bro.E.Morris-Jones announced his retirement from that office after a term of fourteen years He was accorded the very grateful thanks of the Lodge. During the 1970s, the Political scene both International and domestic were somewhat discouraging, with a high cost of living, raging interest rates, etc. The public undaunted by these prospects, seized the opportunity of celebrating the Silver Jubilee reign of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Extensive plans were made by Central and Local Government to spur the people into action. Street parties 23

were held by the thousands and to top the occasion, the weather in June 1977 was reported to be the best on record. In September 1981, "The Friends of the Temple" was formed to raise funds for future repairs and improvements of the Bridge Street Provincial Headquarters. In October 1981 W. Bro. J.B.Nield, was installed into the chair of the Lodge, in the presence of W.Bro. H.B.Clarke P.S.G.D. A.P.G.M. who attended the meeting in his own right, and conveyed the congratulations of The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. At the same meeting, the brethren received the sad news of the deaths of W.Bro.P.Jervis Taylor P.A.G.D.C. and of W.Bro. Edward Dixon P.PG.D., a former Secretary of the Lodge. In the ten-year period 1978-88, the Lodge was fortunate to have the following joining members, who, together with the remaining Past Masters played a pivotal role in the healthy continuation of the Lodge.namely,W.Bros. James D. Hemsley, and Bros. B. Kay, W.H.Elliott, D.C.Stevens, F.Senior, K.Beer. The January meeting 1984, was attended by W. Bro. H.B.Clarke P.S.G.D. A.P.G.M., accompanied by a deputation from Provincial Grand Lodge. The occasion being the Initiation of Mr. Philip J.Titterton , a Lewis, and the son of W.Bro. L.C.Titterton P.P.J.G.D. the Lodge Secretary. In continuing the record of Lodge activities, we note that the business of the meeting in September 1984, was principally to work the second Degree Ceremony for Bro. Philip J. Titterton, In addition the Tracing Board was presented and explained by W.Bro. J.B.Nield P.P.G.Std.Br. At the same meeting, W Bro. L.Hall announced that the Lodge committee had recommended W Bro. James D.Hemsley Prov.G.Reg. as Master-Elect for the ensuing year. The October 1984 meeting saw the Installation of the Master-Elect, W.Bro.James D.Hemsley, The Provincial Director of Ceremonies was in attendance, and demanded admission on behalf of W.Bro.H.B.Clarke P.S.G.D. A.P.G.M. accompanied by other members of United Grand Lodge, and Provincial Grand Lodge. All were greeted and saluted in due form. W.Bro.Hemsley was then Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. 24

A special dispensation, was sought, granted, and read out in open Lodge to hold an emergency meeting on Friday, 2nd November,1984, for the purpose of celebrating the 50th anniversary in Freemasonry of W.Bro.Eric G. Buss P.J.G.D. The Lodge was honoured again by the visit of W.Bro.H.B.Clarke P.S.G.D.A.P.G.M. and a large gathering of Officers of both United Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. W.Bro. Clarke was offered the Gavel of the Lodge, which he graciously accepted, and from the Chair expressed his delight to be in attendance on this special occasion. After speaking about W.Bro.Buss's great contribution to Freemasonry in general and to the Lodge of Friendship in particular, he then presented W.Bro.Buss with a certificate, signed by the Provincial Grand Master whose congratulations he conveyed. The April meeting of 1985, was devoted to celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry by W.Bro.B.L.Simpson P.P.J.G.W. For this purpose W.Bro.Clarke occupied the chair of the Lodge. He then read to the assembled brethren, a letter from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master congratulating Bro.Simpson on this wonderful achievement. The Installation of Bro. D.C. Stevens, was held on October 4th 1985. There were present seventeen members, nine visitors, and the representative of the Right Worshipful Grand Master, W.Bro. Stanley H. Whittaker P.A.G.D.C. At the December meeting, the Lodge was shocked and saddened by the announcement of the death of W.Bro. Eric G.Buss P.J.G.D. He was considered to be the "Father of the Lodge" and his loss was felt very deeply by all the brethren, who stood in silent tribute to his memory. At the same meeting W.Bro. C.R.Peers was presented to the Lodge, and congratulated by the brethren on his promotion to P.P.J.G.W. At the October meeting 1986, Bro. W.Hulley was installed into the Chair of the Lodge. It is interesting to note that Bro.Hulley was the first Initiate to be installed after a period of thirteen years. The secretary referred to a communication requesting that additional help towards the finances of the Boys and Girls Festival could be achieved, if brethren would donate their excess foreign currency, left over from holidays to the fund, 25

Bro.W.H.Elliott was Installed into the Chair of the Lodge in October,1987, when, W.Bro. W.A.B.Tarbuck P.J.G.D. represented the Right Worshipful Grand Master. A report was read out in open Lodge referring to a number of senior clerics openly critising Freemasonry of being incompatible with the teachings of Christianity. Freemasons find this criticism confusing and unwarranted, as many clerics are members of the Craft. October 7th,1988 W.Bro. B.Kay P.P.S.G.D. was Installed into the Chair of the Lodge. W.Bro.G.S.Ross P.S.G.D. A.P.G.M. attended in his own right and conveyed the best wishes the of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, The meeting of the 2nd.December 1988, was important in the history of the Lodge of Friendship. W.Bro. James Dunsford Hemsley P.A.G.Reg. A.P.G.M. demanded admission in accordance with his rank. He was greeted and saluted in due form. The Worshipful Master offered W.Bro.Hemsley the gavel of the Lodge, which he returned with suitable acknowlegement, stating that it was his first visit to a Lodge since his appointment in November and he considered it was fitting that it should be to his own Lodge, which lay in his area. Following the retirement of R.W.Bro. Frederick William Towns, as Provincial Grand Master, on the 30th April 1990, for the second time in its history (the first being R.W.Bro. Sir Edward Rhodes) the Lodge was honoured by the Installation of R.W.Bro.James Dunsford Hemsley as the Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, at a special meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, held at Blackpool on the 25th July 1990. At the October meeting, 1990, the Installation of the Senior Warden, Bro. F.Senior as Worshipful Master took place. On this occasion, the R.W. Provincial Grand Master was represented by W.Bro. Clifford Musgrave P.A.G.D.C. The Secretary reported having received a letter from the Provincial Grand Master, who had asked him to extend the Provincial Grand Master's fraternal greetings and good wishes for the ensuing Masonic year. As a member of the Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master attended our meetings as 26

often as possible, but he preferred to be represented at most Installations during his term of office, to enable the brethren to meet other Senior Officers in the Province. June 1992 saw the celebration at Earls Court of the 275th Anniversary of Grand Lodge, which was formed in 1717. It was also the 25th anniversary as Grand Master of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, almost thirteen thousand brethren, non-masonic guests and many ladies gathered for the event, including, R.W. James D.Hemsley as Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, accompanied by his wife, Sally. The Grand Master stated, "that if occasionally people can see that our normal business is as we describe it, they may be persuaded to shed whatever unreasonable worries they still have about what in truth is only an inclination to privacy." On the 3rd December 1992, the day following the Lodge meeting, the I.R.A. exploded two devices in the City of Manchester. One was detonated in Parsonage Gardens at 8.39 am. and another, ninety minutes later, wickedly exploded on the corner of Cateaton Street and Deansgate. Each device was made up of two pounds of Semtex material, and although the IRA only gave eleven minutes warning, miraculously there was no loss of life. But sadly, there were several casualties. The structural damage to buildings in the area around the blast was enormous. The East Lancashire Masonic Hall, then issued strict security measures to Lodges, informing them of procedures to be adopted and practised in order to speedily evacuate the building. The Royal Masonic Hospital continued to have problems, and as a result, the Charity Commissioners appointed a Receiver and Manager to administer its affairs in 1993. The Hospital finally closed in December 1996. During 1995, the Provincial Grand Master asked the Manchester Lodges and Chapters that Lodge funds destined for E.L.M.B.I.be donated to the Manchester and Salford Appeal Fund This would assist the brethren of Salford Masonic Hall to carry out and pay the necessary refurbishment costs. Subsequently, in 1995 the Provincial Grand Master launched ELPREM "The East Lancashire Premises Fund to help Masonic Halls throughout the Province to take out loans for improvements and urgent repairs. 27

In September,1998, the Province launched a short fighting fund, to counteract adverse publicity in the Media. Each mason in the Province was asked to donate £1 towards the cost. We now go back to 1984, to include material not recorded, or not fully explained, in the Lodge minutes, especially events at the Social Evenings and other Functions. WBro. C.R.Peers PPS.G.W writes:- In 1984 the number of Lodge members was 24, excluding the Tyler, and there were nine country members. The Lodge kept in touch with eleven widows of deceased brethren, those living in the southern area of the city being visited by the Almoner and others, from time to time. During 1984, one widow died, and another one was removed from their number by the happy event of re-marriage to a member of the Lodge. When invited and attending Lodge functions, they were assisted with transport by the brethren. Some of the widows liked to attend the Lodge Ladies Evenings, whilst others preferred the annual Christmas parties. In June that year, a very successful Fete was held at Hewlett Court, a home for elderly masons and their dependants from the Province of East Lancashire. Over 4000 people attended the event, and the sum of £9000 was raised. This was to be added to other sums to be given to the Festival for Boys and Girls. W. Bro.B. Kay, being a member of the Hewlett Court Committee encouraged the Lodge to involve themselves with the running of the Fete, they were assisted by members of other Lodges within the Province of East Lancashire. In December of that year, (as mentioned previously) the Lodge suffered a sad blow by the death of W.Bro. Eric G.Buss P.G.J.D., who passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 79. He had remained very active, especially in Masonic affairs, and was held in great respect and affection, being regarded as the "Father of the Lodge." He was particularly interested in the History of the Craft, and of this Lodge in particular, and kept a record of current activities and personalities up to the time of his death. 28

The membership of the Lodge began to rise and, in 1986, there were 24 members, nine country members, and the Tyler. The worshipful Master in the Chair was Bro. David C.Stevens, a joining member, and this heralded the first time for eleven years that the chair was not occupied by a Past Master. It was at this time, that the decision was taken reintroduce the Ladies Evenings, which were well supported and financially satisfactory, with ninety three people attending. W.Bro. B.Kay in 1987, added towards the collection of Lodge Silverware, when he presented to the Lodge, a Silver Poniard, commemorating the wedding of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer. At the beginning of 1988 there were twenty-one members, three country members, and the Tyler. However, there were three candidates for Initiation and one joining member. There had not been so many candidates wishing to join the lodge for many years, and this was at a time when Freemasonry was under severe public scrutiny. There had been a number of attacks by the Media on Freemasonry, and the Church, the Police, and Local Government members came under pressure to declare their allegiances, with strong suggestions that this may adversely affect their career prospects. The members of the Lodge learned with great pleasure of two appointments to active provincial positions. W.Bro. James D.Hemsley was made an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in charge of No.2&4 Districts. This was the third time in our long history that this honour had been bestowed on one of our brethren. W.Bro. D.C.Stevens was to receive the distinction of becoming Acting Prov.G.Steward. 29

Consideration was being given at this period to the forthcoming Bi-Centenary of Lodge working, which would occur in the year 2003, and to methods of setting up a fund for the Celebration of the event, including a suitable donation to Masonic Charity. It was decided to establish a collection that would be taken at each future Lodge meeting to cover all expenses at the celebration. A most important event (already referred to previously) occurred, when in 1990, it was announced that the next Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire was to be one of our own members. W.Bro. James D.Hemsley, who had only recently become an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. This honour caused the greatest pleasure and appreciation among the members of the Lodge.This was for the second time that the Lodge had had the distinction of a member becoming Provincial Grand Master for the Province. R. W.Bro., Sir Edward Rhodes having been the Provincial Grand Master 1950-59. R.W.Bro. Hemsley was also Installed as the Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch Province of East Lancashire. The Lodge presented R.W.Bro.Hemsley with a Silver Coaster to mark his appointment. Following a suggestion from the new Provincial Grand Master, that important non-masonic events of general importance should be included in Lodge Histories, a brief review of the events in the International field, now follows. After the end of the Second World War in 1945, the next forty years saw the two strongest power blocks ranged against each other. The U.S.S.R. and the East European states on the one hand, and the U.S.A. with Great Britain and the West European countries on the other, vied with each other on many issues. Armed conflict was avoided, probably due to the fear of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. This rivalry extended to the exploration of outer space, including the spectacular manned expedition to the Moon by the United States. Great advances were made in many fields, particularly in medicine 30

and interactive Technology. The use of computers, and new advances in global communications, changed the pace of ordinary life for many. After this period the tension between the stronger nations subsided, as the ideals of freedom and democracy overthrew Communist rule in all the East European states, and the infamous "Berlin Wall" came down. The power and the influence of the U.S.S.R. began to wane as a result of the weakening of Central government. The Western nations, including Great Britain, moved slowly towards greater unity, and established closer contact with Eastern Europe. However, a major threat to the world arose in the post-war years, with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East. That area supplied much of the world's oil, and when one state, Iraq, occupied and pillaged its neighbour, Kuwait, the United Nations Organisation, stepped in to restore the status quo. This was successfully accomplished by the use of a multinational force led by the United States of America, with the entire support of many countries, notably Great Britain. During these years, Freemasonry maintained a slow but steady growth in this country. This was in spite of a certain amount of hostility to our movement (we believe through ignorance) expressed in some areas, such as Local Government, and not helped by the pronouncements of some Church leaders. Strong interest, and consequently rapidly expanding membership, was seen in many European countries. At the regular meeting on Friday 7th October,1988, was the Installation of W.Bro.B.Kay, P.P.G.Stwd. W.Bro.G.S.Ross represented on behalf of the Prov. Grand Master. A report from the General Synod of the Church of England was received the month previous, which dealt with the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity; it concluded that there was no conflict of interests. In the same month the East Lancashire Masonic Temple was renamed Freemasons'Hall. The Meeting of the 2nd December 1988 is important to the Lodge of Friendship. W. Bro. James Dunsford Hemsley P.G.Reg. P.A.P.G.M. demanded admission in 31

accordance with his rank. He was greeted and saluted in due form. The Worshipful Master offered W.Bro.Hemsley the Gavel of the Lodge, this he returned with a suitable acknowledgement and stated that it is his first visit to a Lodge since his appointment, and considered it was fitting that it should be with the Lodge, of which he is a member. The meeting continued with the passing of Bro.M.W.Fay to the Second Degree. At the January meeting, 1989 the W.M. invited his Immediate Past Master to occupy the Chair. This was to enable W.Bro.W.H.Elliott I.P.M. to work the ceremony of Passing for his candidate in Freemasonry Bro.Robt. Bell. The Almoner W.Bro.Peers reported that he had received grateful acknowledgements from the widows of the Lodge, for their Christmas Gifts. Following the resignation of RW.Bro.Fred Towns as Provincial Grand Master, a special Meeting was called for in July 1990 to install W.BroJames Dunsford Hemsley as his successor. (It is important to note, that this is the second time in the History of the Lodge of Friendship that we have provided a suitable candidate for this office.) At the March meeting, the W.M. and his team of Officers worked the Ceremony of Initiation of Mr. Anthony Cole. June the 10th saw the celebration at Earls Court of the 275 anniversary of Grand Lodge, Which was formed in 1717. It was also the 25th anniversary as Grand Master of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent. 12,000 ladies, Brethren and non-Masonic guests gathered for the event and the Grand Master said, that "if occasionally people can see that our normal business is as we describe it, they may be persuaded to shed whatever unreasonable worries they still have about what in truth is only an inclination to privacy" The September meeting 1990, work was concentrated on the "Passing" of Bro.Cole. It is worth noting; that during this period the Lodge was strengthened by a seemingly endless supply of candidates. The Lodge Committee, encouraged by the Provincial Grand Master in our ranks, considered putting ceremonies out to be worked by other Lodges. 32

September being the Worshipful Masters last meeting of his year, took the opportunity of presenting to the Lodge a set of wooden inlaid gavels. These were made for him on his recent visit to New Zealand, were he visited Lodge and Chapter meetings during his stay. These are traditionally used only at Installation Ceremonies. Continuing the History of the Lodge, by the beginning of 1994 it continued to be very active with a steady influx of new members; so much so, that pressure of business meant that these initiates were in some cases having to wait for over a year for the completion of their three ceremonies. On a Past Masters night in April 1993, Mr. Ian S. Millington was initiated by W.Bro. C.R.Peers P.P.S.G.W. (compiler of these notes) on the 44th anniversary of his own Initiation, the ceremony appearing to give general satisfaction. The Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, R.W.Bro. James D.Hemsley, delighted the brethren by finding time to attend the Lodge meetings frequently in addition to his other Official responsibilities. 33

During 1995 the Lodge continued to thrive. Indeed, "pressure of business" meant that candidates were waiting even longer before being made Master Masons. We appeared to be fortunate in comparison with some other Lodges, who were experiencing difficult times owing to the shortage of candidates themselves. The Provincial Grand Master. had recently made it known that he was in favour of the busier Lodges delegating the occasional ceremony to one of those lodges less fortunate than ourselves. The Lodge Committee decided that this maybe done on the occasion of a Passing ceremony with the agreement of the Candidate and his Sponsors. In 1995 it was considered that the By-laws of the Lodge required amendments. It was decided to adopt a new format, as more likely to receive approval from Provincial Grand Lodge. They were reduced to the minimum, any matters not covered were to be resolved by reference to the Book of Constitution, and any doubtful point would be subject to the advice of the Provincial Grand Secretary's office. The summons for April 1995 had, as the main item of business, "to celebrate the 60th masonic anniversary of W.Bro. B.L.Simpson, P.Prov. J.G.W." This appears to be the first such occasion in the Lodge that a brother has celebrated 60yrs. continuous membership. On this occasion V.W.Bro. H. Brian Clarke P.G.Swd.Br.,the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, occupied the chair for most of the meeting. He was accompanied a full Provincial Deputation. At the meeting, three of our junior members received their Grand Lodge Certificates, this was followed by an explanation of the certificates given by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, conferred upon him by the Provincial Grand Master. In his address to W.Bro.Simpson, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master referred to the many years of devoted service he had given to the Lodge of Friendship and to Freemasonry in general. Bro Simpson was then presented with a letter of appreciation from the Provincial Grand Master. The brethren were delighted, when the Deputy Provincial Grand Master invested him with the rank of P.P.S.G.W., a most unexpected honour. 34

At the Social Board he was presented with an engraved Silver Coaster, in tribute to his masonic and personal life. Details were given of the many offices he had filled with distinction, the only office he had not held being those of Secretary and Organist. Many of the members were present at a ceremony to Pass one of our members, Bro.Ian S.Millington which took place in Peace Lodge No.3792 Some of our lodge members assisted the Host Lodge to carry out the ceremony. Shortly afterwards, similar ceremonies were worked in other Lodges, namely, Felicity No. 4365, and Waterfall Lodge No.8716 for two more of our Candidates. The October meeting, 1990, was the Installation of the Senior Warden Bro. F Senior. He was presented to the assembled Lodge by his proposer, W.Bro. L.C. Titterton P.P.G.Swd. Br. W. Bro. Clifford Musgrave P.A.G.D.C. represented the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by other officers of United and Provincial Grand Lodge. The Master Elect was installed, proclaimed, and saluted by his Installing nmaster. The Secretary reported that he had received a letter from the Provincial Grand Secretary, who had been specially asked to relay greetings and good wishes to the brethren for the Installation Evening and for the rest of the Masonic Season, from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, and thanking the brethren of the Province for all their support he had received. W.Bro. B. Kay was congratulated on his promotion in Provincial Grand Lodge to the rank of P.P.J.G.W. He also received warm congratulations from the Lodge on his appointment as Deputy Chairman of Hewlett Court. (East Lancashire Masonic Home for Masons and their Dependants). At the Quarterly Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Secretary reported that the current Masonic Season was one of the busiest on record in Provincial History, and we shall consecrate our 400th. Lodge early in the new year, he also emphasised that we must strive to maintain and consolidate the membership of our Lodges. It is interesting to note, that during the ten year period 1982-92, The Lodge of Friendship had Initiated no less than twelve new members of the Craft. 35

Freemasons' Hall was opened to the general public to encourage more commercial use to be made of the building. April 1998 saw the introduction of workshops in each area of the Province. These were set up in order to consider the way forward for Freemasonry in East Lancashire. As a result, many Lodges discussed the problems of falling membersdhip, and took part in many of the workshop meetings to discuss the subject of "Changing Times". In September following, the Province launched a fighting fund to counteract the adverse publicity Freemasonry was receiving from the media. each mason in the Province was asked to donate £1 to the fund. On a subsequent date, several of our members were present at a ceremony to Pass one of our candidates Bro. Ian S.Millington, which took place in Peace Lodge No.3792. some brethren of the Lodge of Friendship assisted the host Lodge in working the ceremony. Shortly afterwards, similar ceremonies were worked in other Lodges, namely, Felicity No.4365, and Waterfall Lodge No.8716, for two more of our Candidates. The Lodge gained another Grand Officer, when in 1997, W.Bro. J.B.Nield received promotion to P.A.G.D.C., the promotion giving the greatest pleasure to all the members of the Lodge. Bro. Nield had given long and dedicated service to the Lodge, and in security matters to the Province, and it was felt to be a tribute to his "Zeal and Assiduity." Among other appointments of members to Provincial Grand Rank, one that deserves mention, is that to W.Bro.M.J.Thompson to P.Prov. J.G.D. while he was currently serving as Worshipful Master for the second time. In his comparatively short time as a member, he had, over the years, given distinguished and devoted service to the Lodge, undertaking many extra duties as well as holding the office of Worshipful Master, twice. In 1999, the membership stood at thirty, including the Tyler, plus two country members. W.Bro.L.C.Titterton P.P.J.G.W. was made an honorary member having 36

given distinguished and devoted to the Lodge for many years, but owing to ill health and having removed to live in North Wales, he was rarely able to attend our meetings. One of the contributors to this history, W.Bro.C.R.Peers P.P.S.G.W. was honoured at our April 1999 meeting, celebrating his 50 years in the Craft, and 44 years in the Royal Arch. A delightful evening culminated in the presentation to Bro.Peers of a cut glass decanter and a set of glasses at the social board. At the September meeting 1999, W.Bro.C.R.Peers P.P.S.G.W.presented a paper to the Lodge, "Further thoughts on the First Degree," which was well received by the brethren. With the arrival of January 2000, the world and the nation celebrated the new Millennium. World leaders led their peoples in prayer for a lasting peace. Many resolutions were made by governments and individuals as to what contributions could be made to safeguard our Planet from erosion and destruction, and how we might preserve our dwindling natural resources for future generations. The Lodge's collection of Silver Plate received an addition in the shape of an ornamental dish, which had been presented by the Lodge to W.Bro.N.Pointer many years earlier, when he had completed twenty years as Director of Ceremonies. The item of silver was returned and donated by his son. In 2001, the Lodge conferred Honorary Membership on two brethren who had given long and distinguished service, W.Bro.B.L.Simpson P.P.S.G.W. and W.Bro.C.R.Peers P.P.S.G.W. Sadly, Bro.Simpson (Beau) did not live long enough to enjoy the honour. 37

CONCLUSION Two hundred years, and possibly more, is a very long time in the life of a lodge, and during that time conditions, both socially and economically, have changed tremendously. It is inevitable that there have been ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and troughs, but we trust that this booklet will enable brethren to absorb the background of our lodge and its traditions, and to ensure that the highest ideals of Freemasonry will continue to be upheld. That there have been changes, is inevitable...changes in time, places of meeting, possibly some changes in the actual pattern of work, changes in the composition of lodge membership., There is however, a vast amount that is unchanged and changeless, which we all still treasure. One thing that is changeless and should remain so, is the truly Masonic spirit of Brotherhood that means so much to each and every one of us. We are reminded that the life and history of our lodge is a continual process. This document should clearly demonstrate that the Lodge of Friendship can look to the future with legitimate pride, and the knowledge that with that pride comes the responsibility of passing on to future members the inheritance that we ourselves have been so graciously given. This documented history can only provide a sampling of the enthusiasm, trials and tribulations, which have helped to form and mould the lodge into a suitable springboard for the future. As a booklet it is to be dipped into, referred to, and perhaps savoured until its successor is researched, abbreviated and reformed in time for the Lodges next major celebration. W.Bro. B.Kay P.P.J.G.W. (compiler) " Uniting in one design, let it be our aim to be happy ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others. Let us mark our Superiority and distinction among men, by the sincerity of our Professions as Masons ; let us cultivate the moral virtues, and improve in all that is good and amiable; let the Genius of Masonry preside over our conduct, and under her sway let us Perform our part with becoming dignity..." William Preston 38