The Lodge was constituted on 31st October 1797, and so celebrated its Bicentenary in 1997. In February 2020 we celebrated our 2500th meeting. The Lodge is on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Ancients, or ‘Atholl’ Lodges and started in Blackburn before moving to Littleborough in 1845 and Rochdale in 1977. A comprehensive book of the Lodge history was written by the Past Master of the Lodge, WBro Brian Williams to commemorate the Bicentenary and to honour it’s members throughout the 200 years.
Over the years, several well known men have been members of the Lodge. For example, in 1880 Clement Robert Nuttall Beswick-Royds was Worshipful Master. He went on to be Deputy Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, following in the footsteps of his father, Albert Hudson Royds.
The Lodge currently meets at Rochdale Masonic Hall on the last Tuesday of every month from September to May, inclusive. Music is an important part of the meetings, with odes being sung at the start and end of each meeting. The standard of the proceedings is very high, under the guidance of the well respected D.C. Opportunities for practice and rehearsal are provided regularly. Following each meeting there is a social board which is enjoyed in a less formal atmosphere. Annual Fees of £255 are currently payable to the Treasurer and due on 1st November. Dining charges are made in addition and payable on the night as required.
The Lodge invites wives/ partners/ family to at least 2 social boards in May and December. The Christmas festive board enjoys a Brass Band and carols are sung and presents given out by Father Christmas! There is the usual Ladies Evening once per year in September. On Lodge nights, the ladies meet at a local restaurant for an enjoyable evening together.
Activities over the year may include wine tasting, canal trips, cabaret nights and being successful in the annual quiz night. These are in addition to the centrally organized events and always include family and friends who are invited as guests.
The members of the Lodge are from a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations and bond without any barriers. Visiting other lodges is encouraged and we receive many visitors in return. Comradeship is a strong feature of the Lodge. The age profile of the Lodge is currently higher than we would like and it is important that we encourage younger members to join. They will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the lodge themselves. This is an essential part of the Lodge’s development over the next few years in particular.
