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INTEGRITY

Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

FRIENDSHIP

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

RESPECT

With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society

SERVICE

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Welcome to the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire website.

This site has been designed to provide an insight into Freemasonry and we sincerely hope it will be of high interest to both Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike.

Here you will find information on what it is to be a Freemason, our proud history, how to join, what charitable works we’re involved with and coming social events. For a more complete view of current news and events, plus the views and opinions of our many members, please visit our social media pages.

You’re also welcome to contact us anytime if you have any queries.

Begin Your Journey

There are probably as many explanations of Freemasonry as there are Freemasons and every member will be able to tell you exactly what Freemasonry means to them.

Click Here

THE PGLEL 2026 FESTIVAL APPEAL

We are all well initiated on the importance of Charity, It is now our time to give something back. The Province hopes to have raised £2.4 M by the end of the Appeal and we can only achieve this with your help.

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THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER
Took Place on THURSDAY, 20 MARCH 2025, at 3.00 pm.

The Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter took Place at the Toughsheet Stadium on Thursday 20th March 2025 

Congrtulations to all Companions who recived honours or Promotions.

See below for the complete list of honours and the Most Excellents Address to the Companions

 

PGC Honours 2025
NomineeNominating OrganisationProposed Rank
HOLLAND AndrewC37 Concord DeaneProvGSE
KENNY Anthony MichaelC462 Bank Terrace with LeopoldPGSN
COWEN David JoelC6005 Good Companions of CommemorationProvGTreas
MCMILLAN GordonC462 Bank Terrace with LeopoldProvGReg
LEES JohnC277 TudorProvGDC
BEAMAN Edward WilliamC1055 DerbyProvGSwdB
BASGER JonathanC6594 Ark and MenorahProvDepGDC
EVANS Andrew BarryC367 Probity and FreedomProvDepGDC
STEPHENSON TonyC5041 Vis UnitaProvGAlm
TAYLOR JohnC266 NaphtaliProvGChStwd
SPIBY William DavidC3788 KitchenerProvGMO
KENNEDY Darren MichaelC274 Chapter of FidelityProvGCO
FRIEND John EdwinC37 Concord DeaneProvGSoj
REES Peter IanC815 BlairProv1stAGSoj
WRIGHT David ArnoldC226 Chapter of BenevolenceProv2ndAGSoj
HARTLEY CliveC219 Loyal TodmordenProvAGSE
SAGAR Richard Michael PiersC126 Chapter of the NativityProvAGDC
DAVIES Francis Ernest ScottC268 UnionProvGStB
FLANAGAN Steven JamesC1055 DerbyProvGStB
MULLIGAN David JohnC350 Chapter of MeribahProvGStB
WILSON Brian JamesC3336 SamaritanProvGOrg
DAVIES Benjamin ThomasC6575 PortlandProvGStwd
DOVER Vincent DavidC1723 St George'sProvGStwd
HARWOOD Russell JohnC2529 AbbeyProvGStwd
JACOBS JonathanC6594 Ark and MenorahProvGStwd
JONES David MorganC54 Chapter of HopeProvGStwd
VAMANU Ionut MarianC3336 SamaritanProvGStwd
CARROLL Clive DavidC462 Bank Terrace with LeopoldProvGJan
PROMOTIONS
BOND Eric PeterC2529 AbbeyPPGSN
DARBY Barrie DanfordC2185 ArdwickPPGSN
KAY Leslie WarrenC7224 FairfieldPPGSN
RILEY HarryC348 St John'sPPGSN
SMITH John HartleyC993 AlexandraPPGSN
WOOTTON WilliamC5712 AldwynPPGSN
ASTON Jeremy HeskethC1055 DerbyPPGReg
BEDFORD DavidC381 HutchinsonPPGReg
ELLIS John StanleyC116 CanaPPGReg
GREENHALGH AndrewC1219 RenaissancePPGReg
HARTWELL BrianC381 HutchinsonPPGReg
PESTELL DavidC6163 WernethPPGReg
SURTEES David RalphC221 MaritimePPGReg
ROWLATT Kenneth ThomasC266 NaphtaliPPGReg
THORNTON Ian FrankC9659 InternetPPGReg
WINSTANLEY John GrahamC44 Chapter of FriendshipPPGReg
BOWDEN Roger PaulC1055 DerbyPPGSwdB
CLARK Paul ErnestC274 Chapter of FidelityPPGSwdB
GILBERT MartinC6575 PortlandPPGSwdB
HOLCROFT Stephen PaulC9640 Red Rose of LancashirePPGSwdB
KINSEY Andrew RichardC1055 DerbyPPGSwdB
SEDDON PeterC128 Prince Edwin'sPPGSwdB
SPRAY Arthur DesmondC2185 ArdwickPPGSwdB
TAYLOR HarveyC854 AlbertPPGSwdB
TAYLOR John WalterC6577 MossleyPPGSwdB
CASSON Gregory JohnC44 Chapter of FriendshipPPDepGDC
CHAPMAN Robert GambleC8763 Tonge HallPPDepGDC
CLAYTON David LeesC2185 ArdwickPPDepGDC
CROMPTON ThomasC344 Chapter of BeautyPPDepGDC
GREEN William OrmerodC116 CanaPPDepGDC
HENTHORN ChristopherC277 TudorPPDepGDC
LAIDLAW KennethC42 Chapter of UnanimityPPDepGDC
RAWAL Soshil KumarC44 Chapter of FriendshipPPDepGDC
RALSTON Edward LeeC1083 Townley ParkerPPDepGDC
WOOD Christopher CharlesC369 Limestone RockPPDepGDC
BALL JackC7958 Unitas FratrumPPGSoj
BARNES David EdmundC6575 PortlandPPGSoj
CATLOW William AnthonyC381 HutchinsonPPGSoj
CLARKE Phillip JamesC5041 Vis UnitaPPGSoj
DUNN Colin CliffordC54 Chapter of HopePPGSoj
HALLIDAY ArthurC3867 West SalfordPPGSoj
LAMBSHEAD KennethC219 Loyal TodmordenPPGSoj
MELLOR Frank JamesC381 HutchinsonPPGSoj
PRYCE Melvyn StuartC128 Prince Edwin'sPPGSoj
STEWART AlanC219 Loyal TodmordenPPGSoj
TEINERT SimonC6163 WernethPPGSoj
FENTON BernardC42 Chapter of UnanimityPP1stAGSoj
FORBES Bernard ArthurC266 NaphtaliPP1stAGSoj
PRITCHARD DavidC9397 Three ShiresPP1stAGSoj
Appointments
BOYD Robert Christie CraigC8763 Tonge HallPP1stAGSoj
WEDGEWORTH Thomas RaymondC152 Chapter of VirtuePP1stAGSoj
BINNS John CharlesC367 Probity and FreedomPP2ndAGSoj
BELL Richard JennisonC2891 Lord StanleyPPGStB
BLADES Martin WilliamC1504 Red Rose of LancasterPPGStB
GOFF John AnthonyC2185 ArdwickPPGStB
GREENHALGH John MichaelC9640 Red Rose of LancashirePPGStB
GRUBB Noel RichardC2891 Lord StanleyPPGStB
MORAN David ThomasC369 Limestone RockPPGStB
O'GRADY Dominic Sean C1322 WaverleyPPGStB
TURNER Kenneth RobinsonC815 BlairPPGStB
WOSKI ArturC2185 ArdwickPPGStB
BAXENDALE BrianC344 Chapter of BeautyPPAGDC
CLARE Michael HarryC344 Chapter of BeautyPPAGDC
ADAMSON Peter HughC6577 MossleyPPAGDC
GAY IrwinC7958 Unitas FratrumPPAGDC
SAMSON Brian IvanC344 Chapter of BeautyPPAGDC
THOMPSON WilliamC6575 PortlandPPAGDC
ZOLTIE Richard LawrenceC6594 Ark and MenorahPPAGDC
HITCHEN Thomas RichardC7958 Unitas FratrumPPAGDC
ME Grand Superintendent Address PGC 2025

Companions,

I will shortly have the great pleasure of greeting and investing those Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter who are being appointed, reappointed and promoted today. I congratulate you all and wish you good health and enjoyment in your new or continuing rank. Every appointment is well deserved, and you should feel proud.

I look forward to meeting many of you again at events throughout our Province, and also at East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Chapter No 3747, which I encourage you to join if you are not already a member.

One being appointed today is Companion John Lees, as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies – whilst continuing as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Craft. Provincial Grand Deputy Directors of Ceremonies will serve terms in office in both the Craft and Royal Arch – One Journey, One Organisation, Companions.

2025 is a significant year for us. It is the Bi-Centenary of the Province of East Lancashire. Time doesn’t permit me to go into much detail today, But I’d like to spend a few moments summarising that part of our history.

The Province of Lancashire had been established in 1734, but eighty something years on, all was not well, with discontent and even rebellion – I have to say, with apologies to our West Lancashire guests, mainly centred around Liverpool.

It’s relevant to point out that a major part of that discontent was over the treatment of the Royal Arch following the Union in 1813.
It led to the formation of the Grand Lodge of Wigan – but that’s a story best saved for another occasion.

As a consequence, in 1822, the then Provincial Grand Master was suspended, and the Grand Chancellor was appointed to be in charge of Lancashire.
The Grand Master decided to separate the Province, East and West, and in late 1825, the first Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, RWBro John Crossley, was appointed.
We will be acknowledging and celebrating this important event later in the year. Details are yet to be finalised, but we hope will include a Service of Thanksgiving and a dedicated Provincial Meeting hosted by one of our Lodges.

For the sake of completeness, I should add that following establishment of East Lancashire, the Grand Chancellor remained in charge of the remainder of Lancashire until 1826, which is why our West Lancashire cousins will be celebrating their own Bi-Centenary next year.

When I addressed this Meeting last year, I announced that our Festival total stood at £1.4 million. Today, a year on, it now stands at £1.8 million. Our Lodges and Chapters, and ultimately of course, you and all our members, have been hugely generous. I am both proud and grateful for that support.

With just over 18 months remaining, I am hopeful that we will reach our target of £2.4 million – hopeful, but not complacent. I do ask you to continue with your wonderful generosity, and, particularly addressing those who have not yet made a personal direct commitment, there is still time to do so, which will also provide a much-needed Gift Aid boost.

Companions ‘ One Journey, One Organisation’ . It is a fundamental part of our strategy restating the 1813 Declaration in a modern and succinct form. It articulates that Pure Ancient Masonry consists of the three Degrees and then the Royal Arch.

That journey starts with the Initiate, and for many, continues in due course, into the Royal Arch. That’s why I’m continuing a theme I spoke about at Provincial Grand Lodge last November, and it’s this.

We seem to have got out of the habit of approaching and introducing potential members, relying on people joining who have made their own enquiries, or whom we reach through social media.

Self-sponsored candidates can and do make excellent members, but that should be in parallel to, and not instead of, personal introductions.

Companions, please think about who you might approach to join. Discuss and encourage introductions with members into your Lodges, particularly with newer members, who perhaps have a wider circle of connections outside of freemasonry.

We are rightly proud of the Royal Arch in East Lancashire – our long and distinguished history, our values, and our achievements. Companions, thank you for all you that you do to ensure that our meetings are fulfilling and happy, and that our membership of our Order is rewarding. Your efforts and your passion for the Royal Arch ensure that we can look to our future with confidence.

Thank you.

East Lancashire Bicentenary – Treasure Hunt

Get ready for an adventure like no other! As part of the East Lancashire Bicentenary celebrations, we’re inviting you to take part in a thrilling Treasure Hunt—a day of exploration, fun, and...

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride!

On Wednesday 23rd July, Gary O’Neill and Stuart Taylor will be taking on the challenge of cycling from Manchester to Blackpool to raise money for the EL Festival 2026! Starting from The Lowry,...

Coast to Coast Cycling Challenge!

From Friday 2nd May to Sunday 4th May, WBro George Scaife, PAGDC will be taking on a Coast to Coast cycling challenge to raise money for the EL Festival 2026! George will be cycling around 137 miles...

Personal 50th of Steven Price PProvJGW

On 27 March 2025 at Imperial George Lodge 78, brethren from far and wide met at Middleton Masonic Hall to celebrate the milestone of 50 years in freemasonry of Steven Price PProvJGW. The lodge was...

Langley Lodge Trophy Cup

On 16 March 2025, members of Langley Lodge presented the Highmoor Clay Pigeon Shooting Club with a new trophy. In recognition of the clubs support over the years for hosting the lodge’s clay shoot...

WBro Graham Inskip: Celebrating 60 Years in Freemasonry

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro John Anthony Griffin, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master responsible for the Southern Area, WBro Wes Marchant, the Southern Area Chairman,...

Lodge Of Union Cabaret Evening

The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire Bi-Centenary Celebration Lodge Of Union Cabaret Evening, 17th May 2025, at Albert House Enjoy entertainment all evening, featuring a three-course meal...

Johnny’s Golden Gavel on tour in the City East Area

On Saturday 15th March, Area Chairman Ed Beaman very kindly presented 'Johnny's Golden Gavel to Droylsden Lodge No 3282 for their  £100 donation to Provincial Charity Steward John Taylor's cycling...

Springhill Hospice Hot Food Trolly Grant

(Pictured: Ian Sumner, Andy Halford, Russ Perks, Dawn Pierson and Dave Jones) In September 2024 Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, received a grant from the East Lancashire Masonic Charities grant...

Johnny’s Golden Gavel on tour in the Eastern Area

On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Johnny's Golden Gavel travelled all the way to Rochdale Masonic Hall just in time for the raising ceremony of Bro Furnell. Provincial Charity Steward John Taylor...

What our Brethren Say

The lessons taught have helped me in my personal life and my lodge brethren continue to amaze me in their dedication to each other and our wider community. I’m proud to be a Freemason and would recommend anybody who is curious to come and enquire.

Gareth Baron

St Martin’s 2320

As a 20-year member I became a Mason because I believed I was joining men who thought in a similar way to myself. Very true to a large extent, what I hadn’t realised was that wherever you go when visiting you are immediately among friends you had yet to meet.

.

Colin Smith
Grants 8825

Freemasonry is like being part of a fantastic story, you just want to learn more and more. While doing so, you meet new friends, that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Andy Beaumont

Good Report 7370

Freemasonry is great way to make new friends and connect with old ones. It gives you the chance grow as a person and share that knowledge with others. It’s more than a brotherhood; it’s a family.

Andy Robson
Lodge of Union 268

Freemasonry has complimented and helped me to understand my journey in life. I’ve also met new friends who will stay with me for the rest of my journey.

Sonny Welsh
Felicity 4365

But that’s only a very small part of the story. It’s not about why I joined, but more about why I’ve stayed. I’ve stayed because I’ve seen with my eyes, and felt with my heart, the love, care, friendship and support that Masons give each other, not just within the framework of the Lodge Room or meetings, but in the wider world. A better bunch of lads I’ve yet to find..

Roger Bowden
Knowsley 4661

Freemasonary is a guaranteed social life. It’s a great way to make new friends and stay in touch with old ones. It’s the ability to grow as a person and extend what has been learnt to others seeking similar growth…

Chris Daniels
Iron Road 4964