“The Lodge of Merit, originally numbered 1236, was consecrated on the 5th January 1863 at the Derby Hotel in Whitefield, by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Blair. The principal sponsors of the Lodge were members of the Lodge of Faith No.344 which still meets in Radcliffe. The Lodge then met in a number of public houses in the area over the years, before settling into Bury Masonic Hall in the 1970s.
Members are rightly proud of the Lodge’s history and traditions and recognise that we hold these in trust for future generations. We strive for excellence in our ritual whilst acknowledging the many pressures that 21st century living puts on all men. With this in mind, we aim to make meetings interesting for and inclusive of all members, with a variety of topics not just restricted to ceremonies.
We have a long tradition of music and singing in both the Lodge Room and at the Social Board when we dine together after each meeting.
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We currently have members aged from early 50s to late 80s and take great pride in our camaraderie, friendship and brotherhood irrespective of age and Masonic experience. That experience ranges from 10 years to over 50 years for our longest serving member. Being Freemasons is something we chose to be because of the satisfaction and enjoyment we get from belonging to a Lodge of likeminded and well-motivated men.
Whilst we value our Masonic heritage, we are keen to look to the future and would welcome into membership any man who shares our values and outlook on life. Prospective members need to be aware that joining Freemasonry is a commitment of time, for meetings and practices, and cost, for joining fees, annual subscriptions, dining and charitable giving.