On Sunday the 19th of October, Bolton Parish Church hosted a non denominational Provincial Service of Thanksgiving, to celebrate 200 years of Freemasonry since the Province of Lancashire became two independent Provinces, East Lancashire, which was officially formed  in 2025 and West Lancashire, a year later in 1826.

A procession into the body of this most beautiful church, headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Robert I Frankl, accompanied by RWBro Mark Matthews, Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire, was supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro John A Griffin, the Deputy Grand Superintendent  EComp Paul G Bowen, five Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, the 2nd & 3rd Provincial Grand Principals and the Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro Russell Conn.

The RW Provincial Grand Master welcomed all to this celebration of the Province, before inviting Brethren of many different faiths to read specially chosen scriptures for the thanksgiving. Uplifting hymns were interspersed with the readings, which following contributions from the Provincial Grand Chaplain and Rev’d Hannah Lane, culminated in an address by RWBro Frankl, warmly thanking all who had attended to acknowledge 200 years of East Lancashire Freemasonry.

Refreshment were served back at Bolton Masonic Hall just a short walk from the Church, where thanks could be personally conveyed to all who had organised and supported this very special Provincial event.