On Thursday 30th October, Concord Lodge No.1534 celebrated a remarkable milestone — 150 years of Freemasonry, fellowship, and service. In attendance of this special event was the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Griffin, alongside the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dr Simon Archer, as well as other distinguished Grand Officers and Western Area Officers.
One of the highlights of the evening was a heartfelt and reflective oration delivered by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro Russell Conn, which would also be his final address before stepping down at Provincial Grand Lodge in November. In a moving tribute to life, service, and the enduring values of Freemasonry, WBro Conn wove together references from Shakespeare, Ecclesiastes, and even Frank Sinatra, reminding brethren that while life is finite, the legacy of our deeds, loyalty, and dedication endures.
The atmosphere in the Lodge room was beautifully enhanced by the Provincial Grand Organist, WBro Brian Wilson, whose excellent playing added depth and emotion to the occasion. In a fitting conclusion to his tenure, WBro Conn was played out to Sinatra’s iconic “My Way,” a moment that perfectly captured both the sentiment of his words and the respect in which he is held. It marked the end of nine years in the chaplaincy and left the assembled brethren with a lasting memory of warmth, humour, and inspiration.
The lodge’s rich history, ably recounted by WBro Gerry Russell, traces Concord Lodge’s origins to the 24th June 1875, in Prestwich, during a period of social and economic challenges. From early meetings at the Church Inn to the George Hotel, Chester Bank, and eventually the Radcliffe Masonic Hall, the lodge has consistently been a centre of Masonic learning, fellowship, and charitable activity. Over the years, Concord Lodge has initiated countless members, celebrated milestones such as its centenary in 1975, and contributed generously to a wide range of charitable causes. Traditions such as Ladies Evenings, Annual Masters Dinners, and the inclusive ethos of the lodge have ensured that Concord continues to be a vibrant and welcoming home for all its brethren.
The 150th anniversary was a celebration not only of the lodge’s storied past but also of the enduring spirit that sustains it today — unity, harmony, and the shared pursuit of what is right. Brethren and guests reflected on the lodge’s achievements, the friendships forged over generations, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of masons. The evening combined ceremony, history, and fellowship, offering both a tribute to the lodge’s past and a vision for a future of continued growth, engagement, and prosperity.
Congratulations to Concord Lodge No.1534 on this incredible milestone — may it continue to thrive in peace, love, and harmony for generations to come.
