On Saturday 17th January, members of the ELLC team visited the Mother Lodge of one of their own. The Lodge Of Union No 268 meets at Albert House (Ashton Masonic Hall) in the Southern Area and is also the home of the Deputy Chairman of the ELLC, Brother Andy Robson.

The lodge, originally consecrated in Manchester in 1788, has a rich and vibrant history. It has hosted visiting Grand Lodge officers including the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master and is home to one of the province’s most unique rituals. Choosing not to follow emulation, the lodge’s ritual provides a rare snapshot of Masonic history.

The purpose of the visit was the lodge’s Installation ceremony, during which W/Bro Tom Smith PProvJGW will assume the chair of King Solomon for the third time. Like many lodges, the Lodge Of Union has had some dark blue members return to the floor, which has enabled light blues to progress with direct mentorship and provided them with time to learn and grow.

While the ceremony may appear familiar in some respects, it is certainly impressive in its ritual and how it enhances the narrative of the journey from Entered Apprentice to Installed Master.

The visiting brethren were made to feel welcome and enjoyed the ceremony. The social board, as always, added its own unique flair to the evening, which was filled with laughter and support for the lodge’s new Senior Warden.

The Lodge meets on the third Thursday of the month between October and May (the installation ceremony is held on the Saturday following the third Thursday).

If you would like to visit the lodge and sample its unique ritual, please email the secretary at secretary@union268.co.uk.

If you are a light blue Freemason in East Lancashire and would like to learn more, or if you would like to join us on a visit, please email us at comms@ellc.uk.