Droylsden Lodge 3282 was consecrated on the 4^th of March 1908 at the premises of the Droylsden Independent Co-Operative Society in Market Street, Droylsden with 17 founding members.

After a few changes of venue for our meetings, the Lodge eventually moved to the Masonic Temple in Bridge Street, Manchester in 1938.

Droylsden has, like many Lodges, had a chequered history, sometimes being very successful with many active members while at other times coming perilously close to extinction due to a small and dwindling membership.

The Lodge managed to remain active, largely due to the existing membership inviting family, friends and associates to become regular visitors, thus boosting attendance numbers and helping to maintain a vibrancy and enthusiasm that was in danger of dissipating. Many of those joining members were Masons from Lodges in the Province of North Wales, who, in turn, invited their own family, friends and associates to Droylsden Lodge.

Several of those visitors became joining members and took active roles as Lodge Officers.  After several years of struggle, it has transpired that Droylsden Lodge, in the Province of East Lancashire now has no members who live in Droylsden, nor Manchester, nor even in East Lancashire.

Every current member of the Lodge lives in North Wales.

As such, we took the unusual step of applying to PGLEL for peripatetic status in 2016 as the costs incurred for travelling to Manchester to attend every meeting were becoming prohibitive.

Fortunately, our request met with approval, and with the consent of the Province of North Wales we now hold our regular meetings at the Masonic Hall in Meliden, North Wales, though our Installation meeting is always held in Bridge Street, Manchester.

At present we have 19 members with an age range spanning mid 40’s to late 70’s.

Due to our unusual circumstances it is unlikely that Droylsden would be considered as a suitable Lodge for the many prospective candidates who approach Freemasonry via the Manchester Masons website or through the “drop-in” sessions at Bridge Street, however, we are actively seeking members in North Wales who show an interest in Freemasonry but have not been approached by a North Wales Lodge.

The membership is committed to maintaining our high standards of ritual, harmony and friendship through hard work, enthusiasm and mutual support.

Third Saturday of January, February, March, September, October.

Droylsden is a working Lodge, and we pride ourselves on the standard of our ritual. Practices are held on Sunday evenings.

We have a strong and conscientious administration team who make sure that the important background aspects of Lodge business are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. Our “non-progressive” Officers are all diligent and hard working in their various duties.

The liveliness and conviviality of our social boards have often been remarked upon and we have brethren from other Lodges who visit us on a regular basis.

sfbutterworth@hotmail.com  (Stuart)