INTEGRITY

Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

FRIENDSHIP

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

RESPECT

With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society

SERVICE

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Welcome to the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire website.

This site has been designed to provide an insight into Freemasonry and we sincerely hope it will be of high interest to both Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike.

Here you will find information on what it is to be a Freemason, our proud history, how to join, what charitable works we’re involved with and coming social events. For a more complete view of current news and events, plus the views and opinions of our many members, please visit our social media pages.

You’re also welcome to contact us anytime if you have any queries.

Begin Your Journey

There are probably as many explanations of Freemasonry as there are Freemasons and every member will be able to tell you exactly what Freemasonry means to them.

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THE PGLEL 2026 FESTIVAL APPEAL

We are all well initiated on the importance of Charity, It is now our time to give something back. The Province hopes to have raised £2.4 M by the end of the Appeal and we can only achieve this with your help.

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THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE
will be held at the
TOUGHSHEET STADIUM, BURNDEN WAY, HORWICH, BL6 6JW
on THURSDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2026 at 3.00 pm.

All Present and Past Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge, Masters, Past Masters and Wardens of Lodges are hereby summoned to attend. It is the Worshipful Master’s responsibility to ensure that his Lodge is represented at the meeting. Master Masons are cordially invited to be present.
The support of Grand Officers would be particularly welcome on this occasion.

Masters of Lodges are requested to make the content of this Summons known as soon as possible to the members of their Lodges.

By Command of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.

Provincial Grand Secretary

Building Together is UGLE’s new narrative – a fundamental and useful blueprint for the text and language needed to communicate the benefits and core values of Freemasonry to new and existing members.

Portal is the new membership app designed to enhance your Masonic experience. It is the next step in our journey to bring Freemasonry into the digital age, making it easier than ever to connect with your fellow Brethren and manage your Masonic life.

Portal: is your gateway to a more connected Masonic journey — accessible anytime, anywhere, from any device.

Empower yourself: Manage your Masonic profile with complete control over with sees your details.

Stay connected: Meet a Brother at a Lodge visit? Scan, connect, and never lose touch with the new My Friends feature.

Discover more: Find Lodges and Chapters to visit, explore upcoming events, and plan your Masonic diary.

Everything in one place: Access Solomon, Craftcast, the Book of Constitutions and more through Quick Links

Join the winning team: Lodges, Chapters and Provinces that reach 100% registration unlock gold, complete with a refreshed golden look in Portal and well-earned bragging rights.

If you have not registered yet, now is the time. Over 60,000 Brethren are already on board — join them

David Entwisle | Golden Jubilee

On Friday 30th October 2026, Old Boltonians Lodge No.5814 celebrated the Golden Jubilee of WBro David Entwisle, marking 50 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry. In attendance was the Assistant...

Rodney Shirt | Golden Jubilee

On Thursday 8th October 2026, the Lodge of St John No.191 welcomed Brethren, family and friends to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of WBro George Rodney Shirt, marking 50 years of dedicated service to...

Trevor Completes Race For Life 5K

On Sunday 5th July, Trevor Howarth, Royal Arch Area Officer for the Western Area, successfully completed a Race for Life 5K in support of Cancer Research UK. Trevor joined fellow participants on the...

Supporting Future Opportunities | Old Boltonians Lodge

Old Boltonians Lodge welcomed the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dr Simon Archer, and Western Area Chairman, WBro Martin Horan, to its regular meeting on Friday 25th September 2026. The meeting...

Passing & Wreath Handover | Bury Lodge Of Relief

On Wednesday 16th September, Bury Lodge of Relief No.42 enjoyed a memorable evening as brethren gathered for the passing of Bro Connor Jackson-Finn to the degree of a Fellowcraft Freemason. An...

Raising | Egerton Lodge

Egerton Lodge No.1392 enjoyed a memorable night on Thursday the 24th September. With the absence of the current Worshipful Master due to him being on holiday, the Lodge was opened at 6.30pm by WBro...

Howard Berry | Golden Jubilee

Brethren, family and friends came together to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of WBro Howard Berry, PAGDC, marking 50 years in Freemasonry. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dr Simon Archer,...

Charitable Support Across The Western Area

Freemasons across the Western Area have continued to support and engage with their local communities through both charitable activity and opportunities to raise awareness of the work carried out by...

WBro Paul Taylor Proclaimed Worshipful Master for a Second Year

There was much to celebrate at the recent meeting of Crompton Lodge 8879, as WBro Paul Taylor was proclaimed Worshipful Master for a second consecutive year. Paul’s year in the Chair has been an...

Eastern Area Freemasons Give Their Time to Support the Poppy Appeal

Brethren for across the Eatern Area recently showed their community spirit by volunteering their time to collect donations for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal at Morrisons in Rochdale....

What our Brethren Say

The lessons taught have helped me in my personal life and my lodge brethren continue to amaze me in their dedication to each other and our wider community. I’m proud to be a Freemason and would recommend anybody who is curious to come and enquire.

Gareth Baron

St Martin’s 2320

As a 20-year member I became a Mason because I believed I was joining men who thought in a similar way to myself. Very true to a large extent, what I hadn’t realised was that wherever you go when visiting you are immediately among friends you had yet to meet.

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Colin Smith
Grants 8825

Freemasonry is like being part of a fantastic story, you just want to learn more and more. While doing so, you meet new friends, that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Andy Beaumont

Good Report 7370

Freemasonry is great way to make new friends and connect with old ones. It gives you the chance grow as a person and share that knowledge with others. It’s more than a brotherhood; it’s a family.

Andy Robson
Lodge of Union 268

Freemasonry has complimented and helped me to understand my journey in life. I’ve also met new friends who will stay with me for the rest of my journey.

Sonny Welsh
Felicity 4365

But that’s only a very small part of the story. It’s not about why I joined, but more about why I’ve stayed. I’ve stayed because I’ve seen with my eyes, and felt with my heart, the love, care, friendship and support that Masons give each other, not just within the framework of the Lodge Room or meetings, but in the wider world. A better bunch of lads I’ve yet to find..

Roger Bowden
Knowsley 4661

Freemasonary is a guaranteed social life. It’s a great way to make new friends and stay in touch with old ones. It’s the ability to grow as a person and extend what has been learnt to others seeking similar growth…

Chris Daniels
Iron Road 4964