History

The History of the Lodge

The journey to where we are now began several years ago when WBro Bill Watson PAGSwdB was County Chairman of East Lancashire Scout County.

Bill Watson has a vision of a Scouting Lodge which would demonstrate how similar in Values and Ethos the two organisations are.

This Vision was shared by many Scouting Freemasons, however, Bill was not to see this fully realised before his sudden call to a Higher Place.

Following discussion amongst Brethren from both East and West Scouting Counties, enquiries were made to ascertain whether there would be significant interest and whether there was a Lodge which would be willing to give their name to “the cause”.

These enquiries and discussions were facilitated by VWBro Derek Thornhill who was a member of the Lodge of Allegiance. Amicable discussions took place with the existing Brethren who gave their full support to the formation of a new Lancashire Scouting Lodge and in August 2003, 12 Scouting Freemasons became Joining Members with 5 more joining in the subsequent two meetings.

It was agreed that the Lodge would meet 4 times a year with one of those meetings taking place in West Lancashire by dispensation.

In May 2005, approval having been given by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Lodge became The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance and the Fleur-de-Lys was incorporated in the summons heading.

In January 2006, the lodge was re-dedicated by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr. Nigel Bramley-Howarth who delivered the Lodge Warrant with effacement, Banner and By-laws into the hands of the Worshipful Master.

The Provincial Delegation at the meeting included WBro H. Hesmondhalgh, WBro D. Thornhill and WBro C. Oversby. This was the first time since 1992 that this Ceremony had been carried out.

There are several active Scouting Brethren in the Lodge and several other Lodge Members are members of the Scout Association. It is also pleasing that members of the original Lodge of Allegiance have remained although they have no Scouting background.

The Brethren of the Lodge welcome you today and hope that, when you leave, old friendships will have been rekindled and new friendships made.

In January 2019 the Lodge re-located to Whalley Masonic Hall.

In August 2021 the By-laws were amended to facilitate the Lodge meeting 6 times a year.