The Vicar of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Rev. Richard Morris, a member of Morecambe Lodge No 1561, had the idea of starting a Masonic Lodge in Ribbleton.  Three names were suggested by some of the Founders at a pre-consecration meeting.  They were:

Red Scar Lodge

Stuart Lodge

Ribbleton Lodge

The latter was chosen, hence a view of Ribbleton Old Hall on the Banner and Past Master’s Jewel.

Thirty Founders were eventually chosen and accepted by the Provincial Grand Master, but one had to withdraw at the last minute.  A very efficient Provincial Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Bouteiller, put these twenty-nine Founders through their paces on the morning of the 20 May 1947 during a rehearsal of the Consecration Ceremony.  The Founders then entertained the whole Provincial Team to lunch at the Park Hotel, Preston.

After a most impressive Consecration Ceremony, performed by Rt W Bro A Foster, Provincial Grand Master, W Bro T N Lund was installed as the first Worshipful Master.  The ceremony was conducted by W Bro W S S Hannay, Past Grand Warden, Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

A banquet was held in Ribbleton Parish Hall after the Installation.  This brought to an end a very enjoyable day.

With twenty-nine Founders from twenty different Lodges, it was obvious that some small variations in the Ritual Working must occur.  Fraternity Lodge No 4072 and Commercial Travellers Lodge No 3493 were responsible for four and three Founders respectively and as their Rituals were very similar, it was decided that Ribbleton should adopt the same.

Ribbleton Lodge met on the upper floor of a large barn of what used to be Ribbleton Farm. The building had been used in World War II as an Auxiliary Fire Station and a lot of work and expense was necessary to install oil central heating and convert it into a Lodge Room, Club Room, Bar, Kitchen, Small Provincial Room and store.  A piece of wasteland at the rear was acquired at a peppercorn rent from Preston Corporation and levelled compacted for a car park.  W Bro E A Nicholson P G D, Provincial Grand Secretary, inspected the building on 9 August 1946 and after recommending increased cloakroom accommodation downstairs, he gave his approval for the building.  The building was then decorated and improved by each successive Master who decided on a building improvement project to be carried out during his year of office.  A Ladies Committee was formed to help raise money to enhance the Lodge and the Clubroom, which was also used for the Festive Board.

Ever increasing rates and rent and a general rise in the cost of maintaining the building eventually forced the decision to move to the Masonic Temple, Saul Street, Preston.

The last meeting in the old building was on Founder’s Night, 24 May 1976 and was attended by 133 members and visitors.  The first meeting at the Masonic Temple, Saul Street, Preston, was held on 27 September 1976.

 

Ribbleton Lodge No.6386

Meets at Preston Masonic Hall,
Ashlar House, Saul Street, Preston

on the fourth Monday in the Months of

September to May.

The Installation meeting is in November.


For further information send an e-mail to the following link

webmaster@prestongroup.org.uk