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History of Freemasonry in
Widnes
Freemasonry in Widnes began in 1872 with the Lodge of Equity which met at the (now demolished)
Central Hotel.
Just after the turn of the 20th Century, the Widnes Freemasons had acquired their own premises
in Victoria Road and a second lodge, The Widnes Lodge, was formed in July 1900. The Widnes Lodge Amalgamated with the Knowsley
Lodge in 2006 to form the Widnes and Knowsley Lodge No 3581.
By 1920 a further two lodges, Lodge of Fellowship
and Goodwill Lodge, had been formed and more spacious accommodation was needed.
Premises were relocated to St. Pauls Chamber's above what used to be Boots the Chemist.
In 1937, with six
lodges now in the town, a move was made to find a suitable location in Widnes for a purpose built Masonic Hall. Eventually,
agreement was reached to purchase land in Kingsway, Widnes and the current Masonic Hall was built and was officially opened
in 1959. Since then, the number of lodges using the premises peaked at thirteen but has now settled at nine due
to Amalgamations. There are five Chapters and several other Masonic Orders using the premises. The number of members
is currently standing at about 300.
Each lodge, presided over by a Master and two Wardens, has between 20
and 60 members. All lodges are governed by a regulatory body for the Province of West Lancashire, ( http://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/ ) under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge
of England. ( www.ugle.co.uk )
There
are many social occasions organised by lodges in the Group, at which wives, family and friends enjoy meeting and creating
life long associations in informal surroundings.
Freemasonry is not a benefit institution for its members
or their dependents but, from its earliest days, it has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. Its
concern for the community as a whole, not just its own members, is expressed in charitable giving and by voluntary endeavour.
An extensive list of non-Masonic charities, both local and national, which are supported by Freemasonry, is freely available.
( http://www.grandcharity.org/ )
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