Historic Lodge secured for the future as Roberts Lodge prepares for a new home at Swinton
There was plenty to celebrate at the recent Installation meeting of Roberts Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 24Ti, as what could have been one of the Lodge’s final meetings instead marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its history.
With membership having declined over recent years, the remaining members of Roberts Lodge had reluctantly reached the point where the future of the Lodge – and its historic number – was in serious doubt.
However, there was a strong determination within the Province that a Lodge bearing the distinctive number 24Ti should not be allowed to disappear without every possible avenue being explored.
We are pleased to see that determination has now paid off.
An Opportunity at Swinton
The solution emerged following discussions between our Provincial Grand Master and Brethren from Super Moras Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1042, who also have strong connections with Craft Masonry at Swinton Masonic Hall.
Despite having an active Masonic community, Swinton currently has no Mark Lodge meeting at the Hall. The possibility was therefore raised of relocating Roberts Lodge from Rochdale to Swinton and establishing a new Mark presence there.
There was, however, an unusual geographical consideration.
Swinton falls within the Province of West Lancashire, while Roberts Lodge wished to remain firmly within the Mark Province of East Lancashire.
Our Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Hartley Smith, discussed the proposal with R.W.Bro. Keith Beardmore, Provincial Grand Master for The Mark Master Masons of West Lancashire, who readily gave his support.
It’s a wonderful example of Provinces working together in the best interests of Mark Masonry and, most importantly, ensuring that a Lodge with a proud history has the opportunity to flourish once again.
Six New Members Step Forward
The next challenge was to secure sufficient new members to give Roberts Lodge the strength it needed for the move.
At the Lodge’s recent Installation meeting in Rochdale, that became a reality.
Attended by our Provincial Grand Master Designate, W.Bro. Mark Davis and our Deputy Provincial Grand Master Designate, W.Bro. Stephen Bolton, six joining members were successfully balloted for and welcomed into Roberts Lodge; this immediately provided a significant boost to its membership.
Just as importantly, all seven of the Lodge’s remaining members have agreed to continue their membership and support the move to Swinton.
From facing an uncertain future, Roberts Lodge now has a strengthened membership of 13 Brethren ready to take the Lodge forward together.
The mood at the Installation meeting reflected that renewed sense of optimism.
The ceremony was conducted by the Lodge’s current Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Bernard Forbes, under the direction of W.Bro. George Scaife, and provided a fitting conclusion to the Lodge’s time meeting in Rochdale.
Rather than conversations about closure, the discussions afterwards were firmly focused on the future.
From Survival to Growth
Plans are already being made for the Lodge’s first meeting at Swinton in November, and there are encouraging signs that the move could quickly generate further growth.
There is already talk of three or four prospective new members who could be Advanced into, or join, TI Roberts Lodge during the next 12 months.
What began as an effort to prevent the loss of a historic Lodge has therefore developed into something considerably more positive – a genuine opportunity for renewal and growth.
The final meeting at Rochdale may have marked the end of one chapter for Roberts Lodge No. 24Ti, but thanks to the commitment of its existing members, the enthusiasm of its new members and the co-operation between East and West Lancashire, a much more exciting chapter is about to begin.
We wish the Brethren every success as they prepare for their first meeting at Swinton and look forward to following the next chapter in the story of this historic Lodge.
Roberts Lodge No. 24Ti isn’t closing its doors – it’s opening new ones.