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Liverpool
Wellington Group of
Lodges & Chapters
FREEMASONRY
IN THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL
The four central Liverpool Masonic Groups, namely Gladstone, Sandon, Trafalgar
and Wellington are, contrary to first appearance, actually named after four
of the more famous Liverpool docks. The vast majority of the lodges meet at
the Masonic Hall in Hope Street (the administrative centre of Freemasonry
in the Province of West Lancashire) which was originally built in 1858 as
a permanent home. It is a listed building. But about half of those in the
Gladstone Group and a small number in the Sandon and Wellington Groups meet
at such diverse venues as the Britannia Adelphi Hotel, the Liverpool Racquet
Club, Staff House at the University of Liverpool and the Greenbank Synagogue
in Sefton Park.
Between them, these Liverpool Groups comprise a cosmopolitan array of different
lodges with much fascinating heritage, reflecting the history and development
of the city. Some lodges are very old; there are several over two hundred
years of age and one approaching two hundred and fifty, but many were founded
since the second world war, the most recent in 1979. Most lodges meet in the
evening during the week but there is one lodge which meets at lunch time and
a few meet on Saturdays.
Some lodges hold many social events, including Ladies’ Nights, Old English
Nights, Barbecues and various fund-raising activities, both for Masonic and
non-Masonic charities. Charity is one of the great driving forces of Freemasonry
and every member is encouraged to contribute regularly to this worthy cause.
The sums raised enable the Freemasons’ Grand Charity to donate considerable
amounts to nearly all the major National Charities and it is one of the major
sources of charitable giving in the country. In addition the Brethren also
support local charities as well as the Masonic charities in the Province
of West Lancashire.
There are some lodges where membership is encouraged from particular groups
of people such as those who work in similar trades or professions, those associated
with particular schools or the university, or ex-servicemen. The size of lodges
varies considerably. One has over three hundred members whereas most have
between thirty and sixty members. Each lodge is presided over by a Master
and two Wardens. All lodges are connected by a regulatory body for the Province
of West Lancashire and are held under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge
of England.
Young people should not feel out of place in Liverpool Masonry. The lower
age limit for membership is twenty one and there are many members in their
twenties and early thirties. At the other end of the scale there are many
members these days who, because of work or other commitments, do not join
until retirement.
As will be seen, the scope for Freemasonry in Liverpool is very great. While
space prevents a detailed analysis there is a variety of lodges in which any
upright and honourable man, from whatever quarter in life, can feel at home,
where he can make many firm and long-lasting friendships and where he can
feel he is making a contribution not just to his particular lodge but to the
good of society as a whole.
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