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Widnes
Group of
Lodges & Chapters
FREEMASONRY IN WIDNES
Freemasonry in Widnes began in 1872 with the opening of the Lodge of Equity
which met in the Central Hotel.
Just after the turn of the century the Widnes Freemasons had acquired their
own premises in Victoria Road and a second lodge, the Widnes Lodge, had been
formed.
By 1920 another two lodges (the Lodge of Fellowship and Goodwill Lodge) had
been formed and more accommodation was needed. Premises were relocated
to St.Paul’s Chambers above what used to be Boots the Chemist.
In 1937, with six lodges now in the town, a move was made to purchase land
in Kingsway for a purpose- built Masonic Hall.
The present Masonic Hall was opened in 1959 and Freemasonry in Widnes has
grown to a present total of around five hundred members in twelve lodges.
Each lodge, presided over by a Master and two Wardens, has between thirty
and sixty members. 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.
There are many social occasions organised by the Group and the lodges within
it, at which wives, families and friends enjoy meeting and creating life-long
associations in informal surroundings.
Freemasonry is not a benefit institution for its members or their dependants,
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.
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