On their annual ‘away-day’, members of the Chorley and Leyland Masonic Advancement Group, better known as ‘Perfect Points’, took a trip to Warrington Masonic Hall and Museum of Freemasonry. The day began with members being welcomed to the wonderful facilities at Warrington Masonic Hall by John Tyrer, the Chairman of Warrington Group.
The curator of the museum, Victor Chatsworth, then took the stage to provide an interesting lecture entitled ‘Elias Ashmole: The Early Years’. Elias Ashmole was a 17th century polymath and diarist and was the first recorded speculative Freemason in Warrington. Much debate was had following the lecture as to how far back Freemasonry actually went in the Warrington area, and although it was likely that it predated Elias Ashmole, there was no doubt as to his importance establishing Freemasonry in Warrington.
Following the lecture, there was a pleasant surprise for all, especially the curator of the museum, as the former scribe Ezra. of Penwortham Chapter No 5874, Paul Boardman, presented a very fine past first principal’s jewel to the museum on behalf of the chapter, which had surrendered its warrant in 2023. The jewel, which had significant monetary value, was presented to the chapter at its fifth convocation by John Norman Allen and had been worn with pride for many years. The members had agreed to donate the jewel to Warrington Masonic Museum for safe keeping and in the hope, it would be displayed so others could appreciate its fineness and history.
Next was the much-anticipated tour of the museum with the curator himself. Victor shared some fascinating stories behind the museum and its exhibits as members took their time perusing the varied collection. It was clear that the museum had been a passion of Victor’s and everyone truly appreciated his dedication to preserving the history of Freemasonry. To see more about Warrington Masonic Museum, click here.
The day concluded with an excellent Sunday lunch expertly prepared by the Masonic Hall caterers and with much discussion of what had been an interesting and very enjoyable visit to Warrington. Membership of Perfect Points is open to all master Masons wishing to advance their knowledge of Freemasonry with an annual membership fee of only £5. The next meeting of Perfect Points will be held at Westhoughton Masonic Hall (Brookfield) in October 2025. For more information about Perfect Points, click here.