The history of how Ribble Lodge came to be named such is quite an interesting story.
In 1921 a group of senior brethren from Royal Preston proposed the founding of a new Lodge. The purpose, according to the minutes, was “of allowing for the reasonable progress of the younger members of Royal Preston Lodge”.
Informal discussions held at the beginning of the 1920’s resulted in an encouraging response. As a result, the first recorded meeting of the founders was held on 23rd of October 1922, just a month after the Preston Guild celebration had taken place.
Almost the first item on the agenda for that initial meeting was the name of the new Lodge. It may surprise the brethren of today to learn that Ribble was only the third choice of name.
The first choice of Lodge name was Derby. It may be fair to assume that this was inspired by the connection of Lancashire’s premier family with Preston and its Guild Merchant.
The 17th Earl was a prominent mason and was affectionaltey known as the ‘King of Lancashire’. He had recently renewed the entry of his name as a Freemason of the Borough on the Guild Roll. His Father, Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby, was the Guild Mayor for 1902 and had been the first Worshipful Master of Preston Lodge in 1896.
However, the choice of Derby was rejected by Grand Lodge. Our founders’ next choice was Prince of Peace. Prestonians will recognise this as the name given to the lamb which features on the centuries old coat of arms of our City.
This name was also rejected. As a result Ribble became a case of third time lucky, so far as our name was concerned.
The warrant was granted and this was announced to a meeting of the founders on the 25th of September 1923.