The history of Freemasonry in Preston goes back more than 250 years. Below is a timeline covering the history of Ribble Lodge No. 4558
Ribble Lodge – A Historic Timeline
Amity Lodge
1767-1810
Amity Lodge formed
Amity Lodge was formed in 1767 in London, before moving to Preston in 1769, laying the foundations for Freemasonry in Preston.
Cooper’s Inn was the meeting place until 1783, when the venue was changed to The White Horse which was in Friargate.
Amity Lodge moved into Yorkshire in 1810, leaving behind several Prestonians who had joined the Craft during the Lodge’s 41 year stay in Preston.
Royal Preston Lodge
1811-1921
Royal Preston Lodge
In 1811 these brethren founded Royal Preston Lodge which is the Mother Lodge of Ribble.
Royal Preston Lodge
1921-1924
Formation of Ribble Lodge
During this time, discussions were held regarding the formation of a new lodge to allow “… the reasonable progress of the younger members of Royal Preston Lodge”. See What’s In a Name.
Ribble Lodge
4th January 1924
Consecration of Ribble Lodge
Ribble Lodge was consecrated in January 1924, with John Dewhurst, Mayor of Preston and a magistrate of the town, in the Chair, at the Bull & Royal Hotel. See also Founders of Ribble Lodge
Ribble Lodge
23rd January 1924
First Regular Meeting
Shortly after the consecration, the first regular meeting was held, which saw the initiation of Mr James Walter Jackson – Ribble Lodge’s First Initiate. See Notable Meetings.
Ribble Lodge
23rd April 1924
First Installation
April 1924 saw Ribble Lodge’s first Installation. See Notable Meetings.
Ribble Lodge
April 1933
Through the Offices
1933 saw Bro James Walter Jackson, Ribble Lodge’s first initiate, installed into the Chair as W.M..
Ribble Lodge
January 1935
Founders and Past Master’s Night
The first Founders’ and Past Master’s Night was held, which has been held every year since in January.
Ribble Lodge
1944
A New Home
Ribble Lodge moved into the new Masonic Temple on Saul Street in Preston.
Ribble Lodge
1949-1963
Passing of The Founders
W.Bro. John Dewhurst , Ribble Lodge’s Founding W.M. passed to The Grand Lodge above in 1949. Gradually, the other Founders passed also, with the last Founding Member, W.Bro. John S. Hornby, passing in 1963
Ribble Lodge
1974
50th Anniversary
To celebrate this milestone, a large gathering of members and their guests celebrated our 50th anniversary
Ribble Lodge
16th May 1979
500th Meeting
A further milestone in the 1970s with our 500th meeting taking place
Ribble Lodge
2010-2014
Wellington Park
2010 saw a momentous change for Ribble Lodge with a move to a new home at Wellington Park in Leyland, whilst staying in and still remaining commited to the Preston Group.
Ribble Lodge
2014-Present
Return to Preston Masonic Hall
It was decided that we would move back to our original home at Preston Masonic Hall. Saying goodbye to Wellington Park, the reins of the Masters chair were entrusted to the capable hands of Bro. David Asbridge.
Ribble Lodge
2020-2022
Global Pandemic
Many masonic events were called off. Installations were unable to be held in April of both 2020 and 2021, with the lodge embracing new technologies such as video conferencing to keep in touch. The April 2021 installation was deferred to September 2021, when Masonic activity was permitted to resume
Ribble Lodge
December 2021
Christmas Party
Ribble Lodge regained the Christmas Party date for Preston Masonic Hall, which, despite an ongoing global pandemic, saw over 100 guests and warranted a special visit from Santa.