FREEMASONRY
"a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
Beginnings The Consecration Chronicles 1945-1970 Part 1
Part 2 Chronicles 1971-1995 Chronicles 1995 - Present
The Last twentyfive years are within the 'living memory' of the majority of the brethren and it is this 'living history' that gives a sense of perspective on the rapid changes in the name of progress that took place within society. Few were immune to these changes brought about in part by the advance in technology and communication, the rapid rise in inflation, the philisophical questioning of lifestyles, standards and morality, and even the Craft came under more public scrutiny. The Town reflects aspects of these changes and the impact of progress. there is an inner and outer ring road and a Town by-pass, Post House Wynd and part of Northgate are pedestrianised, there are one-way systems and bus lanes, the Dolphin Leisure Centre is built and the Corn Mill Development Opened, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School becomes a Sixth Form College and the Teacher Training College becomes an Arts Centre but happily there are some landmarks in the Town which remain such as Bank Top Station, the Library and Northern Echo buildings, the Civic Theatre plus of course Feethams.
Within the lodge the rapid rise in the cost of living is reflected in the Lodge expenses and the equally rapid rise in Lodge subscriptions. In the first twentyfive years there were only four increases in the subscription compared to the twelve rises since 1971. The subscription in 1971 was £7.50p and in 1995 was £65.00, the cost then of the festive board was equivalent to 17.5p and in 1994 £4.50p . The minutes highlight the demise of decimalisation of the pound and the recurring changes to By-Law No 4. The subscriptions cover a number of expenditure items such as lodge expenses, FMHM levy, Building Fund and the formal establishment of a Dining Fee.
The changes put the brethren under tremendous pressure and the lodge membership echoes this with a fall in members from a high of 79 in 1976 to a low of 54 in the 1980's through natural loss, resignations and exclusions. During this time the traditions of the lodge continued to be established with the introduction of the extended explanation of the MM Apron and with more Brethren involved in the Ceromonies and the rendering of the TB's. The minutes continue to highlight the lodge's constant support of Masonic charities, its widening bond od friendship with fraternal visits to Eslington Lodge No 4623, Hugh de Pudsey Lodge No 4490 and the Marquess of Ripon Lodge No 1379.
This era finished with an acknowledgemnt to the changes in Masonic Ceremonies and the final loss of all our founders to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. Up to 1995 the lodge had 17 joining members, it opened 225 times , initiated 69 candidates , had 5349 visitors with a yearly average of 214, giving a monthly average of 24 visitors.
Over its first 50 years the Lodge had greatly appreciated the role of its P.M's and enjoyed the services of 8 Directors of Ceremony, 8 Tylers, 7 Organists, 6 Secretaries, 6 Almoners and 6 Charity Stewards.
Beginnings The Consecration Chronicles 1945-1970 Part 1
Part 2 Chronicles 1971-1995 Chronicles 1995 - Present