The story began in 1982 when a W. Bro. of Lodge of Charity 1551 in Birmingham visited the Hayward Lodge, West Bridgford, Nottingham, with his Father. There, on a display board, was the name Lodge of Charity No. 8769, founded in 1977. Since the visiting W. Bro. was the Lodge Secretary at the time, wrote to this Lodge, introducing Lodge of Charity Birmingham, and kindly requesting an invitation to visit the Lodge. The response from the secretary of the Nottingham Charity Lodge, was swift and enthusiastic. On the first visit, there was an immediate warm bonding between the Lodges to such extent that an annual exchange of visits has taken place ever since.

It was during one of these visits that it was commented as to whether there may be any more Charity Lodges. The Brethren having the conversation could not resist the challenge and upon writing to the United Grand Lodge of England were amazed to discover that there were other Charity Lodges:
Plymouth No. 223, Farnworth Nos. 350 & 3786, Warrington No.2651, Rochdale No.3342, Bradford No.4105, London No. 4431 and Brightlingsea No 9091.

Pen was immediately put to paper and all were written to, introducing Nottingham and Birmingham and asking if a visit could be arranged. Although not all replied, the response was sufficiently encouraging to call upon enthusiastic Brethren to accompany him around the country visiting the various Lodges. In 1995 further research discovered Charity Masonic Lodge No. 688, Belfast, Irish Constitution.

The endeavours of all Brethren who have enthusiastically cultivated this unique relationship has resulted in an annual meeting of the Family of Charity Lodges. Since 1988, this has been hosted in Birmingham, Nottingham, Plymouth, London, Bradford, Brightlingsea, Farnworth, Warrington, Shrewsbury and Rochdale.

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