|
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.
|
