Corinthian Lodge 125th Anniversary History

Promoting Masonic Values at Hindley for 125 Years The History of Corinthian Lodge 2350 1890 - 2015 125th Anniversary Celebration 5th November 2015 At the Masonic Hall, Hindley.

Introduction I am delighted to be able to write this Introduction as Corinthian Lodge No 2350 reaches its 125th Anniversary. The following is an extract from the minutes of the Lodge Committee Meeting held on Thursday 25th April 2013 at 6.30 pm. When it was first suggested to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Corinthian Lodge No2350 “The Secretary (W. Bro. Raymond Pye) reminded Brethren that the 125th Anniversary was due in 2015. Although not an officially recognised celebration, he suggested that the Lodge may wish to mark the event in some way. Following Discussion it was agreed: 1) A celebration be arranged for the regular meeting of the lodge on Thursday 1st October 2015. 2) Lodge Secretary to confirm protocols for such an event with Group Secretary. 3) Bros. Peter Newell, Barry Slater and W. Bro. George Cunliffe to form a sub-committee to consider ways of celebrating the event and report back to this committee following the summer break. 4) Initial suggestions of possible ways of celebrating the anniversary included rededicating Lodge/purchases of new bibles/updating Lodge History/establishing Lodge Website. 5) Secretary to communicate with The W. Bro the Rev Graham Hallsall and establish his availability to officiate at a rededication of the Lodge.” At a further meeting it was decided that the first hundred years of the history of Corinthian Lodge which was researched By the late W. Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb would not be altered in anyway so it has been published in its original format. W. Bro. Edward Atherton P.Pr.J.G.W

PAST MASTERS OF THE LODGE 1890 - 1989 1890 C.E. BEAZER 1915 T. LAITHWAITE 1940 J. DOOTSON 1965 T. PARR 1891 J.M. ASHURST 1916 S. WRIGHT 1941 R.R.C. CHISNALL 1966 F.N. LEWIS 1892 S. MOSSOP 1917 W. McKAY 1942 W. OSBORNE 1967 S. BYRON 1893 W.L. ROTHWELL 1918 T. AINSCOW 1943 P. SELLARS 1968 A. LANCASTER 1894 R. CHRISTOPHER 1919 T. B. BAMBER 1944 G.S. JOHNSON 1969 G. FAIRHURST 1895 J. LAITHWAITE 1920 W. WINROW 1945 J. KERUISH 1970 C. PONTON 1896 R. ROTHWELL 1921 J. McGANN 1946 E. TAYLOR 1971 N. FLEMING 1897 J. ROTHWELL 1922 M. POWELL 1947 N. BRADLEY 1972 W. SILCOCK 1898 J. PROE 1923 J. HIGSON 1948 F. WOOD 1973 W. GORE 1899 J. CHADWICK 1924 J. CAMPBELL 1949 J. H. EDWARDS 1974 A. RAMSDALE 1900 E. GRIME 1925 J.B. BAMBER 1950 J. GREEN 1975 J. LEA 1901 D. J. O. CHADWICK 1926 J.E. FEAR 1951 A. KENYON 1976 J. HOPE 1902 P. GRIMWOOD 1927 F. BRADLEY 1952 CANNON A. DEAN 1977 F.W. COTTENDEN 1903 J. RAMWELL 1928 T. P. YARWOOD 1953 P. JOHNSON 1978 E.E. JONES 1904 J. HIBBERT 1929 G.H. WHITE 1954 E. RIMMER 1979 H. PLATT 1905 C. HOLT 1930 H. GIBSON 1955 H. HURST 1980 J.W. FISHWICK 1906 A. STONE 1931 R.J.H.WALTERS 1956 A. HURST 1981 H.R. ANDERTON 1907 R. LAITHWAITE 1932 H.C. CHISNALL 1957 R. UNSWORTH 1982 D. COOPER 1908 B. TURNER 1933 J.H. HOLME 1958 H. WHAITE 1983 J.S. LEWIS 1909 W. T. ARMITSTEAD 1934 A. EVANS 1959 T. GORE 1984 S. FAIRHURST 1910 F. E. SHARPLES 1935 J. FARRIMOND 1960 T. MAWDSLEY 1985 J. EAVES 1911 S. HOLT 1936 J. MURPHY 1961 S. SMETHURST 1986 B. DEARDEN 1912 S. GREGORY 1937 L. GREGORY 1962 W.T. SILCOCK 1987 H. HULSE 1913 W. THOMPSON 1938 J. BAINES 1963 D.T. HOLT 1988 F. FALLON 1914 H. HASELDEN 1939 J. HOLMES 6460 1964 W.G. McCORMICK 1989 B. PARKINSON PAST MASTER IN THE LODGE – J.W. McGUIRE, No. 83 SCOTLAND

OFFICERS 1990 – 1991 WORSHIPFUL MASTER BRO. A. STONE IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER W. BRO. B. PARKINSON SENIOR WARDEN BRO. D.J. JONES JUNIOR WARDEN BRO. A. HIGHAM CHAPLAIN W. BRO. H. HURST P.Pr. J.G.W. TREASURER W. BRO. J.W. FISHWICK P.Pr.S.G.D. SECRETARY BRO. N.F. WATERS-WEBB DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES W. BRO. S. FAIRHURST SENIOR DEACON BRO. C.R. NICHOLSON JUNIOR DEACON BRO. A. D. HOLT CHARITY STEWARD BRO. M.R. SILCOCK ALMONER BRO. G. BENNETT A.D.C. W. BRO. J. EAVES ORGANIST BRO. G. ADAMSON ASSISTANT SECRETARY BRO. G.E. JONES INNER GUARD BRO. E. ATHERTON STEWARD BRO. M.R. SILCOCK STEWARD BRO. F.R. NICHOLSON STEWARD BRO. R. PYE STEWARD BRO. W. WILDING STEWARD BRO. T. MOLYNEUX STEWARD BRO. W. BROOKWELL STEWARD BRO. R. HODGES STEWARD BRO. E. MARSH STEWARD BRO. F. MORGAN STEWARD BRO. J. GEE STEWARD BRO. G.W. CUNLIFFE TYLER BRO. K. GORE Honorary Member - Bro. A. Woodcock.

CORINTHIAN LODGE No. 2350; Membership Bro. H. Hurst P.Pr.G.W Bro. G. Bennett W.Bro. F.N.Lewis P.Pr.G.D. Bro. C.R.Nicholson W.Bro. A. Lancaster Bro. A.D. Holt Bro.G.C.Evans Bro. S. Petriw W. Bro. C. Ponton P.Pr.G.D. Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb W. Bro. N. Fleming P.A.G.D.C. Bro. D. Horne W.Bro. W.Silcock P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. E. Atherton W.Bro. W.Gore P.Pr.G.D. Bro. P. Hoddinott W.Bro. A.Ramsdale P.Pr.G.D. Bro. J. Pugh W.Bro. J.Lea P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. K. Gore W.Bro. J.Hope P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. G.E. Jones W.Bro. J.W.Fishwick P.Pr.G.D. Bro. K.J. Cotgrave W.Bro. H.R.Anderton Bro. L.J. Holt W.Bro. D.Cooper P.Pr.A.G.D.C.(DES) Bro. M.R. Silcock Bro. F.W.Cottenden Bro. R. Mather Bro. W.S. Simmons Bro. B. Gore W. Bro. S. Fairhurst Bro. F.R.Nicholson W. Bro. J. Eaves Bro. R. Pye W. Bro. H. Hulse Bro. H. Forshaw W. Bro. F. Fallon Bro. W. Wilding W. Bro. J.W. McGuire Bro. T. Molyneux Bro. G. Adamson Bro. W. Brookwell Bro. J. Cotton Bro. R.W.Hodges W. Bro. B. Parkinson Bro. E. Marsh Bro. G.H.Ollerton Bro. D.E. Partington Bro. S. Berry Bro. F. Morgan Bro. A. Stone W.M. Bro. J. Gee Bro. D.J. Jones Bro. G. W. Cunliffe Bro. A. Higham Bro. J.Walters Bro. M. Baker Bro. G. Prescott

In September 1889 a petition was presented and signed by the Officers of Antiquity Lodge 178 for the formation of a new Lodge at Hindley. • On 2lst January 1890 a Warrant was issued to Corinthian Lodge No. 2350. It was granted to: Cornelius Edward Beazer, Thomas Brayton, Samuel Mossop, William Lythgoe Rothwell, Richard Christopher, John Laithwaite and Richard Rothwell. • On 8th March 1890 at Pennington Memorial School, Hindley, Corinthian Lodge was consecrated at 2.50 p.m. on that date, the Lodge Was opened by Worshipful Brother W. Goodacre P.G.S.B. England, Provincial Grand Secretary, West Lancashire, the Consecrating Officer appointed by the Provincial Grand Master. He was assisted by Bro. James Lambert. P.Pr.G.Reg., Bro. John Robinson P.A.G.D.C.Bro. John Paterson P.Dep.G.D.C. The Director of Ceremonies at the Consecration ceremony was Colonel J.D. Murray, Past Master of Lindsay Lodge No. 1335. His name is honoured in the Colonel J. D. Murray Chapter No. l96 of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, Rose Croix Chapters. Bro. R. Tibbs was Chaplain and Bro. Ralph Betley P.A.G.Sec. was Secretary. There were 14 founders of which 11 were members of Antiquity No. 178. Most of the founders became the first Officers of the Lodge. W.M Cornelius Edward Beazer Lodge 1335 S.W. Thomas Brayton Lodge 178 J.W. Samuel Mossop Lodge 178 D.C. James Marsden Ashurst Lodge 178 Sec. William Lythgoe Rothwell Lodge 178 S.D. Richard Christopher Lodge 178 J.D. John Laithwaite Lodge 178 I.G. Richard Rothwell Lodge 178 Treas. James Rothwell Lodge 178 Stwd. David Dove Lodge 178 Stwd. William Hibbert Lodge 178 Tyler John Ashmore Lodge 1092 Leeds Thomas Milligan Lodge 178 John Nesbit Lodge 1219 Manchester Of these 14 founders, 8 became Worshipful Master of the Lodge. There was, of course, our founding Master: W. Bro. C. E. Beazer. Little is known of his early Masonry, but there was some connection with Dublin. It appears that Bro. Beazer came to Wigan as a joining member of Lindsay

Lodge No.1335 on 7th March 1877. According to the records of Lodge 1335 he came from Lodge 86 Grand Lodge of Canada. He was installed in the Chair of Lindsay Lodge 1335 in 1881. Reaching the Chair four years after joining Lodge 1335 suggests that he might have been Master of the Canadian Lodge though his age in 1877 would only be 42.In 1890 he became the first Master of Corinthian Lodge No.2350 and remarkably, some 18 years later in 1908 he was installed W.M. of Wigan Lodge No. 2326 which will receive its Centenary Warrant some five months before 2350 Corinthian. So this most worthy Freemason was Master of three Lodges, 1335, 2350 and 2326 certainly and possibly a fourth. Despite these many commitments, W. Bro. Beazer’s active life in Corinthian Lodge continued for many years during which time he was rarely absent from the duties of the Lodge. As early as 1891, when he was elected Treasurer of the Lodge, an Office he continued to hold until his death at the age of 81 on 10th June 1919. During his 29 years in the Lodge W. Bro. Beazer took many acting offices sometimes as Worshipful Master and quite often as Installing Master at the Festival of St. John. Indeed, at the Installation Meeting of 6th April 1911 Wor. Bro. Beazer installed Bro. Stephen Holt as the 22nd Master of the Lodge.In 1911 W. Bro. Beazer would be 73 years of age. At this same meeting, 6th April 1911, W. Bro. Beazer was presented with two handsome framed photographs of himself \"in commemoration of the Lodge's coming of age\" one for his home and one to be hung in the Lodge, expressing to W. Bro. Beazer the thanks of the Brethren for his splendid services in the past. In fact, when taking the Chair of Wigan Lodge in 1908 he was 70 years old. He certainly possessed outstanding Masonic energy and zeal, Past Master of three Lodges and Treasurer of 2350 for almost 30 years. He would not be handling vast sums of money in the early days. The subscription in 1890 was 30 shillings (£1.50) per annum and initiation fee £5.5s.0d (£5.25). It was at an \"emergency\" meeting of the Lodge on 15th May 1902 that the minutes contain the first reference to Provincial honour for W. Bro. Beazer. The \"emseems to have been nothing more than the initiation of a single candidate. However in the list of officers present appears W. Bro. C. E. Beazer P.Pr.G.Warden, Treasurer. lt is not made clear whether this was, as Warden, his first Provincial rank. There is no mention of any lower rank in the Lodge minutes before May 1902. The Provincial Grand Master must have been sparing with honours as for the first 18 years of the Lodge's life, only 3 brethren according to the minutes seem to have received them: W. Bro. Beazer; P.Pr.G.W. W. Bro. J. M. Ashburst; P.Pr.G.Std.B.

W. Bro. R. Christopher; Dep.Pr.G.Sw.B. W. Bro. Thomas Millington was a P.Pr.G.J.Deacon when the Lodge was founded,probably through Lodge 178. On the 3rd April 1919 at the Festival of St. John, W. Bro. Beazer was again elected Treasurer for the 29th year. He did not attend the two succeeding Lodges in May and June. After the summer recess a brief minute of the meeting of 4th September 1919 records that W.Bro. Armistead was elected Treasurer and W. Bro. Armistead was invested by the Worshipful Master. At the same meeting, 4th September 1919 the minutes record, \"A vote of Condolence was passed to Miss Beazer on her bereavement through the death of her father, the late W. Bro. C. E. Beazer” (Mrs. Beazer died in 1907). This is the only reference to the passing on10th June 1919 to the Grand Lodge above of this great Mason at the age of 81, the founding Worshipful Master of Corinthian Lodge and its Treasurer for nearly 30 years. It is most fitting that, on its 100th birthday the Lodge should specially remember him and pay tribute to his memory. The first Senior Warden was Dr. Thomas Brayton, L.R.C.S., LRCP of Antiquity Lodge No. 178. He was ill on the day of the Consecration and was appointed and invested as Senior Warden at the second meeting of the Lodge an 3rd April 1890. He did not become Worshipful Master and performed the duties of Senior Warden only until June 1890 when his name disappears from the minutes. He did however attend a Masonic Funeral, of Bro. Wm. Gerard age 40 in April 1892. Bro. Gerard had been initiated on 17th April 1890 after being proposed and seconded at the Consecration meeting. Dr. Braytan was the father of Lily Brayton, a celebrated actress who married Oscar Ashe, later Knighted as Sir Oscar, a famous actor and author of Chu Chin Chow, a well loved musical of the time. Lady Ashe died in 1953 at the age of 78, leaving in her will £20,000, furs and jewels to the personal maid who had served her for 50 years. The founding Director of Ceremonies was Bro. James Marsden Ashurst. He was P.M. of Lodge 178 Antiquity in 1883. He acted as S.W. until the Festival of St. John in April 1891 when he became the second Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He received Provincial honours P.Pr.G.St. Bearer in 1893. After serving as W.M. and I.P.M. W. Bro. Ashurst resumed as D.C. which office he held until 1900 when in June a minute records receipt of a letter from W. Bro. Ashurst resigning his membership of the Lodge. His resignation was accepted with regret. However he appears to have withdrawn his resignation and been re- elected as a joining member in 1903.

\"W. Bro. Ashurst gave notice of motion that a sum of money be voted to purchase a new organ for the Lodge\" but at the meeting of 4th June 1903 this proposition was not made. There is instead a minute recording the receipt of a letter from W. Bro. J. M. Ashurst \"re the motion standing in his name in the Lodge circular\". The contents of this letter are not disclosed but it is reasonable to suppose that W. Bro. Ashurst was upset about his wish to purchase a new organ, for on 1st October 1903 a letter was recorded from W.Bro. J. M. Ashurst resigning his membership of the Lodge and this second resignation was again accepted with regret. W. Bro. Ashurst was apparently very interested in the \"music\" of the Lodge. He was a sponsor of Bro. Ellis France for many years until 1910 the \"Organist\" of the Lodge. In December 1893 W. Bro. Ashurst was a member of the committee to buy a new pianoforte for the Lodge. In March 1895 he presented a new cover for the piano. In September 1896 a minute records that W. Bro. Ashurst be asked how much was owing to him for the loan and use of his harmonium. It was some years later in June 1915 that Messrs. Grime & Son offered a new piano and organ for £30. plus the old instruments. It is not easy to acertain from the minute books, which musical instruments were used in the Lodge in the early years. There is reference to:- • 1893 - Committee to buy a NEW pianoforte • 1896 - Loan of Bro. Ashurst's harmonium. • 1903 - Notice of motion that money be voted to purchase a NEW organ • 1915 - £30 for NEW piano and organ. However, Bro. Ellis France, a \"Professor of Music\" appears in the minutes as Organist for 20 years from 1890 to 1910. There is not much information about the next founders to become Master of the Lodge: Bro. Samuel Mossop in 1892 and Bro. Williarn Lythgoe Rothwell in 1893. Bro. Mossop had been a founder of the Peace Lodge No. 2269 in 1888. It is interesting to note that from the consecration in 1890 until September 1893 Bro. Mossop was NEVER absent from the Lodge. After his year as Master he attended from time to time until 1898. Wor. Bro. Rothwell was an infrequent attender after his year in the Chair and there seems to be little reference to him until 1898 when his resignation was accepted with regret. Bro. Richard Christopher founder and first Senior Deacon became W.M, in 1894. Heliv ed in New Springs in a house, a quarter of a mile or so from the road and his journey to Hindley in the 1890’s must have been very difficult especially in winter.

Bro. Christopher was one of the three founders to receive Provincial Honours. In 1897 he was appointed Dept. Pr.G. Swd B. He reached the grand old age of 90 dying in November 1929. It was his son, George Aldred whose magnificent generosity gave Wigan Infirmary its splendid Christopher Home in 1937. Bro. John Laithwaite was installed W.M. in 1895 and was Director of Ceremonies from June 1900. When Hindley Lodge 4020 our first daughter Lodge was consecrated in March 1920 W. Bro. Laithwaite was a founder. He died in January 1921 at the age of 63. The last of the founders to become Master of the Lodge were the brothers Richard and James Rothwell. They were initiated together into Antiquity Lodge on 16th May 1888 and at the founding of 2350 Richard was Inner Guard and James, Secretary. They proceeded together through the Offices being rarely if ever absent. In April 1892 they were Senior and Junior Deacons and in 1895 Senior and Junior Wardens. Richard was installed into the Chair in 1896 and James in 1897. It is interesting to note that these two brothers were \"Cordwainers” by occupation i.e. workers in fine leather, perhaps bootmakers. The remaining live founders did not become Master. Bro. David Dove continued to attend regularly until the end of the Century but did not progress further than Junior Deacon. Bro. Wm. Hibbert and Bro. John Nesbit seem to disappear from the records very early in the life of the Lodge. W. Bro. Thomas Milligan P.Pr.G.J.D. never took any office in the Lodge but he performed many important duties, acting as Installing Master at the Festival of St. John. Bro. John Ashmore was elected Tyler at the Consecration in 1890 and was re- elected in 1891,1892. and 1893. But after October in that last year he does not appear to have attended again. It is reasonable to guess that his health was failing. John Ashmore was, unlike several of his co-founders, a poor man as several entries in the Lodge minutes indicate: • March 1893 - Resolved to pay 2/6 a week to John Ashmore until end of financial year. • Sept. 1893 - Resolved to continue this payment. • May 1894 - Resolved that, \"Master and Wardens” get all information relating to Bro. John Ashmore who is in distress, and full particulars be sent to Provincial Grand Secretary\". • June 1894 - Resolved that a petition re: Bro. John Ashmore be signed in open Lodge for a grant from Fund of Benevolence. Apparently £10 was

granted which continued until January 1896 when Bro. John Proe gave notice that he would propose at the next meeting that an application be made to the Fund of Benevolence for a further grant of £10 to be made to Bro. Ashmore. But sadly at that next meeting in February 1896 Bro. Proe withdrew his notice of motion. The brethren were asked to meet at the Cemetery gates on Saturday 8th February for the funeral of Bro. John Ashmore. That funeral was paid for by the Lodge as three old documents testify:- 1. Grants of Rights of Burial in the Church of England Ground, Grave Space No. 610 in Castle Hill Cemetery to “W.M. Corinthian Lodge”. 2. An acknowledgement from Hindley Burial Board of the receipt from “W.M. 2350 Corinthian Lodge\" to the sum of £2.5.0. (£2 and 5 shillings – or £2.25p in current money) for the interment of John Ashmore, 59 years. This included £1.10.0. (£1 and 10 shillings – or £1.50p in current money) for a Grave space in perpetuity and various fees. 3. A receipt from Proe & Co., Bird ith Hand Stables, Hindley for £4.2.6. (£4 and 2 shillings and sixpence – or £4.22and a half pence in current money) for a \"black mounted coffin\" and shroud and dues at Hindley Cemetery. Again the cost was met by Corinthian Lodge. John Ashmore was not buried a pauper. The costs mentioned in those old documents must be of interest to John Ashmore's successors in 1990. Also the receipt from Proe & Co., gives us a fascinating glimpse of the transport available to our early Brethren. On their bill head Proe & Co., offer the following services from their stables at the Bird ith Hand; For Hire: Town Omnibuses, Elegant Wedding Equipages, Post Horses, Town Coaches, Superior Hearses and Mourning Coaches,. Horses and Private Carriages. Bro. John Proe, the first non-founder to become W.M in 1889 was, at his initiation in April 1890, described as a \"Cab Proprietor\". (That is a bit like describing David Sainsbury as a shop keeper). And now we can look with a little more detail at the Lodge meeting place, the times and duration of Lodge meetings and the growth of membership from1890. Corinthian Lodge was consecrated in the Pennington Memorial School, opposite St. Peter's Church and for many years afterwards, the Installation Ceremony or Festival of St. John was held in the school although the name and status changed in 1894 1895 to St Peter's Central School. Until that year a vote of thanks was passed each May to Mr. W. T. Pennington for the use of the Memorial School on the occasion of the Festival.

From 1895 this vote of thanks was passed to the Managers of St Peter's Schools. Indeed in June 1901 it was resolved that a donation of one guinea be made to the Managers for use of the School. After the Installation, the Brethren \"adjourned to the Masonic rooms, where a banquet was provided\". During the first decade the number of brethren at these banquets was only about 30. The Masonic Rooms were actually an upper room at the Bird ith Hand Inn which, of course, still stands and disperses hospitality at the crossroads by St. Peter’s Church and opposite the site of the old school, demolished some 20 years ago and now a car park. These Masonic Rooms did not provide very good conditions. There seems to have been a stable beneath the Lodge Room with doutbless frequent equine noises which hardly blended with the Masonic Ceremonies above.The minutes make no reference to a regular supper or Festive Board in the early years except for the annual Banquet after the Installation. But a resolution of March 1912 agreed \"that suppers provided each Lodge night be paid for by the Brethren and not by the lodge. And that Brethren pay for each guest they invite\". So the Festive Board was in existence before 1912. The Masonic furniture of course had to be cleared into one end of the room, opposite the fireplace with its blazing fire in winter and trestle tables set up by the stewards. Some will clearly remember that duty in the present Masonic Hall. The Brethren not employed descended to the bar below and quenched their thirst with other customers of the establishment. It is said that the Masonic harmony of the upper room did not always reign in the saloon bar. Discussions were held from time to time conceming a possible move to new accommodation:- • Jan 1897 - Inspection of Upper Room at New Conservative Club as possible Lodge Room at the invitation of \"Hindley Conservative Club Building Committee\" not accepted apparently. • 2nd Oct. 1902 - Question of new rooms offered by the Manchester and Salford Bank was discussed in Lodge. It was decided that nothing further be done in the matter. • lst June 1905 - Resolved that a Committee of Masters and Wardens be formed to \"Consider the accommodation at our Rooms\" • 5th Oct. 1905 - Some discussion arose re: \"better accommodation\". A Committee of Master, Wardens and Past Masters was formed to consider the \"maintenance\" of New Rooms. It is not stated which new rooms were referred to.

• 1906 - A move to Hindley Hall was discussed several times and on 2lst June it was proposed and seconded \"that the place of meeting to be removed from the present Lodge Room to Hindley Hall. The motion was lost, 6 voting for and 16 against. And so the Lodge continued to meet in the original premises; St. Peters School for Installation and the Bird ith Hand for all other meetings. Our daughter Lodge Hindley No. 4020, formed in 1920 used the same premises until 1939 when it was agreed unanimously to move to Wigan Masonic Hall. It is not known how much Masonic Furniture and regalia was available in the Lodge Room in 1890. But the Lodge had an Insurance Policy with Royal Insurance dated 20th October 1890 for £100 on the furniture and regalia of the Lodge. £100 was quite a large sum in 1890! Gifts and presentations were made by various Brethren in the early years. The first Byelaws were submitted for adaptation on 5th June 1890 and approved and continued by Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge later that year. The chief provisions of these Byelaws were that the Lodge should meet on the first Thursday of the month, Sept. to June, at the Masonic Rooms, Bird ith Hard Hotel, Hindley at 7 o'clock in the evening. And the annual subscription should be £1.10.0 paid quarterly in advance. For many years the opening of the Lodge varied between 6.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. and often lasted less than one hour:- • Emergency meeting 23rd May 1898 opened 7.20 p.m. closed 7.50 p.m. Only business to vote 10 guineas to R.M.I.B. • Regular meeting 5th September 1901: opened 7.15 p.m. The only business to open in the three degrees and close down to first. • Probably the shortest Lodge of all was held on 1st Dec 1892 and lasted 12 minutes, 7.25 p.m. to 7.37 p.m. The Byelaws were placed in the cupboards in the Lodge Room! As it was quite usual in those early years to have two or more candidates at the same meeting, some Lodges lasted quite a long time. On the 4th June 1914, two candidates were initiated, one was passed to the Second Degree and one was passed to the third. The Lodge opened at 6.35 p.m. and closed at 9.25 p.m. The Worshipful Master had the assistance of two Past Masters at this marathon. Other long meetings will be mentioned later.

The building up of the Lodge Membership from the original 14 began at the Consecration meeting when seven candidates were proposed for admission. All seven were elected at the first regular Lodge on 3rd April 1890. • John Proe was the first candidate to be initiated into the Lodge by W. Bro. C. E. Beazer. • On the l5th May 1890, two brethren were passed and two candidates initiated. • On 18th September 1890 two brethren were passed and two raised. So the membership of the Lodge increased although at the Installation banquet the number of brethren during the first decade rarely reached 30. And it is interesting to wonder why, during Masonic year 1897-1898, there were no candidates at all for any degree. The Lodge, in spite of this blank year, continued to grow and 10 years later in 1907, 43 officers and brethren signed in the signature book at the April meeting. In 1921, 70 brethren enjoyed the banquet after Installation. An interesting point about Installations in the early years is that the Master Elect was rarely installed by his predecessor, i.e. the Worshipful Master. In the twenty years to 1911, W. Bro. Thomas Milligan P.M. of Lodge 178, a founder but never an Officer of Corinthian, was Installing Master on five occasions and W. Bro. C. E. Beazer no less than nine times. Indeed only twice in 21 years did the Worshipful Master install his successor! It may also seem unusual to us in 1990 that a Century ago visiting Past Masters often occupied the Chair of the Lodge. On 19th June 1890 there were five ceremonies. Two candidates were initiated separately, the first by Bro. Brown W.M. of Peace Lodge 2269 and the second by W. Bro. Brindle, P.M. of Peace Lodge. Two brethren were passed to the Second Degree together by W. Bro. Milner P.M. of Peace Lodge. And one brother was raised to the Third Degree by W. Bro. Brindle of Peace Lodge. This meeting lasted from 6. 45 p.m. to 9.20 p.m. Corinthian Lodge in 1890 obviously made its guests work for whatever refreshment was available after 9.20 p.m. During the hundred year history of Corinthian Lodge, Great Britain has been involved in three wars; The Boer or South African War, The Great War and the Second World War. There are many references in the minute books:- • 2nd Jan 1902 - A letter from W. Bro. Goodacre, Provincial Secretary, for donations to Lady Maud Wilbraham 's South African Graves Fund. • 6th February 1902 - Resolved that two guineas be given.

• Sept. 1915 - A Grand Lodge resolution that all brethren of German. Austrian, Hungarian or Turkish birth should not attend any Lodge during the continuance of the War. • April 1917 A collection in the Lodge for the wounded soldiers and sailors in Woodlands Hospital, Wigan raised £5.1s.6d. • April 1918 - A collection for the wounded in Billinge Hospital amounted to £4.10s.6d (just over £4.50). We must remember that 70 years ago these donations were considerably more valuable than the amount seem to indicate to us now in 1990. In October 1914 the Lodge agreed a contribution to the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fund of 25 guineas (each guinea representing £1.05 in decimal currency), 10 guineas immediately and the rest later. In November 1918 Provincial Grand Lodge appealed for 1000 guineas to provide two motor ambulances for the British Red Cross. Each Lancashire Lodge was asked to raise at least 5 guineas. The Minutes contain many notes of condolence to brethren on the death of sons or brothers. There are no details but we can assume that these young men of Hindley and district died in action. Strangely, when all this pain, death and sorrow came to a halt in November 1918, there was no reference to it in the Lodge minutes. Much pain and sorrow remained for long after 1918. How the Lodge and its Brethren were involved in and influenced by the Second World War of 1939 1945 we shall see later in this record. The Lodge was only four years old when in October 1894 W. Bro. Beazer and W.Bro. Ashurst were requested to arrange for a petition to Grand Chapter for a Royal Arch Chapter in Hindley. Corinthian Chapter No. 2350 was born on 23rd March 1895. Three years later in 1898 the First Principal was none other than C. E. Beazer! In 1919 a petition was sent to the Grand Master for the formation of a new Lodge and the Warrant of Hindley Lodge No.4020 is dated 5th November 1919. The Lodge was consecrated on 24th March 1920. The 17 founders were all members of Corinthian Lodge, the first W.M. being W. Bro Benedict Turner, W.M. of Corinthian lodge 1908. A second daughter, Borsdane Lodge was to follow in 1947 and a grand daughter Lodge, Prodesse in 1976. More of these later.The minutes of the early years have reference to notable national events in addition to the aforementioned wars in which the nation was involved:-

• Feb 1892 - Death of the Duke of Clarence, Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire and Grandson of Queen Victoria. • Feb. 1901 - Grand Lodge ordered mourning on the death of \"Her late most Glorious Majesty Queen Victoria\", and a special Grand Lodge to be held on 15th February to vote a \"Loyal and Dutiful Address” to His Majesty the King. • June 1910 - A vote of sympathy and condolence recorded in Lodge minutes on the death of \"our late King Edward VII\". King Edward did not seem to inspire the same national love and reverence as did his mother Victoria the Great Queen 1837 to 1901. Three further Kings were to follow in the 100 years of our lodge; George V, Edward VIII and George VI and then another Great Queen who like her ancestor Victoia can truly be described as \"Her most Glorious Majesty\" Queen Elizabeth II. The third decade from 1920, began with the birth of a daughter Lodge and saw the mother Lodge continue to grow in membership and influence. In the 30 years. 1890 to 1920, some 140 candidates were admitted to the Lodge. Many of these, of course, died, resigned or left the district, but in the 1920's it was still usual to have 2 and often 3 candidates at each meeting. In 1922 at the Festival of St. John, there were 82 brethren at the banquet. And in 1924 at the Festival, 53 Lodge members and 30 visitors attended the ceremony in St. Peter's school but 90 enjoyed the banquet in the Bird ith Hand Rooms. Perhaps seven brethren just came along for the food and drink! In the years 1920 onwards, names begin to appear in the minutes of the brethren remembered by the older present members. To mention a few: John Murphy, Master Wheelwright and Farrier, initiated 5th January 1922 and W. M.in 1936. William Osborne, Lecturer in Building initiated in 1925, W. Master in 1942; and remembered by many present members, Peter Sellars, Iron Founder, initiated in 1926 and W. M. in 1943. W. Bro. Peter died within the memory of most of us at the age of 95 in 1986. W. Bro. Peter had been in the Lodge for 60 years and for most of that time was the Masonic Father, Guide and Mentor of its members. Corinthian Lodge's donations to charities steadily increased as the Lodge grew in numbers:- • Feb 1922 - £25 to Hamer Benevolent Institution • Mar 1923 - £20 to Million Memorial Fund

• Oct 1923 - £10 to Japanese Relief Fund • Mar 1923 - £100 to Masonic Charities divided between Hamer, Alpass and Educational. This £100 was repeated in following years 1924, 1925 and so on. £100 was, in these years, a very valuable sum when a tradesman's weekly wage was probably less than £3 and the Lodge subscriptions £2. Four further donations of £20 were made to the Million Memorial Fund. In September 1925 the minutes contain the first reference to a collection for Charity at the closure of the Lodge. The sum collected during the next months was usually between £1 and £2. Again using a rough updated value of a £2 subscription in 1925 and £40 in 1990 these collections would be worth between £20 and £40. If we take a random meeting to examine the Charity collection in Dec 1925, 40 brethren donated £1.2s.0d (£1.10) or a little more than 6d (2 1/2p) each. This does not mean that our early brethren were mean or tight listed. Far from it! The Lodge's overall donations to Charities, Masonic and non-Masonic were extremely generous if we express the 1925 amounts in terms of 1990 values. The occupations of Corinthian Lodge members reflect the business and industries of Hindley in the early years were varied. Of the first 50 candidates initiated into the Lodge, • 8 were colliery officials • 5 were grocers • 5 others shopkeepers • 7 were Licensed Victuallers which totals half of the 50. Of the other 25, • 3 were Mill Managers. • 7 Engineers and Surveyors plus Solicitors Schoolmasters, Builders, Clerks and Policemen (Sergeants and Inspectors). When we add from our Founders • 4 Colliery Officials,

• 2 Shoemakers • 1 Licensed Victualler • 1Estate Agent • 1Physician • 1Stores Manager, the picture emerges of a Lodge of Professional and Business men generally of the \"Middle Management\" level. It is not easy to explain the absence of the ordinary \"Working Man\". Perhaps the subscription of 30shillings (£1.50) increasing to £2 in the l920's, i.e. more than his weekly wage, was responsible. Now in 1990 the subscription is about a third to a quarter of an average weekly wage. The number of Colliery Officials shows that in the first years of the Century the Coal lndustry was flourishing. The many Grocers and Shopkeepers were obviously trading in Hindley and District before Normid and Morrisons were in existence. And the many Licensed Victuallers joining the Lodge shows that the district did not lack places of liquid refreshment! In the l920's and l930's the Lodge continued its steady if uneventful growth. Candidates were initiated, and later passed and raised. Donations, often generous, were made to Masonic and non Masonic charities e.g. £5 to Fleetwood Flood Relief in addition to quite large gifts to Hamer, Alpass and Educational Funds. Brethren progressed through the Offices and reached the highest honour the Lodge had in its power to confer - the Chair of King Solomon. Very rarely, do the minutes give a hint of possible disagreement in the Lodge. The election and admission of Bro Henry Haworth as a joining member is one such case: Bro. Haworth was a Drapery Manager and Buyer of Cinnamon Avenue, Hindley and a member of Firth of Clyde Lodge No. 626: On 3rd Nov 1927, he was proposed and seconded as a joining member on 1st Dec 1927 he was elected a joining member. On 2nd Feb 1923 the minutes reveal rather curious entries; \"Bro. Haworth declaring in open Lodge his adhesion to the Book of Constitution and promising due obedience to the Grand Master and the Rules and Regulations of Grand Lodge was admitted a member of Corinthian Lodge\". At the meeting a letter was read from Bro. H. Haworth resigning his membership of the Lodge!

It was proposed by the W.M. and seconded that this resignation be not accepted. Put to vote 7 members voted for, and 5 voted against the resolution which was declared carried by the W.M. It is curious that with 42 members present, only 12 registered a vote! And finally in this intriguing matter, on lst March 1928 it was resolved that the Minutes of 2nd Feb referring to the resignation of Bro. H. Haworth be deleted and substituted with \"That Bro. H. Haworth be asked to withdraw his resignation\". Bro. Haworth's attendance at subsequent Lodges shows that he did indeed withdraw his resignation. A rather strange series of events of which the underlying facts are not known. For many years before 1928, it had been usual to read a dispensation authorising the Lodge to celebrate the Festival of St John in St Peter's school. From the 4th April 1928 until 1936 an unusual dispensation was read at each Festival: All of these dispensations, nine in all, concerned Bro. John Murphy: • 1923 - authorising his appointment and election as Tyler • 1929, 1930, 1931 - authorising his appointment as Steward • 1932, 1933 - as J.D. and S.D. • 1934, 1935 - as J.W. and S.W. • March 1936 - Bro. Murphy elected W.M. by the brethren in open Lodge - BUT in April 1936 a dispensation was read authorising his appointment as W.M. of the Lodge. It is interesting to speculate why these dispensations were necessary for the progress in the Lodge of Bro. John Murphy. As the Lodge approached its 50th birthday, the country in September 1939 was again at war with Germany, a war which was to bring death to millions of civilians and soldiers, sailors and airmen of most nations of the world. The meeting of September 1939 was abandoned after receipt of a letter from Grand Lodge. No meeting was held in October 1939. The contents of the above mentioned letter are not revealed, but the letter was clearly connected with the outbreak of war. In November 1939 Grand Lodge issued instructions concerning the suspension and resumption of Lodge meetings. There was much apprehension about air raids on Wigan because of its position on the main West Coast Railway between London and Glasgow. As in 1914 1913 brethren of enemy nationality were banned from our Masonic meetings for the

duration of the war. And in the difficult conditions of blackout, shortage of fuel, light, transport etc., the Lodge meetings from November to February in 1940 and 1941 were held on the 1st Saturday at 3pm instead of the 1st Thursday at 7pm in the dark evening. These Saturday meetings were very poorly attended and after 1941the Lodge returned to its customary 1st Thursday evening. It was however suggested in 1942 that the December and January meetings be abandoned and held instead in July and August. This applied until ovember 1943 when the Lodge resumed its December and January meetings. For the years 1944 and 1945 the minutes make no reference to the war, possibly because at that stage, with both the USA. and the U.S.S.R. involved, victory seemed inevitable and the Allies were advancing across Europe from West and East into Germany. On 7th March 1940 it was voted that £150 from Lodge funds be invested in National Savings Certificates. On 4th January 1941 we hear of a Benevolent Fund account being opened at the Westminster Bank, Hindley. On 5th January 1941 a further 107 were purchased Total Certificates finally purchased reached the total of 544, with a surrender value of £1158.65 in 1989. It was towards the end of the war, that the matter of new premises engaged the attention of the brethren. There had been some discussion about premises in 1938 and 1939, even a resolution in February 1939 to hold the Installation in the Court Hall, Wigan instead of St Peter's School. This was however rescinded the following month and the Festival was again held in St Peter's. In 1939 the daughter Lodge, Hindley, relinquished its sub-tenancy of the Masonic Rooms at the Bird ‘ith Hand and moved to Tower Buildings, Wigan, holding its first Lodge there in October 1939. It was in March 1944 that we find the first mention of 138 Market Street which has become our present Masonic Hall with of course many improvements and extensions. A committee was formed to inspect the building in March 1944 and in October of that year Mrs. Sutton, the owner, offered the premises for a total of £1,100, the house for £750 and cottages £350, including land. It was resolved to purchase the premises at that price and a contract was signed, and a deposit of £100 made in November 1944. For two months, February and March 1945 the Lodge met in St John's Methodist Sunday School in Market Street, with the Festival of St John in April held in St Peter's chool. Then a return was made to the Bird `ith Hand Masonic Rooms in May, where the Lodge met during May, June and September, when

after 55 years the last meeting was held at the Bird `ith Hand. St John's Sunday School became the home of Corinthian Lodge for both regular and installation meetings until the present Masonic Hall was dedicated in September 1951. On 5th March 1947 a warrant was issued for the creation of our second daughter Lodge Borsdane No. 6460. The founder members consisted of 11 members from Corinthian Lodge No. 2350, 11 from St Bartholomew Lodge No. 6071, 1 from Makerfield Lodge No. 2155, 1 from Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No. 3511, 1 from Westhoughton Lodge No. 4215, and 1 from Hope Lodge No. 4003. The founding member was W. Bro A. Brown P.Pr.G.W. who was also a member of Nos. 5348,5967 and 6071 Lodges. Bros James Holme and Frederick I-lickson were invested at the same time as the first wardens at the consecration which was held at St John's School, Market Street, Hindley on 29th October 1947. On 7th June at a regular Lodge meeting it was proposed, seconded and duly carried on a previous notice of motion that the sums of £300 from the Benevolent Fund, and £200 from the Lodge general account, should be loaned to the Hindley Masonic Properties Co. Ltd. At this same meeting the W.M. addressed the brethren asking for their support in the appeal from the Hindley Masonic Properties Co. Ltd. for voluntary loans for the proposed building scheme for 138 Market Sheet Hindley. It must be remembered that our new premises had previously been a house used purely for Domestic purposes, and in its early use as a Masonic Hall the ceremonies took place in one of the lst floor bedrooms! Which had been made into a Masonic Temple. Carpets were rolled up and furniture removed in order to erect trestle tables and hold the festive board there in. Downstairs there were two or perhaps three rooms one of which housed a billiard table and the other a small bar. Presumably the money requested and donated in the above entry of 7th June was to pay for the cost of demolishing walls upstairs in order to make one large room from the bedrooms. On 6th September 1951 a new era commenced when Corinthian Lodge No. 2350, our daughter Lodge, Borsdane No. 6460, and Corinthian Chapter No. 2350 took up residence at the building to be known as The Masonic Hall, 138 Market Street, Hindley. On the above date a Service of Dedication of the Masonic Temple took place. Assembled were members of Corinthian Lodge, Borsdane Lodge and Corinthian Chapter together with members of our other daughter Lodge, Hindley No. 4020 and many visiting brethren. Bro. Rev. A. Dean Acting Chaplain of Corinthian Lodge conducted the ceremony reading

the exhortation and the Dedication prayer. Reading from the V.S.L. was done by Bro Rev M. Griffn, Chaplain of Borsdane Lodge. It is of interest to note that in May 1953 when Bro. Rev. A. Dean was I.P.M. of Corinthian Lodge he was appointed an honorary canon of Liverpool Cathedral. In September 1955 he received the rank of P.Pr.G.Chaplain. It is sad to relate that within a year this much respected and loved cleric collapsed and died shortly after returning to St. Nathaniel's Church, Platt Bridge after leading a procession of his parishioners on the annual Walking Day round the village. During the 50's we are reminded from the minutes, of the death of King George VI a past Grand Master in March 1952 and that future toasts will be \"Her Majesty the Queen, Duke of Lancaster\" and of the coronation of our Queen on 2nd June 1953. We learn later that St Dunstans arranged for craft and royal arch ritual to be presented in Braille for the blind brethren and how the yearly subscriptions of the Lodge increased from 3 to 4 guineas, and that the 3rd June 1954 was the last time the Lodge would meet in this month. Henceforth, it would meet from September to May, so the members were paying 1 guinea more for one less meeting! In the early 60's a lot of activity took place within the Wigan and District Lodges to raise money for the R.M.I.G. 1966 Festival. A few of the fund raising schemes mentioned were: • A Grand Masonic Ball was held at the Empress Hall and Palais de Dance in Wigan. • A number of concerts were also held at the Queens Hall. • Corinthian Lodge helped to contribute to the success of these functions. At the Lodge festive board on its 75th Anniversary the sum of £100 was further donated to this charity. At one of the concerts previously mentioned a communication from W. Bro. C.A.Davies, Secretary of the Wigan R.M.I.G. Social Committee, tells us that due to illness Miss Joan Hammond would not appear, but that Mr David Hughes of B.B.C and television fame would take part instead. Oh for those nostalgic days of tea dances accompanied by toasted tea cakes, cucumber sandwiches and chocolate eclairs! Not to mention the excitement of attending a concert and being in the same room as a real live B.B.C. personality. How well it all sounds. We learn that £800 was raised from the 1964 concert.

In 1990 we are now in the throes of raising money for the 1996 Festival of the Masonic Trust for Girls and boys under the guidance of W. Bro. W. Keddie, Vice Chairman of the Wigan and District Masonic Group, the group representative for this Festival. Previous to 1986 the Girls and Boys had been separate institutions but then merged and formed one Masonic Charity. The latest figure to have been contributed is £1,352,976. for the province, of which members of Corinthian Lodge have entered into covenants worth a projected value of £1655 plus £669 in donations. As already mentioned, due to the war, the 50th anniversary of Corinthian Lodge was never celebrated apart from a few brethren having a \"Jug Together\" after the meeting, but on 4th Feb 1960 we read that the 70th birthday was indeed recognised by members and their guests who attended a Festive Board when numerous toasts were drunk. A further celebration took place on 4th February 1965 when the Lodge was 75 years old, which also happened to be Past Masters Night. During the late 60's and 70's we read from the minutes the following:- • May 1965 - The fees paid to Provincial Grand Lodge by Lodges within The Province is to be increased from 5 shillings (25p) to 7 shillings (35p) per member. • Nov 1966 - Lodge initiation fee to be 25 guineas and subscriptions 5 1/2 guineas. By-laws altered accordingly. • Sept 1967 - Report of a United Grand Lodge meeting on 27th June in which the 250th anniversary was celebrated and also the installation of H.R.H the Duke of Kent as Grand Master. • Jan 1968 - Many letters received from Lodge Widows saying how delighted they were to be visited by the W.M. before Xmas and also for the gifts given to them by the Lodge. • Dec - 1968 - Past Masters' night but no reason given for it being held now instead of February which was the norm. • April 1970 - Communication from Provincial Grand Lodge saying that 7 shillings paid p.a. for each Lodge subscribing member should now be 45p (onset of decimalisation). Did someone make 2 shillings or 24p?

• June 1970 - Lodge initiation fee to be £27 and subscription £6 p.a. Joining members £11. • April 1974 - W. Bro. N. Fleming appointed Pr Grand Steward. • Bro. F.N. Lewis and his friend and colleague Bro. F. Foy of Peace Lodge were eager to extend their knowledge of Masonry and began to examine the Masonic Lectures. They found so much of interest that they asked and were given permission by their respective Worshipful Masters to present them in their Lodges. As these lectures are in the form of a catechism one brother asks the questions and the other gives the answer. This form of presentation became very popular with the brethren who were very generous in their appreciation. • Feb 1975 - 44 visiting brethren attended Past Masters/Old English Night when Bro. A. Ramsdale was W.M. • June 1975 - W. Bro. J. Hope was thanked for giving a new carpet for the Past Masters' Room. • 19th March 1976 - A Granddaughter Lodge Prodesse No. 8678 was consecrated at a meeting held at Bryn Masonic Hall. Of the 25 founder members, 9 from Borsdane Lodge No. 6460 our daughter Lodge, and 4 from Corinthian Lodge. W. Bro. Roberts P. Pr. G. D. was the first Master. • April 1976 - Bro. J. S. Lewis was appointed Charity Steward of the Lodge. For many years a charity representative had been elected. • A Special Occasion. - W. Bro. P. Sellars P. Pr. G. W. celebrated his 50th year in Freemasonary. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of W. Bro. A. Foxton P.S.G.D., A. Pr. G. M. and other Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge Officers. W. Bro. A. Foxton paid tribute to W. Bro. Sellars. W. Bro. W. R. Lee Pr. A.G.D.C. read a letter of congratulation from the Provincial Grand Master Sir Knowles Edge B.T. A presentation box of craft working tools was then presented to W. Bro. P. Sellars to mark the occasion. A cheque for £50 was handed to W. Bro. Foxton for charity. • March 1977 - Two Wardens Columns were given to the Lodge by the Social Committee, and in February 1978 four Past Masters breast jewels were also given to the Lodge by the Social Committee.

• April 1978 - First mention of Prodesse Lodge No. 8678 attending our meetings when Bro. C.P. Kidger gave greetings on behalf of visiting brethren. • September 1978. - Invitation to Corinthian Lodge to attend their name sake Lodge of AMOY Hong Kong to celebrate their Centenary. • September 1979 - The Lodge qualified as a Patron of the 1981 R.M.B.I. for Boys. Many fund raising events took place in the Wigan area Lodges for this charity under the chairmanship and guidance of W. Bro. C.A. Davies P.A.G.D.C. • Nov 1979. - Bro. J.W.Fishwick was thanked by the worshipful master for making the new W.M.s wardens pedestals, for contributing a third of the cost of them. • March 1980 - Lodge subscriptions now crept up to £15 p.a. • December 1980 - W. Bro. Peter Sellars was escorted into the Lodge on the occasion of his 90th Birthday by the Worshipful Master and his wardens and was duly saluted by the Brethren. W. Bro. N.R. Barton P.A.G.D.C. offered his congratulations and best wishes to W. Bro. Peter Sellars on reaching 90 years of age. • W. Bro. Barton presented 1981 R.M.B.I. Stewards Jewels to Brethren who had qualified. At the festive board which followed W. Bro. P. Sellars presented a cheque for £90 to the R.M.B.1. in honour of his birthday. • January 1981 - Notice of motion that a £1 levy be paid by each member p.a. towards a Centenary fund This was duly carried at the next meeting. • Sept 1982 - New collars and cuffs were presented to the oflicers of the Lodge by the Social Committee. • Sept 1983 - The Lodge paid tribute to our deceased Worshipful Master Bro. J.S. Lewis so ably expressed by W. Bro. F.N. Lewis P.Pr.G.D. who was his proposer. • 5 April 1985 - W. Bro. A. Ramsdale P.Pr.G.D. relinquished the Office of Lodge Secretary, a post that he had occupied since 1967, apart from a period of four years when he was a Warden, Worshipful Master, and from 1985 until March 1990 he was the Lodge Almoner. A much respected gentleman and

Mason, who was always around when help or advice was needed, and we hope that this will remain so for many years to come. • September 1985 - Reported that W. Bro. C.A. Davies P.J.G.D. was to receive promotion to the rank of P.S.G.D. W. Bro. N. Fleming P.Pr.G.W. Wigan and District Group Vice Chairman to be honoured with the rank of P.A.G.D.C. The first Brother to be initiated into Corinthian Lodge No. 2350 to become a Grand Lodge Officer. • W. Bro. Harry Hurst P.Pr G.W. thanked members of the House Committee and Property Committee and other Brethren for the decorating work that they had carried out to the building during the summer recess. (Including the painting of the glass in one window!) • December 1985 - Request from Group Chairman that Lodges should make annual donation of £52??? to Wigan Hospice Sponsorship Scheme. • March 1986 - Senior Warden Bro. B. Dearden presented the Lodge with a plaque to be hung on the wall behind the W. M. at future Lodge meetings. • May 1986 - Due to illness, W. Bro. T. Winstanley P.A.G.D.C. was to relinquish the position of Chairman of the Wigan and District Masonic Group and that the Vice Chairman, W. Bro. N. Fleming P.A.G.D.C. would become Chairman. • Sept 1986 - Letter from Wigan and District Masonic Group suggesting that all Lodges in that area should donate £5 towards a gift for the retiring Chairman Bro. T. Winstanley P.A.G.D.C. • 2nd September 1986 - The Worshipful Master announced the death of W. Bro P. Sellars P.Pr.G.W. a great loss. • 5th January 1987 - Subscriptions to be £31 and £1 levy. • December 1987 - Fund raising activities well under way for Alpass Festival 1988. Chairman W. Bro. N. Fleming P.A.G.D.C. These events took the form of Sponsored Walks, Socials, Luncheon Parties, Coffee Mornings to mention but a few, and the nett result was that over £68,000 was raised of which £38,383.00 came from the Wigan Group. A splendid effort by all concerned.

• 7 January 1988 - Subscriptions to be £36 and £l levy. • 7 April 1988 - Festival of St. John. At the installation of Bro. F. Fallon the Lodge was honoured by the presence of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master Bro. Allan F. Ferris accompanied by other Grand Lodge Officers, his Senior and Junior Provincial Grand Wardens, the Provincial Grand D.C. and Deputy D.C. and the Provincial Grand Secretary. Cheques for the total sum of £1000 were presented to the R.W. Provincial Grand Master for the Alpass Institution. Brethren adjourned after the meeting to partake in refreshments followed by an excellent Festive Board. • April 1988 - Bro A Woodcock made an Honorary member of the Lodge. • Received a letter from House Committee regarding new security measures for the building. • September 1988 - Discussions taking place regarding possible extension to Hindley Masonic Hall. After several meetings a Building Committee was formed consisting of W. Bro J. Winstanley, Chairman (Borsdane Lodge No. 6460) Bro A. Stone, Vice Chairman (Corinthian Lodge No. 2350) and W. Bro. J. Lyon, Secretary (Prodesse Lodge) No. 8678). Plans were drawn up for the proposed alterations to start Spring 1989. Brethren of all resident Lodges were asked to assist financially. The three Brethren previously mentioned have worked tirelessly in organising events to raise money for the building fund. Great credit must be extended to them for the effort they have put into this project. • January 1989 - Received petition for centenary warrant which was duly signed by the W.M. and his wardens and returned to the Provincial Grand Secretary. • 21.3.89 - Confirmation that Centenary warrant has been granted by M.W. Grand Master for period 8th March 1990 and that the Lodge may celebrate its Centenary on or after 8th March 1990, subject to the provision of Rule 139 of the book of constitutions. A fee of £95 + V.A.T. was sent by return to the Provincial Grand Secretary. • March 1989 - Subscriptions increased to £39 +£1 levy. • April 1989 - Letter from Group Chairman regarding retirement of W. Bro. C.A. Davies P.S.G.D. Asst Pr.G.M. and that W. Bro. L.D. Bullen P.J.G.D.

(des) would be invested as Asst.Pr.G.M. for Wigan and District and Leigh and District Group of Lodges • 18th May 1989 - A practice evening consisting of a full first degree ceremony was put on by the Junior Brethren. The standard of working was of a high order and all those taking part were to be highly commended for the hard work they must have put into making it so successful. A very enjoyable festive board followed. • 23rd May 1989 - A formal presentation dinner would take place at a later date for W. Bro. Davies. P.S.G.D. • September 1989 - Resumed Lodge meetings after summer recess to find our new Lodge room ready for use and appropriately Corinthian Lodge the first to use it. Dining room still in a state of chaos, but who will worry about a spot of brick dust or plaster in their food after the transformation that has taken place in about 14 weeks. • Now arranged for Manchester Catering Co. to provide our festive board requirements. A letter sent to J. Winstanley's Catering Co. advising them that their services would no longer be required as their standard had now dropped below that which we required since the new owner had taken over. • 2nd November 1989. At this meeting the members and visitors were happy to witness the celebration of W. Bro. H. Hurst P.Pr.G.W. reaching his fifty years in Freemasonry. To mark the occasion the Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. C.A. Davies P.S.G.D. P.Asst.Pr.G.M. and other Grand and Provincial Officers. W. Bro. Davies was invited to occupy the chair of King Solomon which he gladly accepted where he gave an excellent biography of W. Bro. Hurst's, Civil and Masonic achievements. W. Bro. N. Fleming P.A.G.D.C. Chairman of Wigan and District Group then read a scroll from the Provincial Grand Master acknowledging this important occasion. This document was presented to W. Bro. Hurst. W. Bro. Rev E. Rowlands P. Asst G. Chaplain then carried out a short service of dedication of the newly acquired item which was to adorn the Lodge floor, namely a tripod Lewis and Ashlar. This item was presented to Hindley Masonic Hall by W. Bro. H. Hurst to commemorate this occasion. In conclusion W. Bro. Davies gave a brief explanation of the Lewis and the Masonic interpretation of the word. He thanked Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb, W. Bro. J.W. Fishwick and Bro. G. Adamson for the part they each played in creating this item, and for the very high standard of craftsmanship that had been put into its manufacture. Brethren

later retired to a festive board where W. Bro. H. Hurst had the opportunity of saying a few words of appreciation. It would be unfair not to include in this history the sterling work that both the Hindley Masonic Ladies Committee and the Corinthian Lodge Social Committee have not only done in the past but are continuing to do. Firstly the Ladies Committee - Thirty One years ago on Tuesday 10th November a 1959 a small group of Ladies met in a small rather dismal room at Hindley Masonic Hall at the request of the then I.P.M. of Corinthian Lodge W. Bro. H. Whaite, who explained that help was urgently needed in raising money to go towards the cost of running and maintaining the building and he thought the Ladies may be able to help in this respect. Without hesitation a Ladies Committee was formed and Mrs L. Whaite was elected the first Chairlady. On 28th November a Whist and Domino Drive took place which was the start of a bold but profitable venture whose aim was a simple one \"To raise money to help the Brethren to improve the building in the way they deemed best\". In those early days the priority was to clear debts owed by the House Committee. for re-roofing the building and for interior decorating, all very worthy causes. For the last seventeen years Mrs Edith Byron, Widow of the late W. Bro. Sidney Byron P.Pr.G.D. has chaired the committee with her band of \"dedicated ladies\". God bless each and every one of them, who have worked to continue to achieve their original aim, and how successfully they have done this. Corinthian Lodge Social Committee - In 1971 Bro. A. Ramsdale (now W. Bro. A. Ramsdale P.Pr.G.D.) and Bro. B. Wilson worked together to organise the first Social Dance, the proceeds from which would go to finance a children’s' Xmas party. This dance was a great success and it was decided to form a Corinthian Lodge Social Committee whose aim was to bring the Brethren and their families together socially by running dances, and by so doing would also raise money to help the Lodge in any way possible. Over the years this has enabled the Lodge to benefit with gifts from this source in the form of Lodge Regalia and furnishings not to mention many generous donations which have gone to Masonic Charities. Since its formation a great number of Brethren have devoted their time and energy to make these social functions a success, not least of which is the present secretary Bro. E. Atherton, who by hard work and a lot of help from his wife Sandra and many willing hands, have raised the attendance figures to about one hundred and fifty people at each gathering. With this kind of support the future can only by good. As we approach our centenary celebration to be held on Thursday 4th October 1990 we can remember with pride and joy the founders of our Lodge a

centenary ago and we give thanks to the Great Architect of the Universe for their lives and Masonic ideals which have guided and inspired so many Freemasons of Corinthian Lodge since 1890. May the traditions of Brotherly love, relief and truth given to us by our Founders and which have nourished the Lodge for the last 100 years continue to inspire us and our successors for the next 100 years. May Corinthian Lodge No. 2350 flourish in happiness and success in the future. There are bound to be many items of interest that deserve mentioning, but unfortunately have not been recorded in the lodge records and therefore have escaped being included in this history, for which I apologise. N.F. Waters-Webb Secretary Corinthian Lodge 2350

1990 to 2015 After researching the first hundred years of Corinthian Lodge History and looking forward to the centenary celebrations I don’t believe that W. Bro. Norman Waters-Webb could have imagined the many changes which would take place in the next 25 years. As we look back over the past twenty five years we can that see many changes have taken place in society, the explosion of Technology in particular has changed life so much. Who for instance would have thought that 25 years ago that we would be receiving our Lodge summons via email, how many of us in 1990 would have believed that the Wigan Group would have a web site and that non- members would be able a get a better insight into Freemasonry through this medium. Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, twitter and many more computer websites dominate the way so many people communicate with each other, share their lives, their views and what they do in their day to day lives, Undoubtedly, the way people spend their leisure time has also changed, I phones, I Pads, and a whole variety of home entertainment have now become a way of life for many people. We see that so many pubs and clubs have closed over recent years and a lot of institutions have suffered as people look elsewhere for their social activities One of the biggest challenges that Freemasonry in general has faced over the past twenty five years is the falling numbers of members, in many cases this has resulted in lodges handing in their warrants and for others amalgamation. Corinthian Lodge members at the Centenary Meeting totalled sixty, as we now celebrate our 125th Anniversary our total membership is thirty. Although the number of members has fallen the Lodge is still very active and it is encouraging to see all light blues in the officer's positions. Included in the following extension of the above 100year Lodge history are details of the centenary celebrations and the continuing journey leading up to the 125th Anniversary Celebration. I have also recorded important social events, some of which have change the world.

1990 to 1995 Centenary Meeting After many months of discussion and planning Corinthian Lodge 2350 held its Centenary Meeting on Thursday the 4th October 1990. It was a wonderful occasion for all those Brethren who attended and listed below are some of the details of the evening. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. K.E. Moxley. The Provincial Team officiating at the Centenary Meeting P.G.M R.W.Bro. K.E. Moxley Dep.Pr.G.M. W.Bro. E.Houghton. P.S.G.D. Pr.S.G.W. W.Bro. B.Gregory. Pr.J.G.W W.Bro. J.F. Wreyford Pr.G. Chap. W.Bro.Rev. D.S.Coey Pr.G.Sec W.Bro.K.G. Sharp. P.A.G.D.C. Pr.G.D.C. W.Bro. E.P. Saunders. P.A.G.D.C. Pr.G.Swd.B W.Bro.S. Armstead Pr.Dep.G.D.C. W.Bro.G.C. Pendegast. Pr.Dep.G.D.C. W.Bro.R.J. Antrobus. P.Pr.S.G.W. Pr.Dep.G.D.C. W.Bro. K.L. Walmsley. P.Pr.J.G.D. Pr.G.Std.B. W.Bro. W.S. Linkison. Pr.G.Std.B. W.Bro.W.R. Lyon. Corinthian Officers at the meeting as recorded in the Tylers Book W.M. Bro. A.Stone IPM W.Bro. B. Parkinson Act. S.W. W.Bro. D. Cooper. J.W. Bro. A. Higham Chaplain W.Bro. H. Hurst. P.Pr.G.W. Treasurer W.Bro. J.W. Fishwick P.Pr.G.D. Secretary Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb D.C. W.Bro. S. Fairhurst. S.D. Bro. C.R. Nicholoson. JD. Bro. A.D. Holt Charity Std Bro. M.R. Silcock A.D.C. W.Bro. J. Eaves. Almoner Bro. G. Bennett

Organist Bro. G. Adamson Asst Sec Bro. G.E. Jones. I.G. Bro. E. Atherton. Stewards Bro. E. Marsh, Bro. W.Wilding, Bro. J. Gee Bro. R.Pye and Bro.T. Molyneux Act Tyler W.Bro. T. Potter P.Pr.S.G.D. of Wigan Lodge no 2376 Total Members recorded (including Officers) 35 Total Visitors 51 Extracts from the Order of Proceedings • The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and his officers enter in procession. • The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master takes the chair and appoints his Officers. • Provincial Grand Lodge is opened • The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and other Brethren will be saluted in due form. • The Right Provincial Grand Master addresses the Brethren on the purpose of the meeting and invites the Provincial Grand Secretary to read the Centenary Warrant. • The Centenary Warrant will be read by the Provincial Grand Secretary. • The Right Worshipful Grand Master will present the Centenary Warrant to the Worshipful Master • The Right Worshipful Grand Master invests the Worshipful Master with his Centenary jewel. • The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies announces that Centenary Jewels can now be worn by the Brethren of the Lodge. • Re-dedication of the Lodge. The Re-dedication prayer is read by the provincial Grand Chaplain. • Provincial Grand Lodge is closed, followed by the singing of the National anthem. • A short History of the Lodge is given For those Brethren present who had not witnessed a Centenary Ceremony before it had been wonderful occasion To Mark the occasion the W.M. Bro. A. Stone presented the Right Worshipful Grand Master with a Cheque for £2350.00 for Masonic Charities.

To further mark the occasion The Right Worshipful Grand Master informed the meeting that Bro. Norman. F. Waters–Webb had been promoted to the Provincial Rank P.Pr.G.Std.Bearer. for the commitment and outstanding work he had done for Freemasonry general and Corinthian Lodge in particular. This was wonderful achievement for W. Bro. Norman and he was delighted that his efforts had been recognised. The Centenary Meeting now over, the lodge was now looking forward to the next 25years. And it is now we can look over those years. I must mention at this point that it was discovered at the start of my research that, with the assistance of W. Bro. R. Pye, some minutes books had been lost or misplaced. The missing minute books we believe would have covered around 17 years of Lodge history; fortunately when W. Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb wrote the centenary booklet he covered 14 years of that part of our history, so for the period 1990 to the middle of 1994 I have done my research from the Tyler's book. Information from the Treasurers records and from information provided by W. Bro. R. Pye. 1990 to 1995 Lodge Fees. In 1990 Lodge fee’s where £42 at the beginning of 1995 they were set at £60.00. Lodge Membership At the Centenary meeting the total membership was 62, at beginning of 1995 the membership stood at 48. Sadly during this time the Lodge lost some of its valued members, listed below are Brethren who had passed away during this time In memorandum W. Bro. N Flemming, Bro. W.H. Jones, W. Bro. J. Lea,P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. A. Woodcock W. Bro. W. Silcock P.Pr A.G.D.C. and W. Bro W. Gore P.Pr.J.G.D. W. Bro. A. Ramsdale P.Pr.J.G.D. Notes: W. Bro. N. Fleming was a Grand Lodge officer and the service he gave to the lodge during his membership was very much appreciated, (The Secretary’s Table in the Lodge room was donated by the late Mrs. Mildred Fleming in memory of W. Bro. Norman) Bro. Arnold Woodcock was a local councillor, and Woodcock Drive in Platt Bridge, Wigan was named after him the council estate is still known locally as Woodcock Estate.

Provincial Officers in the Lodge at the beginning of 1995 W. Bro. H.Hurst P.PrJ.G.W W. Bro. F.N. Lewis P.Pr.J.G.D. W. Bro. C.Ponton P.Pr.J.G.D. W.Bro. J.Hope P.Pr.A.G.D.C W.Bro. J.W. Fishwick P.Pr.J.G.D. W. Bro. D. Cooper P.Pr.A.G.D.C. W.Bro. S. Fairhurst P.Pr.S.G.D. Listed below are extractions from the lodge minutes which I hope will be of some interest In 1990 after 27 Years in Prison the 71 year Nelson Mandela was released from Prison. Later he became the first black President of South Africa on the 10th May 1994. 6th January 1994 WM Bro. C.M. Nicholson gave notice of motion that rule 4 paragraph 9 of the lodge by laws shall be amended to read as follows: any member whose subscriptions is unpaid for one year will be liable to be excluded from the lodge 3RD February 1994 Notice of motion given by W. Bro. J. Fishwick P. Pr.G.D. that Lodge fees to increase from £55 to £60 per annum 7th April 1994. .Bro. N.F Waters-Webb was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. C.R. Nicholson. W. Bro. William Keddie P.A.G.D.C. was the representative of the R.W. Prov. Grand Master Bro. K. E. Moxley The W.M Bro. N.F. Waters Webb presented W. Bro. H. Hurst P.Pr.G.W. with a gift of a watch as a token of appreciation for the work he had done within the Lodge as chaplain. 5th May 1994. The Lodge was informed by the Wigan Group that W. Bro. J.C. Sharples had been honoured with the rank of Past Assistant Grand Chaplin in the U.G.L. 1ST September 1994 . W. Bro. F.N. Lewis Was Made an Honorary member of the Lodge.

3rd November 1994 Talk given by W. Bro. S.R. Martland P.Pr.G.Stwd entitled “have you anything to give in the cause of Charities”. 1st December 1994 - Ladies to Dine Ladies to dine was introduced at the December meeting 1994, the W.M. Bro. N.F. Waters- Webb had suggested to the Lodge Members that due to no candidates it would be a good idea for the December meeting, The Lodge did not know at this time what a successes this event would come to be. The event was so well received that it has become a regular event in the Corinthian Lodge calendar and still after twenty years it is still as popular with members and their partners, the widows of the lodge and Members guests. 5th January 1995 The Secretary read letters from Mrs Byron and Mrs Stokes thanking W.Bro. D.J Jones and his wife for their care and treatment during the pantomime he had organised for them. 2ND February 1995 The Secretary read a letter from the Wigan Group advising members of a dinner to be given in recognition of the outstanding service given to Freemasonry by the retiring Provincial Grand Master V.W. Bro. Edward Houghton. 2nd March 1995The Secretary read a letter from the Wigan Group advising the Lodge that W. Bro. S. Oldfield P.Pr.J.G.W. would be appointed Vice - Chairman with effect from 23rd May 1995 and W.Bro. D.J. Mills P.Pr.S.G.W. had been invited to become Group Secretary with effect from that date. 1995 to 2000 Lodge fees Lodge Fees in 1995 were £60.00; at the beginning of 2000 the Lodge fee was set at £75.00. Lodge Membership by the beginning of 2000 Lodge membership was 42. In Memorandum 1995 to 2000 W. Bro. C.R. Nicholson, W. Bro. J.W. McGuire, W. Bro. A. Higham, Bro. S. Petriw. W Bro. H. Hurst P.Pr.J.G.W and W. Bro. F.N. Lewis P.Pr.J.G.D Provincial Officers in the Lodge at the beginning of 2000 W. Bro. C. Ponton.P.Pr.J.G.D. W. J. Hope P.Pr.A.G.D.C

W. Bro. J.W Fishwick P.Pr.J.G.W W. Bro. D. Cooper P.Pr.A.G.D.C. W. Bro. J. Eaves. P.Pr.J.G.D W. Bro. H. Hulse P.Pr.A.G.Supt of Wrks W. Bro. F. Fallon P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. G. Adamson P.Pr.A.G.Purs W.Bro. S. Fairhurst P.R.S.G.D. Hon. Member W.Bro. S.R. Martland P.Pr.J.G.W.. 6th April 1995 Bro. Edward Atherton was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. N F. Waters-Webb. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. L.D. Bullen P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W. Bro. D.J Jones thanked Bro. E Atherton for the splendid work he had done as the social Secretary, Bro Atherton had resigned as the Social Secretary, and the new Social Secretary was Bro. A. Leather. 4th May 1995 The Lodge received a letter from W. Bro. Bernard. T. Smith P.S.G.D. Chairman of the Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls 1997 festival, thanked the W.M. and Brethren for the marvellous donation of £1000.00. 7th September 1995 It was reported by the Secretary that he had received a letter from the Wigan group regarding a meeting on 24th October 1995 to discuss a Lodge for installed Masters. The Lodge greeted W. Bro. J. Eaves on being promoted to the rank of P.Pr.J.G.D. 5th October 1995 The W.M. Bro. E .Atherton paid tribute to Mrs Edith Byron who had died recently commenting on the impact she had made on this Lodge. She would be remembered for her work in supporting the Ladies section and the Socials which had helped to raise a substantial amount for the Lodge building, the W.M. added that she would be sadly missed. 2nd November 1995 W. Bro. J. Fishwick gave notice of motion that rule 4 paragraph 9 of the Lodge by-laws should be amended to read “Any member whose subscriptions is unpaid for six months shall be excluded from the Lodge” .also lodge fees should be raised to £70.00. 7th December 1995 The Secretary read out a letter stating that W.Bro. K.E. Moxley relinquished his responsibilities as the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. 7th March 1996 The Secretary advised the Lodge that the R.W. Provincial Grand Master had made the following appointments.

The Rev. John. C. Sharples P.G.Std.Bearer to become Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W. Bro. William Keddie P.A.G.D.C. to become Assistant to the Grand Superintendant Royal Arch. W. Bro. Stanley Oldfield P.Pr.J.G.W. to become Wigan Group Chairman. W. Bro. David. J. Mills to become Wigan Group Vice Chairman W. Bro. G.D. Jones P.Pr.J.G.D. to become Wigan Group Secretary Following the closure of the Lodge a demonstration second degree ceremony was performed by the Junior Brethren. 4th April 1996 Bro. Glyn. E. Jones was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. Edward Atherton. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. P.S. Shepherd Pr.J.G.W. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. 2nd May 1996 The Lodge Almoner W. Bro. A. Stone reported the death of Bro. S. Petriw. 6th September 1996 W. Bro. H. Hulse was congratulated on receiving the Provincial rank of P.Pr.A.G.Supt of Wrks. 3rd April 1997 Bro. M.R. Silcock was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. Bro. G.E. Jones. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. Rev. E. Rowlands. P.A.G.Chap. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. The Lodge was informed by the Wigan Group that W. Bro. Rev. J.C. Sharples P.A.G. Chap. Was to be promoted to P.S.G.D. Asst. Prov. G. Master and W. Bro. S. Oldfield P. Pr. J.G.W. Group Chairman was to be promoted to P.A.G.D.C. 1st May 1997 The Brethren saluted W. Bro. F. Fallon. P.Pr.A.G.D.C. and W.Bro. G. Adamson P.Pr.A.G. Purs. Following receiving Provincial Honours. On The 31st August 1997 Diana Princess of Wales and Dodi Al-Fayed are killed in a car crash 4th September 1997 The W.M. Bro. M.R. Silcock informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. C.R. Nicholson. A letter was read from the Wigan Group informing the Brethren of the final contribution figures of the Wigan Group to the M.T.G.B. 1997 Festival, they were Lodges £318977.00, Chapters £33284.00, Group £11927.00 giving a total of £364188.00

Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls 1987 -1997 Festival It was common in previous years to have 10 year Charity raising festivals within individual Provinces, nowadays, the length of such a festival is usually much shorter. In 1987 it was the turn of West Lancashire to host this Masonic Educational Charity, which culminated with a Festival Dinner on Thursday 8th May 1997 in the presence of the Pr.G.M, RW Brother Kenneth Edward Moxley at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. Each Lodge had a designated Festival Representative, and Bro. Raymond Pye was appointed as Corinthian Lodge Representative. During this 10 year period, each Group and Lodges in the province undertook to raise funds through a variety of initiatives. Lodges made contributions, and personal donations were encouraged through covenants, socials, sponsored walks and other events. Corinthian Lodge donated sufficient to become a patron of the charity, and this is recognised to this day on the front page of our summons. A grand total of £7.548,197.00. was realised in the Province across all groups, a massive sum in those days, Of course the total number of Lodges, and Masonic Membership in 1997, was significantly higher than it is now. The Wigan Group Lodges and Chapters contribution was £352,261.00. of which Corinthian Lodge raised £12,320.00 which was the 6th highest total among 32 Lodges in the Wigan Group. Overall it was considered a very successful Festival which donated a considerable sum of money to a very worthy cause. Note: Can I thank W.Bro. Raymond for writing this Paragraph on the Masonic trust for Boys and Girls Festival On the 5th September 1997 Mother Teresa dies 2nd April 1998 Bro.W. Wilding was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. Bro. M.R. Silcock. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W.Bro. Rev. Cannon J.C Sharples P.S.G.D. Asst. Provincial G.M. 7th May 1998 The W.M. Bro. W. Wilding read a letter informing the Brethren of the Death of W. Bro. J.W. McQuire. also the W.M. Bro. W. Wilding congratulated W. Bro. A. Stone P.Pr.S.G.D on receiving Provincial Honours.

5th November 1998 The Brethren saluted W. Bro. J. W. Fishwick P.Pr.J.G.W. on his recent promotion in Provincial Lodge On The 5th September 1998 Google is founded by Sergey M. Brin and Lawrence .E. Page. 3rd December 1998 The Secretary read out a letter from Miss Natalie Iddon the daughter of Bro. M. Iddon thanking the Lodge for the magnificent gift of a computer which would help her catch up with her school work following recent setback due to illness. 4th February 1999 The W.M. Informed the Brethren of the death of two of the senior members of the Lodge, W. Bro. H. Hurst P.Pr. J.G.W and W.Bro. F.N. Lewis P.Pr.J.G.D 4th March 1999 The W.M. Bro. W. Wilding informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. A. Higham. 1st April 1999. Bro. R. Pye was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. Bro. W. Wilding. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. J.C. Wallace P.A.G.D.C. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. 6th May 1999 A ballot was taken for W. Bro. R. Martland P.Pr.J.G.W. Wigan Group Almoner and Charity Delegate to become an Honorary Member, the ballot proved favourable. 2nd March 2000 The Charity Steward W. Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb P.Pr.G. Std. Bearer. Proposed that the sum of £2000.00 be donated to the 2000 Festival at the Installation meeting, W. Bro. J.W. Fishwick P.Pr. J.G.W. seconded the proposition, the proposition was duly carried. At the first rising W. Bro. Stanley Oldfield P.A.G.D.C gave greetings on behalf of Grand Lodge Officers and he thanked W. Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb for proposing the generous amount to the 2000 festival and was the highest donation to-date. Note: The Lodge and asked each member for a donation of £50 towards the Festival and a large number of the members contributed to this magnificent donation. 2000 to 2005 Lodge fees At the start of 2000 Lodge fees stood at £75.00. At the beginning of 2005 lodge fees were £110.00

Lodge Membership. The beginning of 2005 the Lodge membership was 35 In Memorandum 2000 to 2005 W. Bro. C. Ponton. P.Pr.J.G.D; W. Bro. J.W Fishwick P.Pr.J.G.W; Bro. G. Adamson P.Pr.A.G.Purs; W.Bro. D. Cooper P.Pr.A.G.D.C; W. Bro. N.F. Waters- Webb P.Pr.D.G.Supt of Wks; Bro. H. Forshaw, W. Bro. B. Parkinson. W. Bro. H.R. Anderton, Bro. G.C. Evans. Provincial Officers in the Lodge at the beginning of 2005 W. Bro. J.Hope P.Pr.A.G.D.C W. Bro. J. Eaves. P.Pr.G. Supt of Wrks. W. Bro. S. Fairhurst p.Pr.G.Supt of Wrks W. Bro. H. Hulse P.Pr.A.G.Supt of Wrks W. Bro. F. Fallon P.Pr A.G.D.C. W. Bro. E. Atherton P.Pr.S.G.D. W.Bro. R. Pye Pr. G Stwd W. Bro. L Rudd P.Pr.S.G.D. W. Bro. A. Stone P.Pr.S.G.D 6th April 2000 The W.M Bro. R Pye welcomed everyone to the 110th anniversary of Corinthian Lodge prior to opening the meeting. The SW Bro. A. Leather (Social Secretary) presented a set of working tools to the lodge from the Social Committee, The W.M Bro. R. Pye thanked the Social Committee. Bro. A. Leather was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. R. Pye. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. W. Bro. H. Ross P.A.G.D.C representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. Note: The minutes of this meeting for the first times in 110 years in the history of the lodge where not hand written by the Secretary. 4th May 2000 The W.M. Bro. A. Leather informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. Brian Parkinson. The Secretary read a letter from Mrs. H. Fairhurst who had donated money to purchase a Worshipful Masters Apron in memory of her late husband W. Bro. G. Fairhurst.

7TH September 2000 the Lodge carried out a double ceremony an initiation and a passing. The W.M Bro. informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. H. Anderton P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Letter from West Lancashire Masonic Charities Festival 2000 informing Brethren that a total of £89,000 had been raised. Note: The summons for meeting and the minutes of the previous meeting had been posted to all members so it was no longer necessary to read out the minutes has had been the case for the past 110 years. 5th October 2000 The W.M Bro. A. Leather informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. C. Ponton. 4th January 2001 W.Bro. N.F. Waters-Webb P.Pr.Std.B. Proposed and seconded by W. Bro. R. Pye a donation OF £525.00 to the 175th Anniversary Charity Appeal which will result in a Gold Award, the motion was carried. On the 15th January 2001 online Encyclopaedia Wikipedia was launched. 1st March 2001 The Secretary read out a letter from the Provincial Grand Master concerning the proposed closure of RMBI Homes. W. Bro. N.F Waters Webb had been offered the promotion to the rank of P.Pr.D.G.Supt of Wks. Prodesse Lodge No 8678 (Corinthian Grand –Daughter Lodge sent a letter inviting members to celebrate its 25th Anniversary by attending their meeting on the 23rd March 2001. 5th April 2001. Bro. J. Walters was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. A. Leather. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. Cannon Rev J.C. Sharples P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W.Bro. Cannon Rev J.C. Sharples P.S.G.D presented the W.M with a gold award and congratulated the Lodge on its achievement. The Secretary informed the meeting that the Most Worshipful the Grand Master has honoured W. Bro. S.R. Martland with the rank of Assistant Grand Director of ceremonies and W. Bro. G.D. Jones with the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of ceremonies. 3rd May 2001 Mrs. Mildred Chambers sent a letter to the Treasurer enclosing a cheque of £520.00 for a display cabinet. The Treasurer had sent a letter thanking Mrs. Chambers for her kind donation.

On 11th September 2001 Al-Kaeda Terrorists hijack Commercial airlines and two are flown into the world Trade centre’s twin towers, another was flown into the Pentagon in Washington. On 7th October The United States invades Afghanistan with participation from British armed forces in response to the September 11 attacks. 1st November 2001 The W.M. Bro. J. Walters informed the meeting of the death of Bro. H. Forshaw.. 6th December 2001 The W.M. Bro. J. Walters informed the meeting of the death of Bro. G.C. Evans. On The 9th April 2002 the funeral of the Queen Mother had taken place in Westminster Abbey. 7th April 2002. Bro. C.M. Reeman was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. J. Walters.The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. P.J. Hosker P.J.G.D. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. In June 2002 the Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee. 2nd May 2002 Bro. D. Webster gave a generous donation of £100.00 to the lodge in memory of his late mother. 5th December 2002 The secretary read a letter from W.Bro. D. Jones concerning the new Charity structure. W.Bro. S. Fairhurst P.Pr. G. Supt of Wks presented a cheque for the sum of £250.00. on behalf of his mother Mrs. Fairhurst for Lodge Funds. 02nd January 2003 The Lodge introduced the reading of an ancient Charge this was read by Bro. A. Mills. W. Bro. L.G. Rudd past Master of Hindley Lodge 4020 was proposed and seconded as a joining member. Sadly, due to falling membership, Hindley Lodge was in the process of handing in its warrant; the majority of the remaining members joined Borsdane Lodge 6420 It had been agreed at a Past Meeting that the all members of Corinthian Lodge should be able to take part in decision making concerning the Lodge business and welfare. Therefore the name of the 'Past Master's' meeting was changed to the 'Lodge Committee' meeting and it was agreed these meetings should take place before Junior Practice every third Monday in the month.

06th February 2003 The W.M. Bro. C.M. Reeman informed the meeting of the death of W. Bro. N.F. Waters – Webb. The W.M. commented on the hard work and dedication that W. Bro. Norman had done in the Lodge, The Almoner W.Bro. J. Eaves also mentioned in his report that W. Bro. Norman would be sadly missed by the Lodge. The Treasurer W. Bro. S. Fairhurst P.Pr.G. Supt of Works informed the meeting he had received a generous donation from The W.M. Bro. C.M. Reeman and his wife Jacqui who had decided not to send Christmas cards to Lodge Members but to give the money to Lodge Funds, W. Bro. Fairhurst also informed the meeting he had received a further generous donation of £500.00 the Brother who had made the donation wished to remain anonymous. 6TH March 2003 The secretary read a letter from the Group Secretary W. Bro. D.J Jones advising the lodge that the following brethren had been offered the following Provincial ranks, W. Bro. Raymond Pye Pr.G.Stwd and W. Bro. G.L. Rudd P.Pr.S.G.D. W. Bro. F. Jones W.M. of Hindley Lodge gave greetings on behalf of the visitors. The W.M. Bro. C.M. Reeman thanked W. Bro. Jones for his greetings and commented how sad it was to say that this would be the last time that a Master of Hindley Lodge would be at Corinthian Lodge. Note: Hindley Lodge had moved from Hindley to Wigan Masonic Hall in 1939 and was our daughter Lodge, obviously this was a sad occasion that Hindley Lodge would no longer be part of the family of Lodges at Hindley. Many Brethren have fond memories of representing Corinthian Lodge at Hindley Meetings. On The 19th March 2003 the United States and Allied forces invade Iraq, this was the beginning of the Iraq War. 03rd April 2003 Bro. C.J. Baxendale was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. C.M. Reeman.The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. G Hale P.A.G.D.C. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master. 4th December 2003 W. Bro. S. Fairhurst informed the meeting that his mother had made a donation to the Lodge for the sum of £50 The W.M. Bro. C.J. Baxendale requested that W. Bro. Fairhurst thank his mother for her generous gift. 5th January 2004 A lecture was given by W. Bro. C.M. Reeman entitled the New Zealand Experience. New Zealand Experience

In 2003 the province of West Lancashire rolled out the New Zealand Project. Masonry in the Province had declined and the Provincial Grand Master wanted some feed back as to why this had happened. The review took the form of each Lodge considering the way that they had developed, and looking closely at ways of attracting members and modernising its outlook. Lodges in the this Constitution were asked to take a close look at the results generated in the New Zealand project and use them as a guide to help development. The Wigan Group asked a member from each Masonic Hall to present the project to the Lodges meeting in that hall, and if necessary Lodges at other halls, and encourage Brethren to take part. Note: Can I thank W.Bro. C.M Reeman for writing the above Paragraph on the New Zealand Project. 4TH March 2004 The W.M. Bro. C. J. Baxendale informed the meeting of the death of W. Bro. J. Fishwick P.Pr. J.G.W. the W.M. stated that W. Bro. Fishwick had been a valued member of the Lodge In the Almoners report W. Bro. J. Eaves stated that W. Bro. J. Fishwick had been the Senior Member of the Lodge, and he regarded him has a true, gentle and sincere mason, he also commented that over the years he had been very generous to the Lodge The Secretary read out a letter from the Wigan Group informing the Lodge that W. Bro. E Atherton had been offered the provincial rank P.Pr.S.G.D, also W. Bro. J Eaves promoted to the rank P.Pr. G. Supt.ofWks. 01 April 2004 Bro. J.T. Ainsworth was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. C.J Baxendale.The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. G. Block P.A.G.D.C. representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master.During The first rising W. Bro. S. Oldfield advised all present of the last meeting at the Tower Buildings. Note: After many hours of consultation meetings and hours of deliberations a decision had been reached to close the Masonic Hall in Wigan. Lodges which met there were relocated. Holmes Lodge decided to relocate at Hindley and have now become part of the family of Lodges at this Hall. The Secretary advised the Brethren that he had received a letter from the Assisant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. J.C. Sharples advising the Lodge of his forth coming retirement, and also promotions within the province. 02nd September 2004 The W.M. Bro. J.T. Ainsworth paid tribute to both W. Bro. D. Cooper P.Pr.A.G.D.C and Bro. G. Adamson P.Pr.A.G.Purs. who had sadly

passed away during the summer, both Brothers had been valued members of the Lodge. 02nd December 2004 W. Bro. S. Fairhurst. Presented a cheque for £50.00 from his mother as a donation for Lodge funds, The W.M asked W. Bro. Fairhurst to pass on the Lodges gratitude for this generous donation. 03rd February 2005 The Secretary read out a letter from the Derian House Children's Hospital thanking the W.M. Bro. J.T. Ainsworth and his good lady Ross for the donation of £200.00 which was raised at the Ladies evening, also a letter from the Friends of the Cherobyls children for the donation of £200.00 which also had been raised at the Ladies Evening. 03rd March 2005 We see for the first time that the election of the Worshipful Master and the Lodge Treasurer is no longer necessary in the traditional sense, but, subject to the wishes of the Lodge / or any other nominations, such Brethren could be declared as WM/Treasurer for the ensuing year. In the event of multiple nominations the usual ballot would be taken. We see from the Lodge summons the following wording “To Declare Bro. D.J. Webster to be the Master elect for the ensuing year”. 2005 to 2010 Lodge Fees In 2005 Lodge fees were £110. At the beginning of 2010 they were set at £130.00 Lodge Membership Total members at the beginning of 2010 was 32 In Memorandum 2005 to 2010 W. Bro. G.L. Rudd P.Pr.S.G.D., W. Bro. J. Hope P.Pr. A.D.G.C., W. Bro. F. Fallon P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Bro. S. Simmons, Bro. S. Darbyshire, Bro. G. Bennett and Bro. R. Hodges. Note: Bro. Stanley Simmons was long serving local councillor and had served as the mayor of the town. Grand Lodge Officers Hon. Member W. Bro. S.R. Martland P.A.G.D.C Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Provincial Officers in the Lodge at the beginning of 2010

W. Bro. S. Fairhurhurst P.Pr. G. Supt of Wrks W. Bro. J. Eaves. P.Pr G. Supt of Wrks. W. Bro. H. Hulse P.Pr.S.G.D. W. Bro. E. Atherton P.Pr.S.G.D. W. Bro. R. Pye Pr. G P.Pr.S.G.D W. Bro. M.R. Silcock P.Pr.S.G.D. W. Bro. A. Stone P.Pr.S.G.D W. Bro C.M. Reeman.P.Pr.G.Stwd W. Bro. W.Wilding P.Pr.A.G.D.C. W. Bro. F.Parr P.Pr..S.G.D. W. Bro. Doc. P. Green P.Pr.S.G.D. 7th April 2005. Bro. D.J. Webster was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. J.T. Ainsworth. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. E.C Caulfield P.J.G.D Assistant Provincial Grand Master. 2005: IRA end military campaign in Northern Ireland 01st September 2005: The W.M. Bro. D.J. Webster informed the meeting of the death of Bro. S. Darbyshire. 3rd November 2005 The Acting WM. W. Bro. J.T. Ainsworth informed the Lodge of the death of Bro. G. Bennett 5th January 2006 W. Bro. S. Fairhurst informed the meeting that his mother had made a donation to the Lodge for the sum of £50 The W.M. Bro D.J. Webster requested that W. Bro. Fairhurst thank his mother for her generous gift 02nd February 2006 W Bro. J Parrott P.Pr.S.G.D. gave a presentation on the 2010 Festival. New Masonic Samaritans Fund The 2010 West Lancashire Freemasons Festival Started in 2005 and ran for Five years, The total raised by the Province £5,418,004.00. A number of Corinthian Brethren committed themselves to a standing order during the duration of the Festival, which raised more than £2,500.00

The Group organised a walk across Morecambe Bay 2007/8/9/and 10 with Lodges sponsoring a member, Corinthian raised a further £661 as well as £255.00 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. 06th April 2006. Bro. A.Whiteley was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W. Bro. C.J. Baxendale.The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. S.R. Martland P.A.G.D.C. Pr.G.Almoner 7th September 2006 The W.M. Bro. A. Whiteley informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. G.L. Rudd P.Pr.S.G.D. The W.M. congratulated W. Bro. M.R. Silcock on receiving the rank of P.Pr.S.G.D. 01st March 2007 Letter from the Group Secretary informing the Lodge that the following Brethren had been offered the following Provincial ranks - W. Bro. C.M. Reeman Pr.G.Stwd, W. Bro. W. Wilding P.Pr.A.G.D.C., W. Bro. R. Pye. P.Pr.S.G.D. 05th April 2007 Bro. N.J. Makinson was installed into the chair of King Solomon by W. Bro E. Atherton P.r.S.G.D..The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro.W.R. Seddon P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master. 1st November 2007 The W.M. Bro. N.J. Makinson informed the Brethren of the death of Bro. S. Simmons. 3rd January 2008 W. Bro. C.M. Reeman gave the Brethren present an update on the 2010 Festival and also brought to the attention of Corinthian Brethren the blue envelope scheme and stated that any brother who wished to donate in this way to contact him. 7th February 2008 Letter from the Group Secretary informing the Lodge That W. Bro. H. Hulse will be promoted to the rank of P.Pr.S.G.D. 03 April 2008 Bro. A. Johnston was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. N.J. Makinson.The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W. Bro. E.C. Caulfield Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The Wigan Group Chairman W. Bro. D. Mills presented Corinthian Lodge with the 2010 certificate for reaching the figure of £1200, which means that we can add “Patron of the new Masonic Samaritan Fund 2010 Festival\" on our Stationary. 2nd October 2008 Letter from the House Committee explaining that there had been a shortfall of £20.000.00 in the building fund as a result of water damage,

which was only discovered through extensive renovations of the hall, and asked members for help with this matter. 6th November 2008 W. Bro. J. Eaves P.Pr. G. Supt. Of Works when giving the Almoners report informed the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. J. Hope who was a past Master of the Lodge, W. Bro. Eaves commented That W. Bro. Hope had been the Master in 1976 and recalled that Brother Jim enjoyed his Freemasonry and did a lot of work for the Social Section. 6th November 2008 The Secretary informed the Brethren that he had received a letter informing the Lodge that the Provincial Grand Master would be visiting the Hall on the 15th December 2008. 7th January 2009 W. Bro. E.Atheron gave the Brethren present an update explaining the overspend on the Hall. W. Bro. Atherton said that during the Hall refurbishment problems had occurred due to the age of the building, and a water leak had caused considerable damage which resulted in a £23000,00 shortfall. A Brother, who wanted to remain anonymous, had loaned the Hall Committee the shortfall stating a period in which the money would have to be repaid, each Lodge and Chapters meeting in the Hall would have to raise their share. The Hall Committee would write to the Lodge Secretary informing him the amount Corinthian Lodge would have to pay. 2nd April 2009 Bro. G.W. Cunliffe was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the W.M. Bro. A. Johnston. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of V.W. Bro B. Gilllbanks P.G.Swd Bearer, Deputy Provincial Grand Master. 7th May 2009 A letter received from W. Bro. F. Lomax concerning storage of Lodge records for archiving and long term storage. Note: Not all Lodges took this opportunity to have their records stored in the Wigan archives at Leigh town, Corinthian Lodge was one lodge that did not take this opportunity, and our records are stored in the Masonic Hall, Hindley. 3rd September 2009 The W.M. Bro. G.W. Cunliffe advised the Brethren of the death of W. Bro. F. Fallon. Banner Dedication Presenting Officer W. Bro. E.C. Caulfield P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master Assisted By

W. Bro. S. Fairhurst P.Pr G.Supt of Wrks Prov. Senior Warden W. Bro. J. Eaves P.Pr.G.Supt of Wrks. Prov. Junior Warden W. Bro. G. Halsall, Pr. G. Chaplain. Prov. G. Chaplain W. Bro. J.R. Clipsham, Pr.D.G.D.C. Prov. D.G.D.C. W. Bro. P.Hesketh. Pr.D.G.D.C. Prov. D.G.D.C. W. Bro. E.Atherton P.Pr.S.G.D. Prov. Senior Deacon W. Bro. W.Wilding. P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Prov. Junior Deacon W. Bro. P.D. Hughson. P.A.G.D.C. Prov. Organist W. Bro. A. Stone P.Pr.S.G.D. Prov. Inner Guard Bro. R.G. Kohli. Banner Bearer. Accompanied by W. Bro. G.D. Jones. P.A.G.D.C. Chairman of the Wigan and District Group of Lodges and other Grand and Provincial Officers Provincial Choir W. Bro. W.G. Bullough. P. A.G.D.C. W. Bro. A. Ford-Giltrap, P.A.G.D.C. W. Bro. J.W.Hindle P.Pr.S.G.W. W. Bro. T.J.B. Whitley P.Pr.J.G.W. W. Bro. C.J. Knowles, P.Pr.A.G.Supt of Wrks. Total Members of Corinthian Lodge at the meeting 22 Visitors 30 as recorded in the Tyler's book. Extracts from the Banner Ceremony • The Assistant Provincial Grand Master addresses the Brethren on the purpose of the meeting • The Provincial Choir sings a Anthem. • The Assistant Provincial Grand Master calls upon the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies to form a deputation to carry the Banner into the Lodge. • The Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies forms the deputation. • The open Hymn “O God, our help ages past” • The Provincial Deputy Grand Chaplain renders the dedication Prayer.