Emblem Lodge No 6727
Worshipful Master Bro. Peter J Smith
Senior Warden Bro. Gordon W. P. Smith
Junior Warden Bro. Christopher D. Spracklen
Secretary W.Bro. T H Inman
Tel : 01995 670070
In 1929 Ashlar Lodge No 5154, which itself claims Clifton Lodge as its Mother Lodge was founded and 19 years later Ashlar Lodge sponsored Emblem Lodge No 6727. Thus on the 9th of November 1948 Emblem Lodge No 6727 was consecrated at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool. It was the 21st Lodge to be formed in Blackpool where there are now a total of 29 Lodges. Ashlar Lodge Committee meeting held on Tuesday March 2nd 1948 records that W. Bro. Caton raised the matter of the closure of the list of Founders, which he considered had been done prematurely, because several other members of Ashlar Lodge had expressed to him a desire to become founders.
It appears that this caused considerable debate that was not resolved but was
referred to the Founders
to discuss and resolve. It has to be assumed that
a satisfactory resolution of the matter was achieved because no further
reference can be found. All that can be said is that, even at that early
stage, the popularity of Emblem Lodge was being established. The reason
for the choice of the name Emblem is obscure, and whilst the word Emblem has a
clear connection with Masonic ritual, it is a fascinating fact that there is
only one Emblem Lodge on the register of the United Grand Lodge of
England. There were 29 Founders of Emblem Lodge, 25 of who were members of
Ashlar Lodge. A total of 115 Brethren attended the Consecration, and
because of the concentration of U.S. Air Force personnel at Warton various
American Lodges were represented.
The Lodge made an early start in attracting new members and
initiates. At the first regular meeting Bro. Fred Smith of Ashlar Lodge
became the first joining member. Bro Smith is remembered for his generous
gift of a piano to the Masonic Hall, which is still in use today. The
Lodge continued to have a steady influx of Candidates and joining members
throughout the 50's and 60's and by 1968
the membership stood at 61. Up to
1981 Emblem Lodge did not have a Lodge Banner, however this discrepancy was
rectified when a Banner, provided by contributions from the Social Fund and the
Emblem Lodge Ladies, was dedicated on 6th November of that year.
A most noteworthy event occurred at the Installation meeting of 6th February 1987 when the Lodge was honoured by the presence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Alan Fletcher Ferris. This was the first and only time, since the Consecration, that the Lodge has enjoyed that privilege.
Emblem Lodge is now well established and looks to the future with confidence. The membership currently stands at over 60 and there is a list of candidates waiting to be initiated, as well as joining members adding to the numbers.
Pictures
W.Bro. R G Bentley, Founder and 1st Worshipful Master
Emblem Lodge Banner