Hands across the water.

Great Marton Lodge No 3985, which is a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges meeting at the Masonic hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool, recently held their installation meeting.  The lodge was honoured by the attendance of Stuart Thornber who was on this occasion representing the Provincial Grand Master.  The members of Marton lodge carried out an excellent ceremony installing John Gallagher into the chair of the lodge, with Stuart praising the work carried out by the Installing master, Anthony John Hill.

 This meeting was marked by a special visit from Brother Doug Ports who is a member of Tuscan Lodge 202, Towson, Maryland, in the United States of America.  The link with Doug and Fylde coast masonry is an interesting one.  Doug is currently in a relationship with the daughter of Clarence Neve who was a past master of Mount Lodge in Fleetwood.  The Neve family are synonymous with the North West but Lancashire in particular supplying fresh fish to the catering trade since the 1840’s, employing over 80 people many of whom are ex Feetwood fishermen.

 Doug had contacted Ian Smith, the Blackpool Group Membership Officer via the internet, they then continued correspondence through E-Mails.  Meetings and visits where then organised.   Ian arranged for Doug to meet some of the members of Mount Lodge at a committee meeting, but the jewel in the crown was attending Great Marton’s installation meeting where Doug was asked to respond on behalf of the visitors.  He was especially enamoured by the touching of wine glasses at the toasts, saying he will always remember the significance of, “neither below you, nor above you, but equal to you”.  Doug stated after his visit to Great Marton Lodge he now knew the true meaning of the word Brotherhood, which is Freemasonry.

 Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world and contributes over $1 Billion each year to its philanthropic pursuits, with over $750 Million of that coming from the United States alone.  Throughout history, the Masons diverse membership has consisted of emperors, kings, presidents, religious leaders, sports and entertainment legends, plus scientists and inventors.  Included in its American Masonic history are; 14 Presidents. 35 United States Supreme Court Justices, 17 United States Senators, 32 United States Military leaders.  Even more importantly, the American Constitution was drawn up and signed by 13 Freemasons.