South Shore Lodge No. 4672.  – The rock on which Blackpool is built.

A Superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.

A mason, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is ‘someone who builds with stone’. But in Blackpool’s case you could almost say it’s the town’s famous rock that was created by masons.

For the Freemasons have probably done more to shape Blackpool – and particularly its tourist industry – than most. The efforts of the founders of South Shore Lodge No.4672 didn’t just put the town on the map – they helped to create a success story that has endured for over a century.

This remarkable group of men came together during the early part of the last century – and helped turn what was already a thriving seaside resort into a world famous entertainment centre.

The question must be asked,

“Is there any other town in the Province of West Lancashire that has been structured and influenced by the Freemasons more than Blackpool? 

No account of Blackpool’s early history would be complete without mention of Bro William George Bean. Born in Chelsea, he initially saw his future on the other side of the Atlantic and went to work in the States. But after failing to make it as an advertising man on Madison Avenue he returned to the UK in 1897.

New York’s loss was Blackpool’s gain. In 1903 Bean, along with associate John Outhwaite, bought 30 acres of land, known as the Watson Estate, and rented it out to trade stalls and traditional fairground rides. In 1905 it became the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Bro Beans first venture was a patented bicycle ride, the first large construction was the old switch back railway.

The company is still responsible for continuing developments and it is still on of Blackpool’s premier attractions, the present Managing Director being a grandson of Bro Bean

Bro Bean’s contribution to town life didn’t stop there. He served as a councillor, alderman and magistrate. He also chaired the Valuation Committee; he was a past president of the South Shore Operatic Society, the Dickens Fellowship, South Shore Bowling Club and a member of Blackpool Bowling Club.

A committed Christian, he also had strong connections with South Shore Parish Church (Holy Trinity).

Bro. Bean and along with another South Shore founder and town councillor,

Bro. Frederick William Millington, would now find that their names live on for ever with streets named after them, they are situated at the Hawes Side Lane end of Watson Road.

 Bro.F.W.Millington was elected to the Blackpool town council in 1921 becoming an Alderman and Deputy Mayor; he was the Chairman of the Health Committee and a Magistrate.

As keen sportsman he was a member of South Shore Bowling Club and was President of the South Shore Swimming Cub.

His appreciation of the finer things in life was exemplified by his service as President of the Lyric Amateur Operatic Society; membership of the Dickens Fellowship and as a connoisseur of art he enriched the Blackpool Art Gallery with several valuable gifts.

A deeply religious man he sang in the choir of St Mary’s for 40 years.

Interestingly the foundation stones of the present church were laid in the 1930s, by Bro Millington and another co-founder of South Shore Lodge, W. Bro.J.H.Wolstencroft.

Elsewhere in the town, it was another local Freemason who was helping to create today’s familiar skyline. Bro. Halstead Best, a local architect, was involved in the design or remodelling of several well known buildings. These included Baines Endowed School in Marton, the Football League HQ at St Annes, the Lifeboat House, four cinemas – including the Oxford, the Transport Offices in Blundell Street and several hotels – including the Gynn, Duke Of York and Fleece.

In the late 1920s he was appointed professional valuer for Blackpool Corporation. Such was his reputation that he became valuer for over 40 authorities in Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire. He was also the founder President of Blackpool and Fylde Architectural Society.

As an enthusiastic swimmer, he donated the trophy for the annual Blackpool Police Pier to Pier swim.

Initiated into Campbell Lodge No 1415 in London, he was South Shore’s longest surviving founder – passing away in 1966 at the age of 75. Although he didn’t hold office in South Shore, Bro Best was active elsewhere – being appointed to the high rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

Active church life is one of the threads that bind South Shore’s founders.

Most were deeply religious men and W.Bro.Rev. Charles Gambles leadership and vision were major factors in the formation and early development of the lodge. A distinguished monument to him is the highly successful Arnolds School where in the early 1900s he held the position of Second Master.  

Another enthusiastic supporter of local religious life was Bro, Lionel H. Franceys.

It is he who, perhaps, enjoys one of the greatest monuments to his life’s work – Victoria Hospital, overlooking Stanley Park. Pioneering work in establishing the hospital prior to the formation of the National Health. In the main entrance hall hangs a large photograph of Bro Franceys, a moving tribute to him for his pioneering work in establishing this hospital.

Bro Franceys was never far away from the key movements or issues affecting the wellbeing of local people. The church, arts, sciences and charities all benefited from his efforts. As well as being an official of the Methodist Church, he served the Blackpool branch of the Lifeboat Institution (holding both the gold medal and the Vellum) and was a founder and past president of the Blackpool Rotary Club.

But it’s the present Victoria Hospital that is his lasting legacy. He chaired its board of management for 15 years before seeing the funds raised and foundation stone laid for the building.

Another founder with links to the Victoria Hospital was W.Bro.W.B.Whittington, a leading dental surgeon of the town, who served on the Board of Management of the Victoria Hospital for many years.

W.Bro.R.H.W.Dunderdale. M.B.E., J.P.

Dr. R.H.W.Dunderdale a well-known medical practitioner having practices at both Raikes Parade and the Victoria Hospital. As well as being a Magistrate he was for many years the Police Surgeon for Blackpool. His hobbies included golf, becoming the Captain of North Shore Golf Club. 

Bro. Harold Worden may have been a solicitor, but his wide-ranging interests helped make him one of Blackpool’s best known figures. A former chairman of the Squires Gate Holiday Camp, Symbol Biscuits, South Shore Theatres and the South Pier Company, his contribution to the local economy was immense.

But in social circles he was equally highly regarded – as captain of Blackpool Golf Club and chairman of the South Shore Amateur Operatic Society

Within the lodge he was appointed first Junior Warden, and then installed as Worshipful Master in 1925. In 1929 he was elevated to Provincial Junior Grand Warden of West Lancashire, then Past Officer of the United Grand Lodge of England four years later with the rank of Past Assistant Grand Registrar.

W.Bro.T.E.Rushton was well known to Fylde Freemasons holding the position of Chairman of the Fylde Group of Lodges for more than 25 years.

South Shore’s 20 founding members were a formidable unit - able to harness their collective character, distinction and ability to create one of the most dynamic Masonic Lodges of its time – and reflecting the immense changes that were taking place in the town of Blackpool in the early 1900s.

To go into detail about each of these remarkable men would take too long, but this roll-call ensures no one has been forgotten:

W Bro A O Bentham PPrGTreas

W Bro R H Dunderdale PPrGR

W Bro T E Rushton PPrGR

W Bro F W Millington PPrGD

W Bro W B Whittington PPrGD

W Bro Rev C Gamble PPrGD (Herts)

W Bro G P L Hides PPrGD

W Bro H F Harrison PPrGSuptWks

W Bro W E S Richmond

W Bro J H Wolstencroft

W Bro G E Tingey

Bro E H Altman

Bro W G Bean

Bro Halstead Best

Bro W A Ferguson

Bro L H Franceys

Bro J P Grime

Bro L C Lewis

Bro C M Phillips

Bro H Worden

Thanks to W.Bro Stanley Hartley. P.Pr.G.Supt.Wks. for help and information provided.  

Photo one; Hotchkiss Bike Ride.

Photo Two; Switchback Railway.

Photo Three; View of the Pleasure Beach.