Symphony Lodge No 4924
Worshipful Master Bro.
Senior Warden Bro.
Junior Warden Bro
Secretary W. Bro.
Tel :
Symphony Lodge was consecrated on 2nd September 1927, a daughter Lodge of Clifton 703. It was formed by musicians, to provide a Lodge for themselves, and members of the allied entertainment professions, who, by reason of their evening employment were not able to attend their own Lodge. It was to meet when the sun was at its meridian, and on the first Thursday of every month in the year. Thus, it would not only serve musicians, but also those who were engaged in the many Blackpool theatres, cinemas and hotels for the summer season.
During the first twelve months of its life, up to the
outbreak of war, scarcely a name appears on the
list of initiates which is not
connected with the world of entertainment. locally, nationally or
internationally, mainly musicians - Reg Dixon, "Bertini", George
Hilton (father of Jack) and others too numerous to to mention. In October,
1931, the Lodge minutes record the receipt of a letter, in appreciation of the
services of members of Symphony, who had formed the orchestra at the Masonic
Service held at St John's Church. Many other such occasions are
recorded. The festive Boards were often scenes of "Star"
entertainment, when visitors such as Webster Booth, David Nixon, Arthur Askey,
Nat Jackley, and others, visited the Lodge.
In the early years of its existence, the Lodge suffered lean times, its very foundations in Music being badly shaken by the advent of the "Talkies". Cinemas dismissed their orchestra and pianist; hotels replaced orchestras with temporary bands, now available to them on casual basis. Many of our members were obliged to change their professions, or seek employment away from Blackpool. Generally, however, they maintained their connection with the Lodge, resulting in a legacy of a rather large number of Country Members. Brother A. J. S. Bowden and W. H. Scott, both proposed at the first regular meeting of the Lodge, were amongst those who remained in Blackpool. W.Bro. A. J. S. Bowden, P.Pr.A.G.D.C., maintained an almost unbroken record of attendance; he was the first initiate in the Lodge to be Worshipful Master and served as Director of Ceremonies from 1939 until his death in 1976. W. H. Scott with a similar attendance record died in 1988 aged 92.
In recent years the Lodge has drawn its membership from a much wider field and no longer meets during the summer months. The Lodge looks forward with confidence assured that the future of the Lodge rests in the safe hands of a "band" of enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Picture - Symphony Lodge Banner