PROUD OF OUR ORIGINS
The Provincial Grand Master, Mark Francis Matthews, joined Preston Guild Lodge for a special meeting to commemorate the Centenary of the Lodge become a Hall Stone Lodge.
The First World War led to over 1.5 million British deaths and around 2 million servicemen being permanently disabled. It was meant to be the war to end all wars.
In July 1919, just after the Treaty of Versailles was signed officially ending the war, the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England held an especial Grand Lodge at the Royal albert Hall. Here he shared his vision of the creation of a Masonic Peace Memorial to honour those who made the supreme sacrifice in that terrible conflict. This memorial was to be funded by Masons through the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. A vital contributor to that fund was to be a special jewel to be known as the Hall Stone Jewel.
Masons were invited to buy such a special jewel made of silver for 10 guineas. A gold version was available at 100 Guineas. Over 53,000 of these medals were bought. It was announced that any lodge where all members bought a jewel would be awarded a larger silver gilt jewel for the Master of the Lodge to were in perpetuity.
Of the five lodges in Preston, none were prepared to meet that commitment, though many individuals did buy the jewel.
Step forward Will Ord, twice the Mayor of Preston, President of PNE and other sporting clubs in the area, Junior Grand Deacon of UGLE and Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He was determined that Preston should have a Hall Stone Lodge and show the towns respect to the fallen of the war. He and 16 other members of the Lodge of Unanimity came together and petitioned UGLE for a new lodge to be created. That Lodge was Preston Guild Lodge No 4408. Founded in June 1922, the intent was clear from the very first Regular Lodge Meeting, The first item of business recoded in the Lodge Minute Book reads was “The Worshipful Master proposed and John Hunt seconded, That information be conveyed to the Grand Lodge that this Lodge desires to become a Hall Stone Lodge in connection with the Masonic Million Memorial Fund’ It was carried unanimously!
The membership of the lodge in 1922 reflected all parts of our society, as it still does today. A blend of businessmen and tradesmen of different means. But they all worked together to ensure everyone was able to afford a jewel. New members flocked to the lodge, either from other lodges or as new recruits; such was the interest.
In the summer of 1925, the objective had been achieved. On the 2nd December 1925, the Master of the Lodge, Sam Oliver who was the proprietor of the Turkish Baths in the Miller Arcade, went to the Royal Albert Hall to a special Grand Lodge Meeting where he had the Hall Stone Jewel conferred on him on behalf of the Lodge. It has been worn by every master since then.
1321 Lodges became Hall Stone Lodges and their names are inscribed in marble tablets within The Shrine at Freemasons Hall which is the Masonic Peace Memorial. This was officially opened in 1933.
To mark the Centenary, the Hall Stone Jewel has been skilfully restored to its original condition. It looks amazing and is a great tribute to those who had the vision to build Preston Guild Lodge. As ever with any significant event at Preston Guild Lodge, there had to be cake. On this occasion a cake with the image of the restored jewel on the top.
Eight other Hall Stone Lodges from the Province of West Lancashire joined in the Commemoration. The Lodge Director of Ceremonies, David Parker Snr gave a presentation about the History of the Hall Stone Jewel and the Peace Memorial which was very well received by all. During the presentation the Provincial Grand Master re-conferred the Jewel on the Lodge.
Everyone retired to the bar before enjoying a lively festive board and enjoying that wonderful Masonic Friendship.
