Preston Guild Lodge Appointed to UGLE University
Scheme

United Grand Lodge of England established the Universities Scheme in 2005 as
a means of introducing Freemasonry’s important values to a new generation.
 The scheme has a critical role in enhancing the opportunities for students and
others connected with universities to join and enjoy Freemasonry.
There are almost 90 lodges and seven Chapters signed up to the scheme all
working in their own distinct ways to enhance those opportunities in those towns
and cities with universities. All these Lodges welcome new members and those
wishing to become Freemasons, who are undergraduates, postgraduates, senior
members of the university and alumni, and any students from Further Education,
ranging in age from 18 upwards.

In addition, when a student’s study come to an end or a University employee
may relocate, there is a ready route to continue to enjoy their Freemasonry in the
nearest University Lodge where they live and work.
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the UKs fasted growing
institutions in the UK. It has its roots firmly in Preston as it evolved from the Harris
Institute and College. Founded in 1928 as the ‘Institution for the Diffusion of
Knowledge’ the university has a rich history. In 1882 local philanthropist Edmund
Harris bequeathed significant funds through his Trustees and the name was
changed to The Harris Institute later to the Harris College. After many changes, in
1992 the University of Central Lancashire was established.

Edmund Harris was a great benefactor to Preston. His estate also provided the
funding for the Harris Museum and Library. This great Landmark of Preston was
designed by Freemason James Hibbert of Peace and Unity Lodge No 314. The
Foundation Stone was laid in 1882 by a special Provincial Grand Lodge with 1200
masons present.

Early in 2022, the Preston Group Chairman asked for lodges in Preston to express
an interest in becoming a University Scheme lodge to provide opportunities centred
around UCLan.

Preston Guild Lodge No 4408, who were I the midst of their Centenary Year did
more than express an interest. They made a formal application to be the University
Scheme Lodge for Preston. Preston Guild Lodge has a reputation for getting things
done. It was born of a desire to have Hall Stone Lodge in Preston and they took just
three years from Consecration to achieve that goal. The lodge also played a leading
role in establishing a Masonic home for Preston in the 1940s leading to the
development of Preston Masonic Hall.

In the summer of 2022, the lodge was invited to take part in an 18 month to two year
trial as a University Scheme Lodge. True to their past enthusiasm, the lodge stepped
up and sprang into action. Remarkably, many of the adaptations required to be a
University Scheme Lodge were already practiced by PGL. The lodge had an

established website which carried the UGLE Charter Mark and was very active with
Social Media. Whilst being very busy planning the Centenary Celebration meeting for
October 2022, the lodge rapidly integrated the work for the scheme into its
programme.

Preston Guild Lodge No 4408 is mirrored in Freemasonry for Women with, as a
stroke of luck, Preston Guild Lodge No 29. The two lodges already had excellent
relationships and had enjoyed a “joint meeting” earlier in the year with a White Table
Festive Board to follow. This partnership was to prove crucial.

Working together the two lodges met the diversity criteria and were able to secure a
space at the Freshers Event. David Parker Jnr from No 4408 and Angela Seed from
No 29 attended the Freshers fair and kick started the process. This partnership will
continue so that both lodges can attract new members.

Preston Guild Lodge are also very grateful to the City of Lancaster Lodge No 281
who act as the University Lodge for Lancaster and South Cumbria. Very clear
support and guidance has been well received from John Stanley who is the
University Scheme Lead for West Lancashire. This mentorship proved invaluable.
Very quickly, some six potential prospects have come froward and are being
processed utilising the Pathway Process. The first three candidates are being
initiated in January and February of 2023.

Late in the year, the Lodge was asked to produce a Business Case to support their
application to become a University Scheme Lodge. It was determined that the Lodge
had made such rapid progress in a very short time that the application was fast
tracked. Preston Guild Lodge was appointed to be a University Scheme Lodge in
December 2022; at least 18 months ahead of plan.

The lodge is both proud and humbled by this appointment. The momentum will be
maintained as the lodge works on making access to Freemasonry smoother for all in
UCLan.