Chapter One, The Early Years

That the Lodge always has been, for most Brethren, associated with Haworth is an understandable belief since the Lodge has been in Haworth at various venues since 1806.

However, our history dates from earlier times, 1792, to be exact, when the Brethren of Royal Lancashire Lodge of Colne (Lancashire) founded the Lodge at Barnoldswick as the Lodge of Three Graces – Faith Hope and Charity – No 506.

Their minutes dated 1st November 1792 record that a present of £1-1-0. be made to the new Lodge. All the Founders of the Lodge were, or had been, members of Royal Lancashire Lodge.

The Warrant was given at York and dated 15th September 1792 and signed by John Watson, PGM, Chris Wilson, PGS and Thomas Thackray, DPGM. The Warrant is still in existence but not in the possession of the Lodge, its whereabouts will be disclosed later.
The Worshipful Master was Thomas Broughton, his brother was Senior Warden and Robert Robinson was Junior Warden. Another “Broughton”, William, was also one of the Founders together with James Crook and Edward Petty. These three brothers were the sons of Robert Broughton of Salterforth (a nearby village) who was a well known “operative” stone mason, however there is no record of him being a “speculative” mason.

So to continue with our own personal History. The Lodge meetings were held at the Seven Stars Inn at Bamoldswick. The Minutes written by men of limited academic education give only a sketchy insight into the Lodge.

Just a bare record of meetings held, candidates being initiated,passed and raised .. A manual dated 1797 entitled “An authentic key to the Door of Freemasonry both Ancient and Modern” which was found amongst the Lodge archives does give us an interesting insight into the format of Lodge proceedings. Sometimes an additional comment was recorded such as “lectures gone through with credit to all concerned”.

References are made to “illigant” dinners after Lodge meetings, the festive board, then as now, being one of the additional pleasures of Freemasonry where fellowship is promoted. And always the Minutes conclude “The Lodge closed in perfect harmony”

Such then is the initial history of the Lodge until 1806 when – more of the changes in the fortunes of the Lodge in chapter two…

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