History by Stanley Oldfield
Welcome to the Wigan and District Masonic Group where Freemasonry has been in existence for well over 200 years with the oldest Lodge, the 'Lodge of Antiquity No.178' being consecrated on 21st. June 1786 and the latest, the 'Ancient and Loyal Lodge of Installed Masters No. 9762' being consecrated as recently as 15th. May 2003.
The Town of Wigan is often referred to as being the hub of the North West being equidistant from the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Preston. In Roman times the settlement was known as Coccium and was a staging post between Chester and Ribchester; indeed just north of the town is a place known as Hic Bibi, which meant 'Here I drink', where there was fresh drinking water for soldiers on the march.
Wigan received its first Charter in 1246 and the town has always been intensely loyal to its Sovereign, supporting the Royalist cause in the Civil War. Indeed one of the last Battles of that war was fought in Wigan in 1651.The town's Coat of Arms and its Motto 'Ancient and Loyal' reflect on the town's long history and its support of the Crown.
Freemasons in the Town have also demonstrated their loyalty over many generations and on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Coronation in 1838, Freemasons, together with other organisations and civic dignitaries, marched through the town carrying a large banner proclaiming their support. This banner is still on display today at one of our Masonic Halls and to this day at every Masonic occasion the first toast is to 'The Queen, Duke of Lancaster' and the National Anthem is sung. Hence it was not unusual for the most recent Lodge to be called 'Ancient and Loyal Lodge of Installed Masters'.
The Lodges in the Group have supported the Wigan and Leigh Hospice with donations every year since it was built and as part of the Group's Millennium Project, sufficient donations were made from each Lodge to provide FOUR MOTORISED SCOOTERS for the Motorbility Scheme in the town centre.
However, there is far more to Freemasonry in the Group than just in charitable giving.
At each Lodge meeting there are what we call ceremonies, demonstrations of ceremonies or lectures all of which are designed to improve the individual, to make him aware of his responsibilities to his neighbours and the wider community, being a constant reminder of how he is expected to conduct himself in both his daily and business life. Likewise, there are social occasions such as Ladies Evenings, which can be quite formal, Theme nights such as a Lancashire Night or a Mediaeval night when Members, their families and friends get together and enjoy themselves.
One of the things that a Freemason must never forget is to look after elderly and distressed Brethren and the widows of deceased brethren. This can be a quite demanding responsibility and undertaking because the Group has over 450 widows. Each Lodge has an Almoner who visits those associated with his Lodge ensuring that every possible assistance is given when there is need, or sometimes it simply requires being able to spend a little time on a regular basis with those who unfortunately live a more lonely life. There is also the Masonic Fellowship in the Group where retired Members and widows of former members meet once per month and after hearing a visiting speaker on subjects, which can be wide and varied, have time for a get together over a cup of tea and biscuits. Outings to the theatre and day trips to places of interest have been held at regular intervals.
Freemasonry in Wigan has been here for a long time. Its Members have included many high ranking individuals who have influenced the town and its development; many Mayors of Wigan and also many ordinary members of the town but throughout the past two hundred years, Freemasons have met on an equal footing: Peers of the Realm have mixed with others of a much lower social standing, as classified by society today and yet, in our Lodge rooms, we meet and have always met as equals with a respect for each other and respect for what we stand for, BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH not forgetting also that the INTEGRITY of the individual is paramount.
