Warrant: 3rd December 1873
Meetings: First Thurs: Oct-Dec, Feb-May
Installation: March 1874 – 1999.
“Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery but Today is a Gift ….”
Before reflecting on the last quarter century, it is appropriate to look back to the first 100 years to see how Bootle Lodge has grown from a firm foundation and built around it a solid framework to protect us for the future and allow us to continue to be a monument to honest Masonic endeavour.
It is difficult to imagine a picture of the village of Bootle-cum-Linacre (population 27,000) in the latter half of the 19th century. With the continuing growth of world trade and the ever expanding merchant fleet, the Liverpool dock system was soon to extend over the boundaries of the village. Its beaches disappeared and its elegant homes were replaced by business premises changing it from a pleasurable resort to a habitat of ‘ruffians, loose women and men disposed to riot and strikes’.
However, within these boundaries lived many reputable merchants, businessmen and gentlemen of character. In particular, one of these was a certain Samuel Ellis Ibbs. A gentleman by nature and an iron founder, W.Bro. Ibbs was a Past Master in both the Downshire Lodge No. 594 and Toxteth Lodge No. 1356.
Prior to 1874 there were only two Lodges in existence in the Bootle area, namely Fermor Hesketh Lodge No. 1350 and Skelmersdale Lodge No. 1380, both of which were founded in 1871. With the dramatic build up to membership, it was thought opportune to form new Lodges. Subsequently at a meeting held in the Browne Cave Assembly Rooms, Bro. S.E. Ibbs as Chairman and other Masonic Brethren sent a petition to the Most Worshipful, The Grand Master, requesting a Warrant of Constitution. Happily the Lodge Warrant was granted naming Bro. Samuel Ibbs as the first Worshipful Master and it was at the Molyneux Rooms on 19th February 1874 that the Lodge was formally consecrated. After the ceremony of Consecration, the Chair was taken by W.Bro. H.A. Alpass, P.G.S., and he duly Installed Bro. Samuel Ellis Ibbs as the first Worshipful Master of Bootle Lodge No. 1473.
This healthy situation relative to new members is illustrated in the May 1899 meeting of Bootle Lodge when 10 Brethren were passed and 10 Brethren were raised. It was on 7th February 1907 that the Lodge initiated a certain Mr. William Alan Gale who became a well- known character not only in Bootle but throughout West Lancashire Freemasonry. He was subsequently a founder of Litherland Lodge No. 3676 and Worshipful Master of Bootle Lodge in 1920. In 1933 he was instrumental in kick-starting the Bootle Masonic Temple Fund and with the assistance of the late W.Bro. Alex Ross, P..Pr.J.G.W. of this Lodge succeeded in raising the monies for the purchase of this building. W. Bro. Gale’s portrait hangs proudly in this Hall.
On 19th April 1974, the Lodge assembled on a warm afternoon to celebrate 100 glorious years with Bro. Tom Hunter as our very proud Worshipful Master, who had a delightful ‘geordie’ accent.
On that occasion the Lodge was greatly honoured by the presence of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Sir Knowles Edge, Baronet.