Warrant: 3rd February 1926
Meetings: Third Saturday, Sept - Apr
Installation: January
Linacre Lodge began as an idea in the minds of a group of Masons, of several Lodges, who held a preliminary meeting on 19 August 1925, in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Bootle. It was agreed to meet in the Hall on the third Saturday in every month, from September to May.
A petition was made to the Grand Master, signed by the Founders and recommended by Fermor Hesketh Lodge No. 1350. The petition was made “to relieve the pressure on Lodge No. 1350, for the conveniency of members residences and to extend the membership of the Craft”, stating that “many of the petitioners have common interests in St Matthew’s Church”. The Lodge was consecrated on 8 May 1926.
The Lodge crest was designed “to show by illustration the name of the Lodge”, the elements being ‘LIN’ – a waterfall, and ‘ACRE’.
All meetings were held in the Church Hall, it being the duty of members to furnish the Lodge. All the furniture had to be laid out for the Saturday meeting, but the Hall had to be restored to its normal appearance in time for Sunday School on the following day.
In about September 1934, the Lodge moved to its present home in the Masonic Hall, then in Balliol Road, Bootle.
In the early days, the members met more formally than we do now – all in Evening Dress, or at least Morning Dress!
In 1939, the Lodge saw many changes. The September meeting (in common with that of all other Lodges) was cancelled by Grand Lodge as a temporary measure because of the outbreak of war, but was relaxed a few weeks later. During the war, it was reported that the Secretary and his family had a miraculous escape when his house was demolished by enemy action. All the Lodge papers, including the Minute Book, had been buried under the debris of his house for over a week, but through the good offices of one of the members, they were all recovered in good condition.
A tradition inseparable from Freemasonry, and evident in our activities throughout the years, is the number of fathers and sons who have become established in our fraternity, and together with their families have given of their time and efforts to maintain our support of the various charitable organisations. Long may it continue!
Our meetings are now held on the third Saturday in the month, from September to April (incl.), starting at 1:00 p.m.