SCUNTHORPE FREEMASONS

History

Scunthorpe’s tradition in Freemasonry began in February 1885 with the creation of St. Lawrence Lodge. To put that in its historical context, it was five years before the town made its first steel.

As the town grew with the development in steelmaking, so did the number of people wanting to become Freemasons, which in turn led to the creation of more Lodges. Second to be formed was Industry Lodge in November 1924. It chose Saturday as its meeting day because that was the most convenient for those working in the iron and steel industry.

Next came Pharos, in February 1947, when WW2 was ended and those who’d been in the Forces sought to rekindle the comradeship they’d felt during the conflict. Freemasonry provided that perfectly.

Finally The Lodge of St John was added in April 1962 as the result of ever-growing member numbers.

All four Lodges meet in a discreet building on Normanby Road, Scunthorpe. This building has a special place in the history of Freemasonry. In 1913, charged with finding permanent premises, the St. Lawrence brethren were offered the piece of land on which the building stands. Using the combined skills of the members they built Lodge building which we have occupied ever since.

In its early days the membership reflected the development of the iron and steel industry that has dominated the Scunthorpe economy. The early brethren included iron makers, administrators, and engineers and that tradition has continued through the years.

However, Freemasonry takes no real account, apart from polite interest, of what a member does for a living. We set all that aside when we meet in a convivial atmosphere to share our ceremonies and meals with each other. Life in the 21st century is very different from that in the 19th, but the traditions of Freemasonry are unchanged. The benefits it can bring to members who are helped to become the best-possible versions of themselves, are as strong today as they were in 1885.