During the late 70’s, discussion took place between Brethren of the Eccles Group of Lodges, with regard to considering the formation of a new Lodge to be based at Swinton Masonic Hall, which was very much needed. After their first discussion, an approach was made to several close friends who might be interested in founding a new Lodge; some twenty or so Brethren expressed an interest.
After further discussion regarding dates, venue, subscriptions, Officer appointments etc., it was decided that W.Bro. B.F. Smith, PSGD, be elected Worshipful Master Designate and W.Bro. J. Edden, PPrGD, the Secretary.
The date of the Consecration Ceremony was 1st March 1982 and it was performed by the RW Provincial Grand Master, Alan Fletcher Ferris. Twenty-six Founder Members were present together with twenty visitors and the ceremony was followed by a Banquet.
W.Bro. B.F. Smith, PSGD remained as Worshipful Master until November 1982. During that period two Initiates were balloted for and Initiated into Freemasonry, one a Police Constable and the other a Detective Constable, both with the Greater Manchester Police Force.
At the Installation Ceremony in December 1982, W.Bro. A.J. Edden, PAGDC was installed as the Worshipful Master. He was a great ambassador for the Craft and a true gentleman.
Sadly the Lodge has suffered the passing of several much valued members:- W.Bros. J. Hall, D. Clegg, A. Knight, W. Shelmerdine Snr. and Jnr., J.R. Denton, J. Winstanley, W. Ormerod, R. Beech, S. Hughes, E.R. Hassell, D. Marshall and S.A. Shallcross.
In the late 1980’s, Freemasonry in general was having its difficulties and candidates were fewer in number. The number of members in St. Augustine’s Lodge became greatly reduced, but the signs now are looking good as more Initiates and Joining Members are coming forward.
St. Augustine’s Lodge has a future which is thanks to the dedication and hard efforts of the Past Masters of the Lodge.
FOUNDERS OF THE LODGE
W.Bro. B.F. Smith, PSGD; W.Bro. J. Edden, PPrGD; Bro. D. Clegg; W.Bro. J. Hall, PAGDC; Bro. A.J. Edden; W.Bro. R. Holdman; W.Bro. J.E. Thompson; W.Bro. A. Knight, PPrAGDC; W.Bro. W. Shelmerdine, PPrAGDC; W.Bro. G. Mansell; Bro. J. Winstanley; Bro. W. Shelmerdine; W.Bro. J.R. Denton, PPrAGDC; W.Bro. G.R. Sulway; Bro. W. Ormerod; Bro. J.J. France; Bro. W. Jones; Bro. D. Beckett; Bro. F. Stubbs; W.Bro. R.F. Broomhead, PPrAGDC; W.Bro. R. Beech; W.Bro. T.A. Banks; W.Bro. S. Hughes; W.Bro. R.A. Wilcock; Bro. S.A. Shallcross; Bro. G. Harland.
