Chorley Cake |
| I’m sure that members of the public thinking about a visit to Chorley, will likely be aiming to sample the delicious confectionary known as a Chorley cake, a confection of dried fruit encased in a shortcrust pastry mmm………, but the town has a long and distinguished history as well. |
| I understand that the place name of Chorley originated as a place name in the 13th Century as part of Land owned by William De Ferres, Earl of Derby. So, in 1250 AD Chorley received its First charter to become a Borough, and the local history society suggests that William De Ferres, became the first Lord of Chorley (there are rumours that an eminent Allied Mason now holds that title, but I can’t find any formal confirmation!). It is also suggested that it is possible that the borough was sacked by the Scots during the Great Raid of 1322, with Chorley being one of the southernmost points which the Scots reached in Northern England (is that why there are so many McDonalds restaurants in Chorley??). More appropriate to Allied Freemasonry is that the Church of St Lawrence is the oldest Church in Chorley. |
| But we Allied Masons had a different purpose for visiting Chorley and its Masonic Hall on the morning of Wednesday, 26th March 2025, in that it was the meeting date for the Timothy John Lewis Council, and its annual performance of the Grand High Priest Ceremony. |
| The Council was first opened in the Lawrence Degree in the first floor Lodge Room, in the presence of two District Grand Prefects no less, Paul Snape for West Lancashire, and Graham Newton for East Lancashire, together with Grand and District Grand Officers and visitors. |
| Following the usual salutations, the District Grand DC requested permission to retire to attend upon an eminent Allied Mason who was also impatient to join the activities. No sooner said than done, and the DC demanded admission for the Grand Master, who was subsequently processed into the Council, warmly welcomed by the Worshipful Master, and then saluted with eleven times 3 and 1. Following this an ‘In Memoriam’ for W. Bros Tony Alderton and Ernie Gavan was announced, and Brethren stood in silence for Departed Merit. The business of the Council then moved along quickly, and soon the WM closed the Council and Brethren made their way downstairs for the GHP ceremony. |
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Most Excellent President, Marc Goldsworthy, warming up before the GHP Ceremony |
| Under the watchful eye of the Grand Master, Marc Goldsworthy opened the ‘Convention of Grand High Priest’ as ‘Most Excellent President’ with the assistance of a cast of thousands. He invested the Degree of GHP on a dozen or so Candidates in an excellent manner. At the close of proceedings, both the Grand Master and District Grand Prefect for West Lancashire, thanked Marc and the other Officers for all the work involved in conducting the ceremony. They also congratulated all the Candidates on being admitted and anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Holy Office of Grand High Priest. |
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The Grand Master and District Grand Prefect join the Principal Officers and Candidates following completion of the ceremony |
| Over Forty Brethren attended the Festive board consisting of a heart bowl of soup with artisan bread, followed by a Lancashire meat pie, chips and what else but mushy peas (but unfortunately not a Chorley cake in sight!). On conclusion of lunch and the speeches, Brethren departed into the sunshine, well pleased with the morning’s work. |
| Photos and Words by one of the Lancashire Pies |
