A short history of Pentalpha Lodge
On 12th June 1863 a group of Freemasons, members of Bradford’s long-established Hope Lodge, was granted permission to form a new Lodge. “The Pentalpha Lodge” was then formally consecrated at the Market Place Masonic Hall on 6th October 1863; the Provincial Grand Master, the Right Honourable Earl De Grey and Ripon presided.
The first Worshipful Master was William Foster, son of John Foster the founder of Black Dyke Mills. He presented his new Lodge with a beautiful first Minute Book which has gilt-edged leaves bound together in leather. The corners are protected by ornate metal-mounts; a gold five-pointed star denotes ownership. This is now housed with the Bradford Archivist.
A similarly decorated bible, dating from 1709, is still displayed at all Lodge meetings. The Lodge has 2 other unusual, treasured possessions which date back to those early years; a richly-decorated model of The Ark of the Covenant, approximately two-fifths the size of the original as described in the Book of Exodus; and a mounted stone block (a “smooth ashlar” to Freemasons), the stone of which originated from the quarry used in the construction of King Solomon’s second temple in Jerusalem.
Many eminent men have been members of the Lodge. Bradford’s first Lord mayor, John Arthur Godwin joined in 1912. Two of Bradford’s bishops have been members, including the Rt. Rev. A.W.F. Blunt who, in 1936 unintentionally triggered rumours about King Edward V111’s affair with Mrs Simpson; the King subsequently abdicated. There have been famous musicians, such as Frederick Cook Atkinson, who composed the well-known Methodist hymn tune “Morecambe;” also high-ranking military men and many successful industrialists mostly involved in the woollen industry. Ernest Marriott, who founded Bradford Flower Fund Homes, was a member. The legal and medical professions have been particularly well-represented, indeed the Lodge was at one time described as Bradford’s medical Lodge.
In 1963 the Lodge’s centenary was celebrated at a lavish ceremony and Horace Hird produced a comprehensive account of the first 100 years (the source of many of the details given here).
The Pentalpha Lodge has been compelled to move to several different Bradford premises during its over 160 years, including masonic halls in Darley Street, Rawson Square, Spring Bank Place and Hoyle Court. Since 2015 it has been based at the imposing masonic hall in Baildon. Throughout its existence members have endeavoured to maintain high standards during ceremonies, always dressing formally at meetings and festive boards. Enjoyable social events have also been important; the current membership has fond memories of Ladies’ Nights in Harrogate and weekends away in London.