Formation of the Province of West Yorkshire
Fearnley Lodge was an instrumental part in the formation of the Province of West Yorkshire.
The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons being formed in 1856, with Lord Leigh as Grand Master, who in 1857 was reported as saying he: –
“was very desirous, in all cases where three Lodges should be established in connection with this Grand Lodge in any county, to organize such Lodges into a Province, and appoint over them a G.M. who should be known to him to be welcome to the Brethren he would have to superintend.”
Lord Leigh constituted the first eight Mark Provinces in June 1857.
The Province of West Yorkshire was inaugurated on 2nd August 1871, at a meeting of Fearnley Lodge No. 58, which was based in Halifax at the time.
Initially there were only six lodges on the roll: Prince Edward No. 14, Britannia No. 53, Fearnley No. 58, Integrity No. 110, Copley No. 111 and Portal No. 127.
The first Provincial Grand Master was Thomas Perkinton, a Past Master of Fearnley Lodge No.58.
Having been advanced in 1864, and Worshipful Master in 1868, he held the rank of Past Grand Senior Overseer by the time he was appointed as Provincial Grand Master in 1871. – A rapid rise through the ranks by today’s standards.
At the inauguration of the Province, the first Provincial Grand Secretary was also from the ranks of Fearnley Lodge No.58; William Cooke.
Time in Halifax
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Move to Mirfield
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