Although not the oldest Lodge in the Province, “32″, as it is known, its formal name being rather too long for everyday conversation, is probably the most distinguished lodge in the Province. It was one of the “Antient” or “Athol” Lodges and was founded in 1755 as No. 45. In 1786, the Lodge purchased the warrant of the then defunct Lodge 25, which accounts for its low number today. The Lodge was re-numbered 38 on the union of the two Grand Lodges and then re-numbered 35 in 1832 and 32 in 1883, which number it retains today.
The Lodge was prominent in the “Great Liverpool Rebellion” when it took the side of Grand Lodge. The first nine Provincial Grand Masters of the Province of West Lancashire were all subscribing members of the Lodge, although not all were initiated into it.
Masonically, the most prominent member of 32 was probably the 1st Earl of Lathom who rose to the high distinction of Pro Grand Master from 1891 to 1898. The 16th Earl of Derby, a notable politician and statesman and who became Governor General of Canada was also a member, having been initiated into 32. Other members of the lodge have included many national and local notables and even James Maybrick who attained some notoriety when his wife Florence was convicted of his murder. She was subsequently pardoned but only after spending 15 years in prison.
The Lodge has many peculiar and time-honoured traditions, including “calling off for refreshment”, dining round its own long table in regalia and closing the Lodge round the table after dinner. It also owns some beautiful and historic furniture, including the Master’s chair, which was presented to the Lodge by Lord Penhryn in 1784 and an old oil painted tracing
cloth, probably dating from around 1815. The original now hangs in the Provincial Grand Secretary’s office and a reproduction is used for lodge meetings
The Lodge first met at the “Bird in Hand” Public House in Castle Ditch, near where Derby Square stands to
day and, after many moves over the next 250 years now meets at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel where it celebrated its 250th anniversary in February 2007 in the presence of the Pro Grand Master, The Most Hon. The Marquess of Northampton
