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CONCLUSION
Photographic portraits of eminent but unidentified Masons of the Kingston Lodge c1860 - 1880 The early days for freemasonry in Hull were somewhat parlous. Surrounded by internal feuding and poor financial management the lodges staggered on until by necessity or opinion they were struck off in 1768. The next few years were a tribute to a few faithful locals, travelling players, mariners and armed forces. They kept the flame of Masonry lit until another lodge was formed. The re-emergence of a lodge in the form of the Rodney was initially successful but it is likely that it eventually over reached itself with large underused premises it could not finance, amongst other things. The financial skills of treasurers and secretaries, as well as their integrity on occasion, was found wanting. The setting up of further lodges and their desire for their own premises put further strain on the Movement and each one was gradually failing, drawing off strength from each other. Into this scenario came William Crow and by fair means or foul he and a few others finally forged a lodge, the Humber which flourished. The other survivor was the Minerva who caught the tide flowing in Masonry’s favour and regained its strength. Both had had ambitions for their own premises but fortunately for them they built only small ones and soon paid for them. They also learnt their lesson in financial management. The suggestion for amalgamation and sharing premises would have been wise but a decision was never reached on whose premises to favour. From such uncertain beginnings freemasonry had finally taken root. The emphasis had changed from one of conviviality to a more reflective and less turbulent one. The early divisions and differences had been swept away by time. As has been stated the Kingston Lodge was formed in 1864 as a result of the size of the Minerva becoming unmanageable. Its history is recorded elsewhere. This was followed by the founding of the De la Pole Lodge in 1876. This Lodge also has recorded its history in book form. Expansion continued and in 1885 the Wilberforce Lodge also was formed. It too has a written history. The Lord Bolton Lodge which recently celebrated its centenary was founded in 1907. List of Later Lodges in Hull.
Since then the Hymerian, Technical and Thesaurus lodges have been formed in Hull amongst others [See table]. They may or may not have written their history. It can be seen that from these few recorded facts that Masonry attracted some interesting publicly minded people, subject to the same weakness and vices as anyone else, who played their part in the story and development of Hull. They exhibited many of the virtues, strengths and morality taught to Freemasons in their doings and behaviour. Longstaff’s generosity to the Scott expedition which made it possible, also made it possible for Scott and his friends to show immense courage and fortitude. This set an example and gave inspiration to many during the First World War. Who can say what other unsung heroes from these Hull lodges, gave out to others in their own small way. Two hundred and fifty years on the Society continues; clinging to the best traditions through good times and bad, but ever open to meaningful change to ensure its survival in the modern world. Currently the debate on premises continues as it did in earlier days. There are now 4 premises namely Dagger Lane, Beverley Road, Park Street, and Sutton and as costs rise the question is will they all survive?
Current Masonic Lodges, Kingston upon Hull, 2009 Author’s collection It is often thought that Freemasonry is a Secret Society . The vast majority of the material in this article was located in the public domain, which supports its claim to be a society with secrets and not a secret society.
A futher three Masonic luninaries, one of which is shown in the uniform of Lieutenant Colonel, East Yorkshire Rifle Volunteers, another with the Lord Mayoral chain of office.
Dr. Barry Hovell M.B. Ch.B. F.F.A.R.C.S. ©2009 Introduction: Freemasonry and Acknowledgements
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Designed by
Richard Hayton 2009 |
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