Clayton-Le-Moors became the set of “How Freemasonry was Born”

The cast of “How Freemasonry was Born” with the Lodge of Installed Masters

There are many myths and books talking about Freemasonry, about King Solomon’s Temple, about the myth of Hiram Abiff and so on. They follow a certain chronological narrative, but the lowest common denominator is that they revolve mainly around moral and spiritual self-improvement, self-building, brotherhood and death.

Learning and Brotherhood are a part of this journey, no matter if you are an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason or an Installed Master. Everyone who attended the Masonic lodge at Clayton-Le- Moors on Monday the 27^th of April witnessed the Presentation “How Freemasonry was Born” by members of the East Lancashire Level Club (ELLC).

For the First time, City East joined Northern Area to act in the play written by Bro Francesco Toto, Chairman of the ELLC City East,

The cast was put together by W Bro Russell Harwood and composed of Bro Stuart MacKenzie, W Bro Ray Godwin (Area Mentor), W Bro Graham Robinson, Bro’s Andrew Kiddie, Kyle Winder, Lloyd Hargreaves, Mark Waterhouse and Scott Smith.

Several Provincial Officers as well as some Light Blues attended the Play, including the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the area W Bro David McGurty.

In the 18th Century, England swelled with life, grandeur and poverty entwined, its streets teeming with ambition, hunger, and whispers of rebellion. The streets pulse with unrest. The divide between Crown and people grows wider, yet the machinery of government presses on. In 1715, rebellion rose in Scotland and the north of England; Jacobite forces marching for James Stuart’s cause.

Meanwhile, a group of friends met at the Apple Tree Tavern, not far from St. Mary’s Church, near Covent Garden. They did not know that their meeting would change the world for centuries to come.

The play performed by the group intended to explain how Freemasonry, which began in these conditions, encouraged men to act in a more open and brotherly manner, towards each other.

Francesco said “It felt the right thing to do, to produce the play. The young Masons need something new to show them, rather than just attending ceremonies. We worked together as a Team, meeting regularly to put on the best show we could.  

Story by Bro Francesco Toto

From the Left: Bro Andrew Kiddie, WBro Graham Robinson, Bro Kyle Winder, Bro Francesco Toto, W Bro Ray Godwin (Area Mentor), Lloyd Hargreaves, Mark Waterhouse.