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A BRIEF HISTORY
The Warrant of the Lodge was granted on the 1st February 1928 by the then Grand Master His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, KG.
The name Howley is taken from Howley Hall which was predominate feature of this area in the 17th Century.
The Consecration Meeting was held 28th September 1928. There were nineteen Founder Members of which seventeen were from the Nelson of the Nile Lodge No 264. Lodge and is rightly known as the Mother Lodge.
Howley Lodge started off at the Freemason's Hall, Park Road Batley and moved to Blenheim House, Batley in January 1935. The Lodge is part owners of the building along with Scarborough Lodge No 1214 and Trafalgar Lodge No 971.
The ritual used by the Lodge is the Old York Working, that being practised by it's Mother Lodge. Nelson of the Nile No 264, and a visitor on his first time to the Lodge will be surprised at the many variations to anything they have previously witnessed. Take notice of the Asst. D. C. when he perambulates to light the candles.
On the 12th May 1999, the fourth candidate to be initiated into Howley Lodge,
W Bro Walter Herman Booth, PPSGW; celebrated 70 years in Freemasonry . The actual date of his initiation being 8th May 1929. W Bro Booth would have celebrated his 100th Birthday in June but unfortunately died on the 6th April, 73 days short of that birthday.
The Lodge has only had one Grand Officer and that being W Bro Basil Toplis, PGStdBr. who was also a Founder Member of the Lodge.
Howley Lodge has enjoyed a good size membership throughout it's 71 years, having over a 100 members in the 1960's but like most Lodges it has seen a gradual decline in numbers and presently stands at 47.
In 1989 a number of it's members were Founder Members of Woodsmoke Lodge No. 9317, as the name implies it has connections with Scouting.
We of the Howley Lodge pride ourselves on the care we have for the Widows of the Lodge. Each Christmas they receive a hamper and from the proceeds of Festive Board raffles the Widows are treated to a Sunday Lunch, usually in June. Transport being provided by the members of the Lodge.
One tradition that has not changed is the dress for the Regular Lodge Meeting which is Dinner Jackets but do not let that prevent you visiting us.
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