St Nicholas Lodge 2586: a history
In 1895, Scarborough had three Craft Lodges of Freemasons, The Old Globe Lodge (No. 200) with 150 members, The Dension Lodge (No. 1248) with 80 members and the Leopold Lodge (No. 1760) with 80 members.
During the late 1800’s the temperance movement was a significant mass movement and Methodist Churches were closely aligned with the temperance, as advocated by their founder John Wesley. Scarborough had embraced Methodism, as is evidenced by the numerous chapels, churches and halls.
Several leading Brethren, and Methodists began to discuss the formation of a new lodge, a temperance lodge to cater for Teetotal brethren. At a meeting of the three Scarborough Lodges, as well as Filey Royal Lodge (No. 643), it was agreed that: –
“A Temperance Lodge be formed, where no intoxicating drinks should be used at 4th degree banquets or other functions of the lodge”.
Scarborough been a maritime town it was fitting that it should be named after the patron saint of Sailors, St Nicholas. The Masonic Hall was also located on St Nicholas Cliff, which was also the location for the medieval Church of St Nicholas (where the Grand is now situated).
The St Nicholas Lodge (No. 2586) was consecrated with full Masonic ritual on 2nd December 1896 by the Marquess of Zetland, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire, North and East Ridings.
The first Worshipful Master if the Lodge was Bro. George William Tindall, a well known and respected surname in Scarborough. The founding Worshipful Master jewel, presented by W. Bro Tindall, has been presented to each incoming Worshipful Master at the lodge installation held on the first Wednesday in December. Bro. George Tindall was a businessman who owned an outfitters and furnishers at 107 (on the corner of Tindall Street!) & 132 Victoria Road
The lodge remained a ‘dry’ lodge for almost 70 years and coffee and soft drinks were served at festive boards and installations instead of wine or beer.
Times changed, and in 1965 the ‘temperance Bye Law” was rescinded at the request of the majority of the brethren, and so it’s 70th year, the lodge went from dry to wet.
Today the St. Nicholas Lodge welcomes good men of all backgrounds, as it continues to adapt and evolve as it has done since 1895.