The first Mark Master Masons (MMM) Lodge in Whalley, Priory Lodge 693 handed its warrant in on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
Founded on Monday, 15th September 1919 in the Assembly Rooms, Whalley. The following Brethren of Abbey Lodge were advanced by Scarlet Mark Lodge of Burnley in May 1919, Bros:- Longworth, Hanson, Travis-Clegg, Taylor, Postlethwaite, Roland and Bassnett. The additional furniture required by the Lodge was made by James Langshaw to blend in with the existing Lodge furniture that he had already made. Priory Lodge of MMMs celebrated its Centenary in October 2019 but only a few years later in 2025 sadly became unviable.
Rather than lose Mark Masonry from Whalley discussions with Starkie Lodge of MMM 159 took place.
Starkie Lodge No. 159 has a history spanning over 150 years. The Lodge was named in honour of Colonel Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie (1828–1899) of Huntroyde Hall, Padiham the then Grand Master of the Province of East Lancashire. Colonel Starkie was a significant figure in the local community, a Magistrate, a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire, and a former Member of Parliament for Clitheroe.
Starkie Mark Lodge No. 159 was consecrated on 17 January, 1873, and celebrated its sesquicentenary (150th anniversary) on that exact same date in 2023. At its inauguration, the Lodge received Colonel Starkie’s personal permission to use the Starkie family crest shown here, on its Summons and Past Master jewels, a practice that continues to this day.
Starkie Mark Lodge No. 159 initially met at the Station Hotel in Ramsbottom. Over the years, it moved to the Civic Hall in Ramsbottom, then to Haslingden Masonic Hall in 1989, then to Ashdale Lea in Rossendale and now to Whalley.
As on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 as Priory Lodge handed in its Warrant immediately afterwards the former members of Priory joined Starkie Lodge which will continue meeting at Whalley.
Starkie Mark Lodge No. 159 now meets on the fourth Thursday of March, May and October and the first Wednesday of December with the Installation meeting being in March.
