Lodge of Unity

Origins and Foundation

Lodge of Unity was born from ambition. In the early 1990s, a group of younger Masons in Corby found their progress toward the Master’s chair was likely to take many years due to the strength and seniority of existing lodges. Rather than wait, they decided to take matters into their own hands.

The idea was sparked by W. Bro Barry Ball and Jim Spence, who approached W. Bro Bill Barry to act as founding secretary. Their goal was simple: establish a new Craft lodge in Corby that could accelerate the development of committed brethren into leadership roles.

A petition was submitted by 22 founding members. Once approved, planning began in earnest for a new lodge that would reflect their energy and dedication.

Consecration and First Meeting

The Lodge of Unity No 9495 was formally consecrated on 20 February 1993 at the Masonic Hall on Rockingham Road, Corby. The ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro H.B. Smith, supported by a full team of Provincial Grand Officers.

R.W. Bro R.S.E. Sandbach, Past Provincial Grand Master, took the chair to appoint the officers of the consecrating team. Once the formalities were complete, R.W. Bro Smith addressed the brethren and explained the purpose of the meeting before W. Bro F.E. Pickard delivered the opening prayer.

The petitioners signified their approval of the warrant as it was read aloud. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro O.N.N. Hart, then took the chair and installed W. Bro J.S. Spence PPrGSwdB as the lodge’s first Worshipful Master. W. Bro E. Blackley was invested as the Immediate Past Master.

Direction and Growth

From its earliest days, Lodge of Unity established itself as a lodge driven by intent and purpose. It offered newer Masons a chance to take on responsibility sooner than they might have elsewhere and built a lodge culture rooted in action, learning, and progress.

While it worked closely with other lodges in Corby, Unity developed its own identity—serious about ritual, focused on development, and committed to providing strong leadership within the province.

Present Day

Lodge of Unity continues to meet at the Corby Masonic Complex and remains one of the town’s most active lodges. Its membership includes both those who helped build it and new initiates who carry on its founding purpose.

From the vision of a few ambitious Masons to a full and thriving lodge, Unity has stayed true to its name—uniting experience and energy, past and future, tradition and progression.