William Bear Junior (1852-1899)

From the records we have about the Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge, 1504, William was a Founding Member in 1875 at the age of 23. It is believed that he, whilst Worshipful Master of 1504, along with Colonel Starkie, acted as sponsors to those gentlemen of the Union Club wishing to become Freemasons. In 1893 and 1894 there was a flurry of activity at Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge with Initiations of 3s and 2s taking place with the names now well known to Abbey Lodge. Hence the Founders List displays numerous 1504s next to names. The Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge of Padiham was truly Abbey’s Mother Lodge. Sadly, 1504 handed their warrant back in May 2018 and no longer meet.

In the photograph of him accompanying this text his Past Master’s Jewel can be glimpsed behind the head of Colonel Le Gendre Starkie.

He was  Abbey Lodge’s first-ever Director of Ceremonies, but sadly never attained the Master’s Chair.

William passed to the Grand Lodge above on the 12 April 1899 the day before Colonel Le Gendre Starkie died. An Article entitled Funeral of Mr. W. Bear, of Padiham was published on Wednesday, April 19, 1899 in the Burnley Express.