W. Bro. Lesley F Hiles PSGD, PAPGM, 1910-1990
Abbey Lodge 2529
Past Senior Grand Deacon
Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Bro. Hiles was initiated into Abbey Lodge on the 13 December 1945 was passed on the 14 February 1946 and raised on the 11 April 1946.
He became Worshipful Master of Abbey Lodge in 1950 and a Grand Officer in 1962. He progressed through Provincial Rank becoming Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 1971, a position he held until 1984.
Following his death the Provincial Grand Master wished to hold a memorial service in recognition of the high esteem in which Leslie was held in the Province and Freemasonry in general. Mrs Hiles advised the Provincial Grand Master that Leslie would not have wanted such a tribute, which was typical of this unassuming man, and it was decided therefore to launch an appeal to the Brethren of East Lancashire in order to raise a sum of money which could be put to some use that would help serve as a permanent reminder to the Brethren of W. Bro. Hiles service to the Province. The appeal raised a total of £19,341.
In addition to his membership of Abbey Lodge he was also a member of the following Lodges:-
- East Lancashire Provincial Grand Offices Lodge No. 3747
- Manor Lodge No. 3322
- Lodge of Fortitude No. 64
- Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No. 7755
He was also an honorary member off many Lodges in the Province.
Abbey Chapter 2529
Deputy Grand Superintendent
W. Bro Hiles was also a member of Abbey Chapter becoming its First Principal in 1954. He was also member of:-
- East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Chapter and
- Setantia Chapter of First Principals.
In Chapter he was Third Grand Principal in 1966, Second Grand Principal in 1967 and became the First Deputy Grand Superintendent in 1973, a position he held until his death on the 18 March 1990.
At a meeting of Abbey Chapter on Thursday 17 October 1991, a portrait of the late Excellent Companion Leslie Fitzallan Hiles, Past Grand Scribe N., Deputy Grand Superintendents in and over the Province of East Lancashire from 1973 to 1990 was unveiled by Excellent Companion James Dunsford Hemsley, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent. The portrait was on permanent display in the Lodge rooms for a number of years.
Priory Lodge of Mark Master Masons, 693
Past Grand Master Overseer
Leslie F. Hiles was Advanced into Priory Lodge of MMM on 7 November, 1951. This membership meant he was active in all 3 orders that then met at Whalley or to be more precise The Masonic Rooms, Union Club, Whalley.
He became Worshipful Master of Priory Lodge on 5 March, 1958. Interestingly, the Installation banquet on this occasion was held at the Dugdale Arms, Burnley.
By 1974 he held the office of Past Grand Deacon (England) and in September 1975 was promoted to acting Grand Master Overseer which he held for one year.
