Towards the end of this decade however, we began to see the influx of candidates slowing down considerably, with rapid inflation developing, steadily increasing costs, subscriptions increasing nearly every year, the pressure of adverse economic conditions on a Brothers financial situation, his work life balance, exclusions and resignations increased and attendances dropped to the low 20’s with a few visitors, the most visitors being at the Installation meeting in January 1973 when they numbered 15. In January 1979 the membership numbered 39. This trend continued, accelerating in the 1980’s, especially due to the relatively high cost of membership and the expenses involved, difficult employment and business conditions and pressing demands on a brothers resources until at the beginning of 1993 the membership of Palatine Lodge was only 14 full members and 2 country members. * After 100 years the membership level was back to what it was in February 1893. During 100 years a Lodge will have periods of heydays and a few occasions which are its highlights and are remembered for years to come. Certainly, when a Lodge is strong and very active, they will probably be its heydays and for Palatine Lodge this could be said to be the decades before World war I, in the 1920’s and the 1950’s/60’s. The lodge certainly flourished in those days. The highlights in a Lodge would be special celebrations, perhaps to celebrate a Brothers 50 or 60 years in Freemasonry, or when a member receives a high honour in the Order. However, the visit of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, and his delegation is indeed a special occasion. The first time this took place at Palatine Lodge was of course at its consecration. The second occasion was in January 1905 when a formal visit was made by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, the Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, P.G.W. the Earl of Derby, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Captain C.R.N. Beswicke-Royde, the Provincial Grand Secretary, and Treasurer, and other members of his Provincial team, five Grand Lodge Officers, and a number of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers. The occasion was the Installation of Bro. H.A. Henderson by W.Bro. Williamson and 33 members with 21 visitors present. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master said how glad he was to visit so distinguished a Lodge.

The lodge was especially honoured for a third occasion in January 1911, when W.Bro. Marchanton Installed Bro. Alex Wilson as Worshipful Master. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master, the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Derby K.G. made a formal visit to the Lodge and was again accompanied by his Deputy Provincial Grand master, W.Bro. J.B. Goulburn, his Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro. Verney Clayton P.A.G.D.C. and a Provincial Delegation including his Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Provisional Junior Grand Warden, W.Bro. Nash, the Grand Treasurer, and other Provisional Grand Lodge Officers. This event was enjoyed by 25 members and 11 visitors. For a R.W. Provincial Grand Master who served for 49 years whilst his Province grew from 113 to 288 Lodges and membership from 4,800 to 18,000 members, it was indeed an honour to have him visit Palatine Lodge twice within its first twenty years history. For the present members, the highlight of our membership has still to come, October 1993, when we hope to welcome our present R.W. Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. James Hemsley together with a distinguished formal delegation for the rededication of Palatine Lodge by the Provincial Grand Chaplain and the celebration of our first 100 years of Freemasonry. *Since 1993, the membership dwindled to 7 members, but numbers have increased steadily.