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News from
around the Province |
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2009
- 2008
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2007 |
| Lodge St John's 70 – 250th
Anniversary |
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At a special
meeting at Mount Edgcombe Masonic Hall Plymouth, on the Feast of
the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Wednesday 24th June 2009,
‘70’ celebrated 250 years of continuous working. In attendance
was the Provincial Grand Master who was supported by many
members of the Executive. A large number of brethren from this
and many other Provinces were also present.
After the Lodge had been opened, the Provincial Grand Master Rt.
W. Bro. Michael T. Penny accepted the gavel from the Worshipful
Master, W. Bro. Ian C. Scriviner, and presided over the Lodge
together with his Senior Warden, W. Bro. Alan Cockman and his
Junior Warden, W. Bro. Andrew Vodden.
The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Lodge on being
only the third in the Province to celebrate this important
milestone in Masonic history. He made mention of the rich
diversity of brethren who have made up the Lodge‘s membership
and also to the varied patchwork of visitors to ‘70’ who range
under the banners of our lovely Order. In closing he referred to
the inspiration afforded by the example of the Lodge membership
over the last 250 years and wished the Lodge great joy,
happiness and continued success for the future. |
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The Lodge Warrant
was read by V. W. Bro. Peter Galt, Deputy Provincial Grand
Master, who had researched the then Grand Master, the 3rd Duke
of Atholl. Brethren were enlightened to the strange
circumstances of his death by drowning following some form of
‘delirium’, the exact causes of which were left to our
imagination.
The first surviving minutes, dated 10th March 1794, were read by
Bro. Paul A. Manning, Assistant Secretary. These surprisingly
concise minutes simply refer to opening and closing the F.C.
Lodge ‘in harmony’ and listing the 7 brethren who were present
at the 2 hour meeting. A very condensed history of the Lodge
(250 years in just 26 words!) was given by W. Bro. Bill
Seymour-Jones, who then gave a more detailed and very
interesting talk on the Lodge’s history, making special mention
of the late W. Bro. David J. Mills, P.Pr.J.G.W., who had been
the prime instigator of the current festivities. (A full history
of the Lodge from 1759 – 1898 on CD-rom (£10 minimum donation to
the 2012 Festival, incl. P&P can be obtained from W. Bro. Bill
who may be contacted at billseymourjones@yahoo.co.uk)
An Oration, of great interest to all present, was delivered by
W. Bro. Raymond Bray, MBE, Provincial Grand Chaplain. He gave a
most instructive talk on the historic link with the various ‘St.
Johns’ who give their name to Lodges in the Province and how
this was explained in the Catechetical Lectures attached to the
First Degree and also dealt with some peculiar incidents which
had taken place in 70’s past.
The Rt. W. Provincial Grand Master returned the Lodge gavel to
W.Bro. Ian Scriviner who presented him with two cheques, the
first enabling the Lodge to claim Vice-Patron Status for the
2012 Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and
the second for the Provincial Grand Master’s Personal Fund. Rt.
W. Bro. Michael T. Penny thanked the Lodge and presented it with
a Vice-Patron Certificate.
After the Lodge was closed, all Brethren retired to the Holiday
Inn for a celebratory Banquet where they were joined by wives
and partners. In true Masonic style, over £1100 was raised
during the evening for Charity including ‘Teddies for Loving
Care’.
The evening ended with happiness and merriment blended with high
enthusiasm for the Lodge’s next 250 years. |
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St. Georges Lodge No. 112,
Exeter |
| Bro Reuben Ayres of St. Georges
Lodge No. 112 has written a wonderful article regarding the
completion of their Historical Records Survey for Grand Lodge.
To read it please click
here and then select open
when asked at the prompt.
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| New paper available to Lodges |
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Bro. Ken Creber of the Dartmoor
Lodge No. 4604, a former pupil of the Royal Masonic School for
Boys 1949 - 1957, has written a paper about his experiences at
the school. He is willing to travel to any Lodge to
deliver this very informative paper perhaps when they have room
in their schedule. The paper lasts about 30mins. Ken
can be contacted on 01364 73620 or 07811 873266 |
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| Lodge of Obedience No 1753
Okehampton |
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At the regular meeting of the
Lodge of Obedience No 1753, held on the 22nd May 2009, The
Brethren assembled enjoyed a very special evening. There were
two very important labours of the Lodge. First the Lodge carried
out a Ceremony of Initiation and received its newest member, Bro
Alexander Huntley. This was followed by a presentation of the
Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Service to Freemasonry
to VWBro R.T Discombe PGSwdB to acknowledge his 50 years of
service to Freemasonry. This presentation was made by RWBro
Michael Penny, the Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire.
In making the presentation, RWBro Penny gave an overview of
VWBro. Discombe’s Masonic life and career, and likened the
presentation to a Masonic ‘This is Your Life’, saying that VWBro
Discombe was “a kind and considerate Mason and a gentleman who
put his strong Christian beliefs into daily practice” and that
he was “well loved, highly respected and very deserving of all
the offices to which he had been appointed over the past 50
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being
a continual source of encouragement to all who know him”.
Additional to the presentation by the Provincial Grand Master,
The Lodge of Obedience also marked the occasion by presenting
VWBro Discombe with an engraved decanter. In addressing
the Lodge VWBro Discombe said that he was somewhat overwhelmed
and lost for words at the occasion but said that he was proud to
be a Freemason, that Freemasonry had become a way of life for
him and that he had derived so much pleasure and enjoyment from
his involvement. In enjoying a wonderful evening the Lodge
saw the two opposite ends of the Masonic Spectrum with the
Lodges newest member being made acquainted with one of the
Lodges longest serving members. The wonderful sense of
warmth and welcome continued at the Festive Board. This was
summed up by the Provincial Grand Master who said that “Brethren
should leave from a Masonic evening feeling that they want more,
and that the atmosphere on this occasion promotes exactly that
feeling”.
VWBRo Discombe was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of
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Obedience in October
1958, and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1972.
After installing his successor into the Master’s Chair VWBro
Discombe served the Lodge in the capacity of ADC and as
Treasurer and held the Treasurer’s office from 1981 through to
1992. In 1981 he received his first Provincial Office,
Junior Grand Warden. He received his second active office in
1983 when he was appointed Provincial Grand Treasurer, an office
he held until 1989. In 1985 he received his first Grand
Lodge appointment, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Three year later, in 1988 he was promoted and appointed to the
active office of Senior Grand Deacon and in 1994 he received a
further promotion to Past Grand Sword Bearer, becoming a Very
Worshipful Brother.
Within the Holy Royal Arch VWBro Discombe was Exalted into St.
Swithuns Chapter No 3483 in Jan 1961 and the Holy Royal Arch has
been his main interest and commitment. Having served as
Provincial Grand Treasurer and as Third Provincial Grand
Principal he was installed as the Grand Superintendent of
Devonshire in July 1987 and he held that office until 1995.
VWBro Discombe is also involved in many of the “masonic side
degrees” and holds high rank in these as well as in Craft and
Chapter. Notably he has been promoted to the 32nd degree in the
Rose Croix. He is a Past Grand Prefect in the Red Cross of
Constantine, and was 1st Constable in Provincial Priory of Devon
and Cornwall Knights Templar. Other degrees with which he has
been involved include, the Knights Templar Priests and The Royal
Order of Scotland. VWBro Discombe celebrates his 90th
birthday on the 18th January 2010. As a gentleman who has given
so much to Freemasonry we hope he has many more years to enjoy
its privileges.
WBro Chris Hodgson - Photographs by WBro John Moppett. |
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| “The Best Event In A Masons
Life” |
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Friendships made during one’s
working life never really diminish and it was one small comment
made by Mr Ken O’Connell, residing in Peterborough, to his old
shipmate on the telephone, that started a 570 mile round journey
to witness an initiation ceremony that will be remembered by all
present for many years to come.
The phone call was made to W.Bro. Jack Parnell, of the Lord
Roborough Lodge No. 5789, when his old friend and Royal Naval
shipmate from 1965, Ken O’Connell, happened to say that he was
considering joining Freemasonry.
W.Bro. Jack contacted the Secretary of the Medeshamstede Lodge
No. 6104, in Peterborough, via the Proposer, Bro. David Craig
and Seconder, Bro. Steve Quincey, to enquire if he could attend
the initiation ceremony and before long had a small group of
friends from the Plymouth area, were keen to join him on the
trip.
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The Brethren left Plymouth on
Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at 07:00 hours in two cars with a
picnic bag each, of food and drink provided by Jacks wife for
the journey.Arriving at Peterborough in the afternoon the
Brethren booked into a local hotel where they were met by the
Worshipful Master of the Medeshamstede Lodge, W.Bro. Les
Shoebridge, who had booked taxis to get them all to the
Peterborough Masonic Centre.
The Initiation Ceremony was superbly carried out by the Brethren
of the Lodge and later at the festive board, W.Bro Jack recited
the poem by Rudyard Kipling to the newly initiated Brother.
We then were permitted to join the Brethren in forming the
Peterborough chain and admitting Brother O’Connell to the order.
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Later a copy of the Masonic
Province of Devonshire 1732-2003 was presented to W.Bro.
Shoebridge, who proudly requested that it be donated to the
Masonic Library for all of the Brethren to enjoy.
Everyone who made the trip, thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the
reunion of old friends but most importantly the making of new
friends. Truly “the best event in a Masons life”.
W.Bro. Jack Parnell P.M. Lord Roborough Lodge No. 5789 |
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The General Meeting of the Grand Charity to be held in the
Provinces, is this year being held here in our Province of
Devonshire at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren on
Saturday, 10th October 2009 commencing at 11 a.m.. Various
speakers will give an account of the good work that is being
funded by the Grand Charity and hopefully who is doing what here
in this province. After the meeting there will be a buffet lunch
priced at £10 per person to include a glass of wine. The whole
proceedings will conclude by 2.30 p.m. More details and
ticket information will be published here as they become
available. Watch this Space!
B.D. Kelly |
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| Classic Car Exhibition
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The Provincial Grand Master has
given permission for owners of Classic & Vintage vehicles
[pre 1975 please] to show their vehicles at the garden party
at Ugbrooke House on June 21st.
Anyone interested in bringing
such a vehicle please contact
Owners will be entitled to an
entry concession
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| There is no such thing a free
dinner! |
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Assistant Provincial
Grand Master W Bro Maurice Eglington was made to work hard on a
recent visit to True Love & Unity No 248 on 20th April when he
presented no less than three certificates at the same meeting: a
Grand Lodge certificate to new member… another to a member for
50 years service to Freemasonry… and a certificate that had
first been presented by the Lodge to a member over 200 years
ago!!! This certificate had been generously donated to the Lodge
by WBro Bryan White of the Sir Bevis Lodge No.5072 in
Southampton.
The return of the certificate was quite a story and is best
related by Bro White:
"It has indeed given me great satisfaction to know that Bro
Issac White's Lodge Certificate will at last be returned home. I
can't give you much in the way that it was lost or how it found
its way to Liverpool, however after contact with numerous
members of my family, it appears that my Grandfather (who was
not a Mason as far as I know) was a well known hoarder and found
the said certificate in a Liverpool street market and thought
the frame would come in handy, put it away in the attic and
there it remained until his death. My father on clearing the
house found it and placed it in his attic; on my father’s death
it eventually came to me via my brother on his death. I could
not at the time find the original lodge as you have not only had
a name change but also a number change. Being 76 years old I
thought a few weeks ago, I really must try hard to find the
original lodge and did so via the UK Masons’ List. Contact was
made with WBro Richard Ebrey, curator of the Provincial museum,
who was very helpful in locating the original home. I would have
liked to present the certificate myself but with age and
distance, it would prove somewhat difficult, however I am happy
in the knowledge that it will be returned safely to you and I
hope it will survive for many more years."

On receiving the certificate, WBro John Lynes, Worshipful Master
of the Lodge and a sprightly 80 years young, thanked everyone
concerned in the process of the certificate being returned
safely. W.Bro Lynes could not resist informing the assembled
Brethren that the return of the certificate during his year was
very appropriate as he himself was a Liverpudlian!
Everyone in the Lodge is delighted with the certificate - I
didn't mention to anyone what was to happen on that evening and
when the certificate was handed over there was spontaneous
acclamation from the Brethren which made the evening one of
those exceptional Masonic occasions.
The certificate is to receive attention from a professional
conservator and will hang in a prominent position in the temple
at Brixham.
WBro KW Bower PPrGSupt Wks
True Love & Unity No 248
Note from WBro Richard Ebrey, Curator: Although there are
records of printed certificates being issued by the Grand Lodges
from the mid-1700s, it was quite common for individual Lodges to
produce their own, often handwritten and individually
illustrated certificates of membership until formation of the
United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. This certificate, issued
in 1801, is particularly interesting in that it names the Lodge
as “Free Love and Unity” and it is uncertain if this was a ‘slip
of the pen’ or whether the Lodge was indeed known by that name
for some of its long and impressive history.
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| A Naval Celebration |
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Most people enjoy a
good birthday celebration, especially when it is a special age.
NONE more so than the Brethren of the Royal Naval Lodge No.
3337, in Plymouth who recently celebrated their Centenary – not
just once, but twice!
The Lodge was Consecrated on the 16th December 1908 at the
Freemasons’ Hall, Princess Square, Plymouth. The ceremony was
conducted by R.W.Brother G.C.Davie, Provincial Grand Master,
assisted by his Provincial Team.
At the regular meeting of the Lodge on the 10th December 2008,
proceedings in the Temple were followed by the customary
Christmas social event with Wives and friends in attendance. The
difference being that this was also regarded as the 100th
Birthday Party. Some seventy people enjoyed festive fare, with a
quiz and games organized by W.Bro. Roger Galloway and W.Bro.
Phillip Collins. At an appropriate time, the Worshipful Master
cut into a large birthday Cake. It was, in itself, an evening to
remember. But more was to come.
On the 10th January 2009 the Centenary was celebrated formally
at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, the home of the Royal Naval
Lodge. A packed Temple received the Provincial Grand Master,
R.W.Brother Michael T. Penny, accompanied by all of his
Officers. The Worshipful Master W.Brother Raymond Fields
welcomed the PGM and proffered his gavel, which was accepted.
The Principal Chairs were occupied by the Provincial Officers.
The Warrant of the Lodge was read by V.W.Brother Peter Galt,
Deputy PGM, who noted that this was a substitute Warrant of
Confirmation, the original having been destroyed by enemy action
during the blitz on Plymouth in 1941.
A review of the principal dates and events in the history of the
Lodge was read by W.Bro. Adrian Stone. This traced the Lodge’s
journey from its first meeting at the Friendship Masonic Hall,
in Devonport to its present home at the Mount Edgcumbe Hall.
The Centenary Warrant was read by W. Brother D.Purnell,
Provincial Grand Secretary. The Provincial Grand Master then
entrusted the Warrant to the safe keeping of the Worshipful
Master.
W. Brother Raymond Bray MBE, Provincial Grand Chaplain then gave
an Oration. He reflected on the fact that the time of the
Lodge’s Consecration was a time of many changes within the Royal
Navy. He quoted from a speech by Admiral Jacky Fisher, the
stirring statement “No power or combination of powers could
contemplate a war with the Royal Navy, and the Navy must always
so stand – SUPREME”. Resulting from that challenge came new
ships, new weapons and new disciplines. He drew on some
interesting research into the customs, pay and punishment of the
day and gave some examples of the culinary delights which were
served on board – dishes with names like ‘Ammick’, ‘March Past’
and ‘Ooh-me Gosh’.
He referred to the Roll of Honour of Lodge members in memory of
sixteen Brethren lost in World War 1, and twenty lost in World
War 2. saying “They fought and died for freedom and for the
principles and tenets of Freemasonry they believed in”
In conclusion he referred to the Lodge Motto – Fear God, Love
the Brotherhood, Honour the King – saying that the motto had
served the Lodge well for 100 years and remains at the helm as
it enters the second century. “May the Great Captain watch over
you and guide you until such time as he brings you home into his
own safe haven”
The Provincial Grand Master returned the gavel to the Worshipful
Master and took the opportunity to also present him with an
engraved crystal tablet, from the Brethren of the Lodge, to
commemorate the occasion. The Worshipful Master then presented
the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for his charity.
W.Bro Adrian Stone presented a heavy setting maul to the Lodge,
on behalf of the Brethren, to mark the centenary. The maul, hand
crafted by W.Bro A. Moody, will be displayed in the Lodge and
used in Lodge ceremonies.
The Lodge having
been closed in due form, the Brethren reassembled for the
festive board where good food, good wine and good company were
enjoyed by all.
The Worshipful Master, in his toast to the Provincial Grand
Master, reflected on the importance of certain special birthdays
within a family and how they drew in the elders to give the
event special significance. He said that today was a great
example of that gathering. The Lodge was part of the Provincial
family and valued the guidance and support it received. It was a
joy to see so many of the elders of that family present and,
most importantly, the principal guest - the head of the family.
The Provincial Grand Master proposed the main toast of the
evening – The Royal Naval Lodge. He reminded the Brethren that
the Lodge Motto had been taken from the 1st Epistle of St. Peter
and how its words ‘Fear God, Love the Brotherhood, Honour the
King’ so clearly encapsulate “Our duties to the Great Architect
of the Universe, our Brethren and our sovereign and country”. He
referred to the oration given at the original consecration of
the Lodge, saying that those words should be imprinted on the
hearts of all Masons - “Freemasonry imbued them with the noblest
ideals of humanity”. He commented on the early enthusiasm and
growth of the lodge membership which, by the end of the first
year, had reached 73. One more year and it was 98, in the third
year the total reached 124. In 1924 membership reached its peak
of 343! “Today” he said “we have the opportunity to reflect with
gratitude. Firstly on the foresight of our predecessors, the
Founders who formed the Lodge and, secondly for those Brethren
who have loyally served Royal Naval Lodge over this 100 year
period, in whichever capacity they have done so. It is thanks to
their dedication and love of their Lodge and our order that we
are all here today” He concluded his toast by saying “Now, as
the Lodge continues its’ journey, you can all look to the future
with pride and satisfaction and, most important of all, with
hope and inspiration from the example set by the contributions
of your predecessors over the last 100 years.
The Worshipful Master thanked the Provincial Grand Master for
his kind and encouraging words. He reflected on the importance
of building for the future by the involvement and development of
new masons. In practice that meant creating opportunities for
participation and supporting the endeavour of individuals to use
them. In conclusion he said “I am sure that there is not a
member of the Royal Naval Lodge who is not, at this moment,
sitting a little taller in his chair with a silent resolve to
commit himself to the furtherance of the Lodge and the Province
of Devonshire”.
The Worshipful Master then presented the Provincial Grand Master
with a miniature Royal Naval ceremonial sword as a memento of
this very special celebration. An event that will be remembered
for its sincerity and the friendship of true Brotherhood.
Raymond A.S.Fields
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| Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge
No. 9528 |
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At a recent Ladies
Night The Worshipful Master of Royal Marines Plymouth
Lodge No. 9528, WBro Sandy Macleod BEM MSM presented a cheque
for £250.00 to Cadet “Tom Thumb” of the Royal Marine Volunteer
Cadet Corps based at The Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse who
received it on behalf of the Help for Heroes Fund. The money was
donated by Sincerity R.A.M. Lodge No. 35 and Royal Marines
Plymouth Lodge No.9528. During the evening a cheque for £200 was
also presented to the The Plymouth Drake Sea Cadets towards the
cost of their annual summer training camp.
Shortly afterwards W.Bro. Sandy Macleod and Charity Steward WBro
Cliff Hartley visited Stonehouse Barracks and presented a cheque
for £500.00 to Lt Col Martin Taylor RM who accepted it on behalf
of the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.
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| Bedford Lodge 282, Tavistock |
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Recently, Brother Len Jones was
installed as Worshipful Master of Bedford Lodge 282, Tavistock.
After an excellent ceremony, the Brethren and their guests moved
from the Lodge to the Ordulf Arms for the Festive Board.
A raffle, in aid of the Tavistock branch of The Dartmoor Rescue
Group, raised £340. Pictured at the presentation are the DRG
Chairwoman Nikki Lyons, W.Bro. David Spray, and Charity Steward
W.Bro. Chris Burchell. |
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| Teddies for Loving Care |
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The Province has appointed
W.Bro. John Adcock to distribute Teddy Bears to hospitals in
Devon to be given to children who have to go into hospital
either as an outpatient of for an operation. These prove to be a
great comfort to them in helping to make their visit or stay a
happy and less stressful one. To date W.Bro. John has
delivered over 2000 teddies to Derriford, Wonford, Torbay and
North Devon hospitals and has received many heart warming thanks
from both the children and parents.
One particular appreciation came from a young girl who had a
very serious operation and named her teddy “Lucky” because she
was convinced it was him who ensured her operation was
successful.
Our Provincial Grand Master made a donation for the purchase of
the first consignment of these wonderful gifts and subsequent
purchases have been made through the generosity of the Brethren
when contributing at the Festive Board of so many Lodges.
Please continue to support this very worthy project for each
teddy has a small tag which says it comes from Devonshire
Freemasons.
Colin Turner. APGM. |
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| Lodge of St John's No.70
turns 250 |
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Pictured right is the Master of
the Lodge of St John's No.70, W.Bro. Ian Scriviner, cutting the
Anniversary Cake together with Mrs. Mavis Eglinton and APGM
Maurice Eglinton at a Luncheon as part of the 250th Anniversary
Celebrations of the Lodge.
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| Masons Rescue Stoke Canon
Church Bells |
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Back in
September 2008, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro
Conrad Donaldson received an urgent call from Fiona Thompson,
the wife of W Bro John Thompson, Almoner and PM of St George’s
Lodge No 112. Fiona is one of the parishioners of St Mary
Magdalene Church in Stoke Canon, near Exeter. The timbers in the
Church belfry were rotten and the bells needed to be urgently
removed. The Church is raising £54,000 to repair the belfry but
now urgently required to raise £2000 for the cost of removal and
storage of the bells. Could the Masons help?
With the aid of contributions from St George’s Lodge, Chapter of
Union No 444, Grandisson Chapter Rose Croix No 1132, the
Province of Devonshire Benevolent Fund and the Grand
Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch, a sum of £1,850 was
raised and presented to Mrs Maureen Owen-Jones, the Church
Warden on 6th November.
Maureen said: “It is very encouraging, when we are trying to
raise money, to have such a generous response from the
Freemasons of Devonshire. The Parish Council will want to join
me in expressing thanks to you and all concerned for these very
generous cheques. It was really good to see the bells start
their journey towards their refurbishment and we look forward to
the day when the lorry returns.” |
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Above: Conrad
Donaldson presenting the cheques to Mrs Maureen Owen-Jones,
accompanied by Fiona Thompson and two of the bell ringers, Bill
Blake and John Woods. Pictured below: The Children of
Stoke Canon Primary School say goodbye to the bells & the Bells
loaded onto the lorry. |
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| Scotland comes to Devon! |
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Unity Lodge No.1332, Crediton, will
be hosting Craigends Lodge No.1042, Scottish Constitution on
Saturday, 9th May, 2009, commencing at 4.pm.
Craigends will be demonstrating the 3rd degree working according
to the Scottish Constititution and tickets are still available.
Unfortunatly, Master Masons` only to attend. Anyone interested
in attending please contact the Secretary, W.Bro. Brian Tyacke,
8 Walnut Drive, Crediton, EX17 1JB, 01363 776075;
email brtyacke@talktalk.net |
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| The Lodge of Prudence No.
1550 |
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| At a recent social event
organised by The Lodge of Prudence 1550, the magnificent amount
of £500 was collected in aid of The Macmillan Nurses.
The cheque was presented by the Charity
Steward
W.Bro. Ken Johns and W.Bro. Keith Escott to Alex Foulks and Pat
Stapleton who fund raise for the Nurses.
The photo shows from left to right W.Bro. Escott, Alex Foulks,
Pat Stapleton & W.Bro. Johns.
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| North Devon Hospices Benefit
from the Grand Charity |
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Barnstaple based
hospices have benefited recently from an ongoing program of
support by the Grand Charity.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. P. Louis Baycock,
presented cheques for over £2,000 each to Emma Puckey, head of
fundraising of the Children's Hospice South West and to Alison
Hunt, the fund raising manager
of the North Devon Hospice. Over the last 24 years The
Grand Charity has donated over £211,000 to hospices in Devon as
well as many other deserving causes, the most recent of which
was a donation of to assist victims of the bushfires
that tore through the state of Victoria, Australia.
Alan Cockman |
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| Provincial Orator – “What’s one
of those?” |
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I am sure you have
all read the article in Freemasonry Today about the Provincial
Grand Orator scheme being rolled out across the Provinces. But
are you any the wiser? Or have you been able to make that daily
advancement in Masonic knowledge, to which we all pledge
ourselves? As Freemasons, we are heirs and custodians of
rich and deeply moral traditions, many of which involve a
journey to the very heart of each Brother’s life. As we have
received these traditions in good faith we ought to be able to
pass them on – in good health – to those who follow us. In
order to help Brethren focus on this process the role of the
Orator was created.
This is because Freemasonry is a very personal journey: one made
in the company of friends who, no matter how highly promoted
they might be within the Craft, are also on their own travels.
We may see Freemasonry as a vast international support network
for individuals, travelling onwards towards insight and
knowledge (Brotherly Love); we help others over the obstacles
and try to clear the path (Relief); and we keep our vision fixed
upon the ultimate goal (Truth) – in essence we keep eternity in
view.
It is for this task that the Orations and the Orator is
important. His role is to point out specific aspects of our
Craft and seek to draw us into them and to draw the meaning out.
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A series of Orations have been
produced which focus on various aspects of our Order and which I
am available to present to your Lodge. The papers are typically
around five to ten minutes long, questions and answers being
invited afterwards which usually turn into a very interesting
discussion. The Orator may also write, produce, edit and
receive short papers for use in the Province and where
applicable to submit the same to the Grand Lodge as suitable for
use as Orations: if you have one please let me know. All
lectures to be delivered to Craft Lodges within the Province
have traditionally been approved by the office of the Provincial
Grand Secretary and/or the Assistant Provincial Grand Master
responsible for education. This has now become part of the
Provincial Orator’s role, although it will initially be
performed in conjunction with the Provincial Secretary and Asst
Provincial Grand Master.
I can be contacted via e-mail at rjebrey@aol.com or by telephone
on 07811 438354. WBro. Richard Ebrey, Provincial Grand
Orator |
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| Western District Masonic
Association |
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On the 13th October
the regular meeting of the association took place at St Aubyn
Masonic Hall, Stoke, Plymouth.
W. Bro. Derek Murphy PPrSGD, President of the Association
welcomed all brethren present.
The association was constituted in 1894 with a view that the
association should encourage an active interest in a wider
knowledge of freemasonry by discussion of communication from
Grand Lodge, Supreme Grand Chapter, Provincial Grand Lodge, and
Provincial Grand Chapter and through lecture and discussion on
freemasonry in general. The association has been proud to have
had the Provincial Grand Masters and Provincial Grand
Superintendents as Patrons and supporters of the Association’s
activities since its constitution.
The Association’s secondary role is to provide light refreshment
as may be requested by Provincial Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand
Chapter and the committees attached to these meetings. The
membership comprises of Worshipful Brethren, Excellent
Companions, Master Masons and Companions of the Province.
Over the many years of the association activities there has been
many eminent masons presenting papers and encouraging discussion
and reflection on the meaning and application of freemasonry.
The October meeting was no different!
The work of the association will continue into 2009 with a full
programme of events for the meeting on the first Friday in May
and the second Monday in October. W.Bro. John Cornish will be
delivering his lecture on the Military Lodges and W.Bro Baycock
will be arranging an update of the Masonic Records project. |
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The
Association has to rely on the small subscriptions from the
lodges in the province to fund its activities mainly the light
refreshments and would hope that all Lodges will continue to
support the Association with the subscriptions, nominating
representatives of the lodges and chapters who will attend the
meetings and bring other, newer brethren, with them. This is
your association. The management committee welcomes suggestions
and ideas to enhance Masonic education and furtherance of
Masonic activity. Earlier in 2008 the association held a
very popular and interesting questions and answers evening.
Just to remind Lodges and
Chapters that annual subscriptions for the 1st January to 31st
December 2009 should be sent direct to The Treasurer. Member
Lodges £11.00. Associate Lodges £7.00. Member Chapters £6.00.
Associate Chapters £2.00. (Members are within 20 mile radius of
Plymouth: Associates are in the remainder of Province).
The Association needs you and your ideas! Please contact the
Secretary W.Bro John Pritchard or any of the Management
committee. |
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| Royal Marines
Plymouth and Trinity Lodge working together |
| WBro Cliff Hartley,
Charity Steward of Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No 9528 accepts
a cheque for £250.00 on behalf of the Help for Heroes fund
presented by his neighbour Mr Victor Dragonetti B.E.M. Also,
Cadet “Tom Thumb” of the Plymouth's Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet
Corps accepts another cheque for £250.00 on behalf of the Help
for Heroes fund. The cheque was presented by two Charity
Stewards, WBro Cliff Hartley of Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No
9528 and WBro Mike Tobin of Trinity Lodge No 3403. Trinity Lodge
recently assisted Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge by passing one of
their Brethren to the 2nd degree on their behalf, who is a
beneficuary of the Help For Heroes fund. |
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Torbay Masonic Widows' Association |
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The Torbay Masonic Widows'
Association once again enjoyed a Christmas Lunch, expertly
prepared by Basil Ashling the W.M. of Lodge of the Seven
Hills 6857. The ladies had a full turkey roast lunch,
Christmas pudding and mince pies made by the liaison
officer. The tables were decorated with crackers and
matching napkins and Mrs Ann Jordan had purchased fancy
candles in Austria especially for the occasion. The
Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Stafford, announced that she was
going to get married on Friday 19th December and she felt
that she ought to resign the post at the January AGM. This
came as a complete surprise to most of the members, but they
all wished her well for the future. Mrs Beth Storey
presented her with a wedding gift from the Association and
advised that she would take over the reins again for just
one year. |
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Courtland Lodge No.6706 is 60! |
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Courtland Lodge 6706 , recently
had a double anniversary. On Thursday 13th November, The
Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary, the occasion was
marked by a visit from the Assistant Provincial Grand
Master, W.Bro.Derek.G.Webber P.S.G.D., Rt.W.Bro.R.O.Osborn
P.P.G.M and W.Bro J.L.Attwod.P.J.G.D. the Past Assistant
P.G.M.
The Lodge room was filled to capacity, W.Bro Webber gave a
short resume of life in Paignton in the early years of the
Lodge. W.Bro.Peter.Carrick.P.A.G.D.C. then presented
W.Bro. Jim Jordan.P.Pr.J.G.W. with an inscribed tray with a
cut glass decanter and six matching whisky tumblers to
celebrate his 40 years in the Lodge. W.Bro Jordan then gave
a detailed talk on the history and the characters in
the lodge over the last 60 years. He then presented the
Lodge with a framed board showing all the Consecrating
Officers, the Founders and every Initiate and Joining member
since the Lodge was founded. |
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2009
- 2008
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2007 |
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