The Lodge of Economy No: 76

Lodge Notices

MEN, NOT WALLS, MAKE THE CITY.

by David Sermon

 

The story of what members of Economy have achieved

locally, regionally and nationally during the

Lodge’s first 250 years (1761-2011)

Readers’ comments

- a very easy, enlightening and enjoyable read  

- a fascinating and detailed account of the Lodge's history and those who have contributed to  its development and existence over so many years

- will be seen as a significant record both in Masonic and Civic Circles in Winchester and in the Province of Hampshire & Isle of Wight

- it will be the reference work for, quite literally, centuries to come 

 - it is elegantly written and fascinating 

 

-oOo-

 

Available in paperback @ £10 or hardback @ £20

plus p&p (£2.50)

 

-oOo-

 

To Order your copy please contact
 John Surtees
Heath Court
1 Spring Lane
Colden Common
Winchester SO21 1UR
Tel: 01962 717597
email:  j.a.surtees@btinternet.com


Cheques payable to Lodge of Economy No. 76


 

 


The photograph shows the Perpetual Immediate Past Master Jewel worn by all IPMs since 1948.

The inscriptions on the reverse read as follows:

 

Presented to W Bro John Sim by the Lodge of Economy No.76 in recognition of the extraordinary NUmber of Lodge MeetingS over which he presided as Worshipful Master. 1918.

 

Presented to the Lodge of Economy No.76 by Bro C Kent Sim, JD, for use in perpetuity by the Immediate Past Master of the Lodge. 1948.

PM Jewel

 

 

Photos of two Past Masters of Lodge of Economy No.76

Found and sucessfully bid for on EBay by Bro Paul Baker MBE who has generously donated them to the Lodge archives

PB1

PB2


CUBA VISITED


Freemasonry can deliver many memorable experiences, one of which is that of visiting another lodge. That experience may be further enhanced if the lodge (or Brethren) to be visited are in another country. The purpose of this short article is to give guidance on how to correctly go about visiting an overseas lodge, setting it in the context of an example.
 
In December 2009 a member of Economy - Bro Paul Baker- went on holiday to Cuba with his wife, Ele. Having done some research into the subject beforehand Bro Paul knew that despite it being a communist state, Freemasonry was allowed to openly exist within the country.
 
The first step in Masonic visiting in another country is - with your own lodge Secretary's blessing - to contact UGLE in order to establish the proper point of contact within Masonry of the country concerned. This is important because some countries have no Masonic bodies that are recognised as being regular by UGLE, whilst some have one body that is considered regular along with a plethora of quasi-Masonic bodies that are not recognised as regular; it is part of the duty of a Mason of the English Constitution not to associate Masonically with members of unrecognised constitutions.  But back to the tale...

 

A most helpful and knowledgeable lady at Grand Lodge gave the contact details for the recognised Grand Lodge of Cuba and advised that a clearance certificate should be acquired from the Secretary of Economy and taken to Cuba along with the Grand Lodge Certificate that is presented on completion of the Third Degree. This was duly done.
 
On arrival in the country contact was made with the Grand Secretary of Cuba (the point of contact given by UGLE). It is important to note that contact must not be made until after arrival into a country; not before. The Grand Secretary, the Very Worshipful Brother William Rojas Aguilar, could not have been more helpful, and this despite being desperately busy with preparations for the 150th anniversary of Cuban Grand Lodge.

 
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VWBro William extended an invitation to visit him in his office at Grand Lodge. The building of Grand Lodge is most distinctive and impressive and the entrance contains beautiful murals that depict significant events in Cuban Masonic history and feature Jose Marti, arguably the most famous Cuban folk hero, leader of the Cuban uprising against the Spanish, and Freemason
VWBro William kindly set aside ample time from his busy schedule (and arranged for a WBro to act in the capacity of interpreter). Bro Paul had learnt a phrase in Spanish that gave thanks to the Grand Secretary for taking the time to see him and offered Fraternal Greetings from the Worshipful Master, Bro Wardens and Brethren of the Lodge of Economy and expressed best wishes for the forthcoming anniversary celebrations. The act of making the effort to speak this was very well received by VWBro William and 'broke the ice, setting the tone for a most interesting and amicable discussion on Masonry in the two countries.  At the end of the discussion Ele met the Grand Secretary and he kindly gave a tour of the building that ended on the roof with it's spectacular views over Havana city. The kindness shown by the Grand Secretary was immense.
  
Later in their holiday Bro Paul and Ele returned to Havana to watch the main wreath laying ceremony at the statue to Jose Marti, which was part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations - see photos. (Click)
  
Two other occurrences of Masonic interest happened during the holiday. The concierge at the hotel that made the phone calls to Grand Lodge on behalf of Bro Paul expressed an interest in Freemasonry. Following a discussion on the Craft he was advised to make contact with Cuban Grand Lodge and his details were passed on during the visit there. During a visit to an old market a book on Cuban Masonry was seen, bought and duly given to the potential Candidate.
  
A final and unexpected treat occurred when Bro Paul noticed that one of the hotel employees was wearing a Masonic ring. Conversation was struck up and stories of Masonic interest exchanged.
 
It is hoped that this short article will provide the guidance and encouragement for those Brethren that have yet to sample the joys of Masonic visiting to give it a go.

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