The
photograph shows WBro George Groom, the Worshipful Master of Economy,
and his
Wardens, Chaplain and Inner Guard in the Lodge Room of The United
Brothers
Lodge 1069 on the occasion of their November 2009 visit to The United
Brothers at
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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 ![]()
|
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
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|
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From the Quarterly Bulletin of the London Grand Rank Association 15th August 1966 Written by Wbro Arthur E. Buddell, OBE, MC, PAGSwdB, then Secretary of the LGRA.
Brother.
I am not going to burden you with a repetition of the highlights of this afternoon’s ceremony. No doubt
you
are in a state of bewilderment and time alone can clarify your vision.
What I
would like
to do, however, is to touch upon the effect that your initiation will
have on you
as an
ordinary man in the street. But what has
really
happened is far simpler. The uninitiated
and
ignorant often scorn Freemasonry. soon discover. Freemasonry is based on a belief in the Deity and the practice of morality and it countenances no departure from these strict tenets. "Charity" is our bye—word and we are taught to extend that virtue to every deserving creature, whether he be in the Craft or not. When you were
interviewed
by the Lodge Committee you were asked some pertinent questions. At the
time
you may have thought them impertinent but I trust that you now see the
reason for
them. If
we were to advertise Freemasonry we could obtain legions of members,
some of
whom
would not be desirable, for we want worthy men only. We care not what
your
station in
life may be or what your standard of education, but we had to ask you
those
questions to
make certain that your intentions were honourable. We are now perfectly satisfied on that score and we welcome you as a brother among us. |
Freemasonry is a
most
absorbing science and in time you may feel inclined to progress to the
higher degrees
or
even join a second Lodge. Do not be in a hurry to do so because
Freemasonry is
like an
old vintage wine and is sometimes inclined to be a little "heady". Be ever mindful of
your
responsibilities to your family and your business. But if you do extend
your
researches
always remember that . . . Lodge is your Mother Lodge and that it was
she who gave
you
masonic birth. Never forsake her, for one day she may need the help of
her sons. confer upon you — the Mastership. In the interim many years of work and study lie before you, but they will be happy years and produce a labour of love. In the course of your life you may encounter periods of sorrow, grief, ill health and other misfortunes. I sincerely hope that you will be spared them but if, unfortunately, they do come it will be then that you will discover the truth underlying Freemasonry, for your brethren will rally to your support and help you over the stile. With the passage of time you, like each one of us, will have to embark upon that last journey to the Great Beyond. May the principles
of our
Craft fortify you in that inescapable ordeal and, as old age overtakes
you, may
you be
able to say with the poet Henley: "So be my passing, My task
accomplished and
the long
day done, My wages taken and in my heart some late lark singing, Let me
be
gathered to the quiet west, The sundown splendid and serene." In conclusion, I would like to commend to you one other quotation — this time from the pen of an anonymous American writer which, I think. epitomises the whole spirit of Freemasonry. . "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good things. therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to my fellow creatures let me do it now, Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Brethren, please rise and drink to the health and happiness of our new Brother.
Article suplied by WBro John Chapman. |