History of the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity No 8681

 

HOW IT ALL STARTED

 

It was in the autumn of 1973 that Bro. Major D. de Rozario, a Master Mason and a subscribing member of Hermes Lodge No. 5532, who worked at Knowle Hospital, Fareham, started thinking about a Lodge for Hospital Staff. He made enquiries of Officers of Grand and Provincial Grand Lodges and was encouraged by them to go ahead and organise such a Lodge.

 

Sometime in May 1974 he phoned W/Bro. Derek Burbidge to ask if he would be interested and an informal meeting took place with Bro. D. de Rozario, W/Bro. Hunt, W/Bro. D. Burbidge and Bro. G Gilliver. An informal meeting took place at the Village Inn, Park Gate which was attended by Bro. D de Rozario, Bro. Gilliver, W/Bro. Hendry, W/Bro Coote, Bro. Fisher and Bro. Bell. This meeting was purely to ascertain the procedure to be followed when forming a Lodge. Bro. de Rozario agreed to become Chairman of the group and he further put forward his ideas to Bro. Gordon Gilliver, a subscribing member of St. George's Lodge No. 1958, over dinner on the evening of Saturday 29th June 1974, and by July 11th 1974 the first formal meeting of a Steering Committee took place attended by six well known Brethren.

 

These were: W/Bro. Derrick Burbidge, St. Vincent Lodge No. 5295.  Bro. Frederick Relfe, United Brothers Lodge No. 1069. Bro. Bruce Cothill, Friendship and Sincerity Lodge No. 472. Bro. D. De Rozario, Hermes Lodge No. 5532            (Chairman).

Bro.G. Gilliver, St. George's Lodge No. 1958 (Secretary).

W/Bro. Charles Hunt, Hermes Lodge No. 5532 (Advisor).

 

On 8th August a second meeting was held: Nine founder members attended and there were five apologies for absent Brethren.

 

Those attending were:

 

      Bro. Major D de Rozario    (Chairman),

      Bro. G Gilliver, M.M.         (Secretary),

      W/Bros. W Hendry,           A Coote,          D Burbidge,

      Bros. B Cothill,                   J Britain,           C Wilson,         J Fisher.

 

Apologies for absence were received from:

 

            W/Bro. C Colebrook,

            Bros. L Cunliffe, J Bell, A Cunningham, J Wilson.

 

The above indicates those who were the prime movers in initiating the first steps to the formation of a new Lodge.

 

It was at this particular time that Bro. Major D. de Rozario outlined the aim of forming this new Lodge.

 

"Brethren, for the past nine months I have been thinking of the idea of forming a Hospital Lodge. Members of other professions and Trades have their own respective Lodges, while members of the Health Service do not. I think it would be a good idea for us to have a Hospital Lodge formed, comprising of a majority of members of the Health Service. This would enable us to meet, share, exchange and contribute to the betterment of the craft and the Health Service in general".

 

"At this stage we have sixteen active founder members, with four more probable members, but shall eventually require twenty eight founder members. We hope to keep the founder fee at £20 but obviously this could fluctuate slightly".

 

"It has been provisionally arranged that we can use the Masonic Hall, Fareham, on the fourth Monday of each month for our meetings".

 

At this meeting of the Steering Committee, it was proposed that W/Bro. Derrick Burbidge should be the first Worshipful Master of the new Lodge. This was unanimously agreed and from that time, W/Bro. Derek Burbidge chaired and managed the Steering Committee Meetings and indeed has been a leading light in all affairs of the Lodge from that time to the present day.

 

The reasoning behind the name of the Lodge was that as the Hospital Board was called Wessex, it was thought that this word should be incorporated in the name. W/Bro. Derek Burbidge visited Winchester in an attempt to find any further trace of Wessex memorabilia. In the army museum the emblem of a griffin was noted and later incorporated in the Banner. The word Fidelity was then agreed generally as a suitable Masonic word to be incorporated. (There was already a Wessex Lodge No. 5297 in the Province).

 

The third meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 19th August 1974. It was at this meeting that Officers were proposed, also the name 'Wessex Lodge of Fidelity' was unanimously agreed as the name of the new Lodge.

 

The offices agreed at that time were:

 

Worshipful Master                    W/Bro. D. Burbidge

Junior Warden                          Bro. D. de Rozario

Senior Deacon                          Bro. F Relfe

Junior Deacon                          Bro. J Britain

Inner Guard                              Bro. J. Fisher

Director of Ceremonies             W/Bro. Hendry

Organist                                   W/Bro. Croker

 

It is interesting to note that at the end of the meeting a vote of thanks was given to Mrs Gilliver and Mrs Rozario for the excellent meal they had prepared. This meeting was held at the home of Bro. Gilliver at the Old Bank Building, Park Gate. Some other wives also attended.

 

Bro. Britain regretfully announced that he was unable to be a founder as he had less that 3 years standing as a mason. It was also much regretted that W/Bro. Croker would not be able to be the Organist due to other commitments.

 

By the end of September the following further progress had been made:

 

The Fareham Masonic Club had officially confirmed the meeting dates of the 4th Monday of the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October and November. The December meeting would be held earlier in the month so as not to clash with Christmas events and holidays.

 

W/Bro Coote agreed to be Senior Warden and W/Bro. Hodgkinson, had agreed to act as Chaplain.

 

Further progress was made and by the end of October 1974, a list of items required to be purchased, or donated was made and discussed. It is interesting to note that at this meeting the name Wessex Fidelity was used to describe the new Lodge. This was probably a shorthand version as recorded by the secretary.

 

At a Masonic meeting in Fareham, W/Bro. Smart approached W/Bro. Derek Burbidge to enquire how the intended new lodge was progressing. Hearing that Steering Committee meetings were well in hand, he volunteered to attend in an advisory capacity. Whether this was a Masonic gesture on his part or perhaps the Province needed information is not known. W/Bro. Smart attended most of the future meetings and expressed great satisfaction at the manner they were conducted.

 

By the end of November 1974, the number of prospective founders had risen to 20.

The following attended the Steering Committee meeting:

 

            W/Bros. D. Burbidge, Coote and Hendry.

Bros. Gilliver, de Rozario, Bell, Belchamber, Brown, Cothill, Dean, Fay, Fisher and Savage.

 

            W/Bro. Smart also attended in an advisory capacity.

 

A sub committee was formed to go into detail with respect to furniture and also the ritual and procedures to be used when carrying out the business of the Lodge.

 

At the January 1975 meeting it was agreed to purchase items needed at a cost of £250.00 (plus 8% VAT). Draft Lodge By-Laws were discussed and further progress was made on ritual and procedures. Hermes Lodge No. 5532 had formally agreed to become the Testifying or Sponsoring Lodge.

 

At the February 1975 Steering Committee meeting the following items were discussed and agreed.

 

            The composition of the General Purposes Committee.

            Revised Ritual and Procedures were accepted.

That the Warrant of the Lodge should be framed and not rolled up.

            Bro. Jim Fisher agreed to make the Working Tools.

Bro. Savage donated £36 for the purchase of 3 sets of gauntlets.

            Bro. Jim Fisher stated that he had been drafted to Scotland.

            Bro. Fay accepted the position of Senior Deacon

            Bro. Brown accepted the position of Inner Guard.

The office of Tyler should be progressive and Bro. Duncan kindly offered to accept this post.

 

W/Bro. Tom Ladd recalls an approach being made to Sick Berth Branch brethren in Haslar Lodge early in 1975 to see if any were interested in joining the new Health Service Lodge.

 

The following founders were from Haslar Lodge: W/Bro. Harold Hodgkinson, W/Bro. Horace Ring, Bro. Eddie Fay and Bro. Tom Ladd.

 

THE SPONSORING LODGE.

 

Considerable assistance and guidance was given to Bro. D. de Rozario, and other founders, by W/Bro. C. Hunt of Hermes Lodge No. 5532. It was he who set the founders on the right course in the early stages. He then appears to have faded into the background and let them get on with it.

 

It was largely by his influence that Hermes Lodge No. 5532 agreed to sponsor this new lodge, then yet to be named.

 

It is noted that in the Minutes of the Steering Committee meeting of April 1975, that Bro. D. de Rozario was referred to as Bro. Lieutenant Colonel D. de Rozario. So congratulations were in order. This promotion probably explains why he was posted to Scotland shortly after the Consecration and then dropped out of sight. He resigned from the Lodge on 8th December 1976.

 

 

THE NEXT STEPS.

 

A very considerable amount of work together with many formal and informal meetings were held by the founders over the next months. Of the many items discussed and agreed at these Steering Committee meetings were:

 

The Aim.

 

The aim as proposed to The Right Reverend J H L Phillips, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth, was:

 

To further promote true Masonic Beliefs, to extend Brotherly love and truth, to be charitable in thought, word and action and to meet in friendship and harmony. By directing our efforts to the Health Service, the Brethren will be able to meet on common ground for the betterment of society in general, and by admission of other members, will retain a much wider range of influence.

 

The Name.

 

At first the name "Wessex Lodge of Fidelity" was agreed. This appears to have later changed to "Fidelity Wessex", another alternative considered was "The Fidelity Lodge of Wessex". Eventually in May 1975 the Steering Committee agreed that the name should be "The Wessex Lodge of Fidelity". Provincial Grand Lodge was then informed accordingly.

 

 

Membership.

 

At first it was suggested that this new Lodge be restricted to National Health Service members only, but this was challenged by W/Bro. Derek Burbidge who put a most convincing case for all comers to be welcomed. This point was accepted by the Founders.

 

The Composition of the Crest.

 

Two colours were originally considered. Blue and yellow. At first a yellow crest was preferred by the steering committee but this must have later been changed to blue.

 

The Founder's Fees.

 

It was initially proposed to keep it around the £20.00 mark. This was later raised to £25.00 per head. (£5.00 for the Honours Board).

 

Initiation Fees.

 

These were set at £35.00

 

Annual Dues.

 

These were agreed to be £8.00 per head.

 

The Ritual to be worked.

 

It was agreed that Emulation Ritual would be adopted.

 

The Venue for the Meetings.

 

Both Botley and Fareham were considered and Fareham chosen as being generally more convenient and offering better facilities.

 

The Frequency of Meetings.

 

It was agreed that the meetings would be on the 4th Monday of every month except July and August. Special arrangements were to be made for the December meeting.

 

Lodge Furniture and Regalia.

 

In the following months, W/Bro. Coote collected all manner of items for use in the Lodge. He further undertook to make the Deacon's wands. He later offered to make the Honours Board, but would require assistance with the cost of the wood. The Founders agreed to donate £5.00 each to cover this. Bro. Jim Fisher agreed to make the 2nd degree tools together with a new Tyler's sword.

 

Mrs Burbidge agreed to make 3 white suits for the degree workings, she also volunteered to make the Lodge Banner. W/Bro. Burbidge supplied a number of 1st and 2nd degree aprons and Bro. Hart supplied the Bible. The Banner Staff was made by Bro. L. S. Waldron and the metalwork thereon by Bro. J. Fisher.

 

Price lists were examined and decisions taken on the purchase of various item such as collars, gauntlets etc. In June 1975, Bro. Jim Fisher completed making the working tools and presented them to the Committee.

 

Founders attended Hermes Lodge to witness the signing of the petition by the Master and his Wardens.

 

At the Steering Committee meeting in October 1975, the Worshipful Master designate stated that as the Petition had now been agreed and signed by the Sponsoring Lodge (Hermes Lodge), and forwarded to Provincial Grand Lodge, that rehearsals should now begin and that a First Degree should be rehearsed in November. It was also agreed that Founder's Fees and Annual Dues should become payable from 1st January 1976 in order that funds were available for Lodge regalia. Provincial Grand Lodge informed the Founders just before Christmas 1975 that the Lodge would be consecrated in March 1976.

 

In January 1976, a Second Degree ceremony was rehearsed. The bill for the purchase of Lodge Regalia had by then reached the sum of £363.79p.

 

The meeting held in February 1976 was the rehearsal for the Installation.

 

THE FORMATION OF THE LODGE

 

Founders of the Lodge

 

Name.                                                 Rank.

 

The names of the founding brethren will appear here once their permission has been obtained

 

 

 

Bro. D. de Rozario and Bro. J. Fisher travelled from Scotland to attend the Consecration.

 

It is noted that after the Consecration ceremony, Bro. D. de Rozario left the Lodge as he had already been transferred to Scotland. His name does not appear in the following minutes or summonses and, for some unknown reason, he does not appear on the List of Founders presently listed on our summonses. His place as Junior Warden was taken by Bro. C.S. Wilson who was also Junior Warden of Gateway Lodge at that time.

 

Founders assembled in the lodge at 10.00 a.m. for rehearsal and a light lunch was served at 1.00 p.m.

 

 

THE CONSECRATION CEREMONY AGENDA

 

 

CONSECRATION

 

of the

 

WESSEX LODGE OF FIDELITY

 

No. 8681

 

at

 

THE MASONIC HALL, QUEENS ROAD,

 

FAREHAM

 

on

 

Monday, 22nd March 1976

 

At 3.p.m.

 

By

R.W. Bro. The Rt. Rev.

Bishop John Phillips, M.A., D.D

Provincial Grand Master, Hampshire and Isle of Wight

 

 

assisted by:

 

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master

Four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters

The Provincial Senior and Junior Grand Wardens

A Past Provincial Grand Chaplain

The Provincial Grand Secretary

The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies

A Provincial Senior and Junior Grand Deacon

The Provincial Grand Organist

The Provincial Assistant Grand Pursuivant

 

Musical Arrangements by the Provincial Grand Organist

 

 

THE FIRST YEAR

 

1976 - 1977

 

Principal Officers.

W.M.                           W/Bro. D.J. Burbidge

S.W.                            W/Bro. A.G. Coote

J.W.                             Bro. D.J. Rozario/Bro. C S Wilson BEM

 

After the excitement of the Consecration, the Lodge then settled down to normal business and the first year was particularly busy inasmuch that rituals and conventions were established, administrative details ironed out and many new members welcomed into the Lodge.

 

It was established that the February meetings should be Past Master's nights and that dinner jackets should be worn by Officers of the Lodge on Installation nights.

 

Events of Interest.

Bro. B Branson was appointed Honorary Organist and Honoured Guest.

The Senior Warden Bro. D de Rozario was posted to Scotland and Bro. Cliff Wilson, who was suitably qualified for the post, was placed in the Senior Warden's chair.

In order to complete so many initiations, double ceremonies were held.

During the first years of the Lodge, rehearsals were carried out every Saturday morning as well as on the Thursday evening following the G.P. Committee Meeting.

 

The Lodge's first Visiting Grand Officer was W/Bro. C J Washington who took over after the consecration.

 

It is noted that the cost of the Festive Board was £3.50 per head.

 

Events of Interest in 1977-1978.

 

The Widow's Plate. Bro. John Zorn who had been a medical technician in the Royal Navy, died suddenly shortly after his initiation. Brethren of the Lodge visited his widow and gave considerable help with some unfinished decorating and also assisted with a generous cheque to help her through the difficult time. John's father later got in touch with the Lodge and, as a 'thank you' for all the help given, presented a beautifully carved widow's plate, which he had carved himself. This is still very much in use in the Lodge.

 

W/Bro. Arthur Coote did not want to progress from S.W. to W.M., therefore Bro. Cliff Wilson, who was suitably qualified was installed in his stead.

 

Bro. Jim Duncan had just left the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant Commander Wardmaster and was a Physiotherapy teacher at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. Coming home for the Christmas break (1978), he was taken ill on the train, he was met by ambulance at the Gosport ferry and raced to Haslar. He had a massive heart attack on the way and died outside Casualty. As Senior Warden he would have gone into the chair the following March. In consequence everyone moved up two places. Jim was Tyler at the Consecration and gave his naval sword to the Lodge

 

The cost of meals at the Festive Board was £2.00.

The annual subscriptions were raised to £9.00 per annum as from 1st January 1979.

 

Double ceremonies were carried out to complete the many initiations.

 

A highlight of 1977 was the Dedication of the Lodge Banner, which was hand made by Mrs D. Burbidge, the wife of our founding Master, W.Bro Derek Burbidge.

 

Events of Interest in 1979 - 1980.

The cost of the Festive Board was £2.50 per head.

 

Events of Interest in 1980 - 1981.

The Annual Subscriptions were raised to £11.00 per head.

The cost of meals at the Festive Board was £2.50 per head.

 

Events of Interest in 1981 - 1982.

W/Bro. Fred Dugane took over from W/Bro. S. Washington as Visiting Grand Officer.

The annual subscription was raised to £12.50 from 1st January 1981.

 

Events of Interest in 1982 - 1983.

On the lighter side, during one meeting, the following dialogue took place between the W.M. and Bro. Ron King (Inner Guard):

I.G.      "W.M. The Official Guest has not arrived."

W.M. (who is slightly deaf)                 "Admit him."

I.G. (in a somewhat louder voice       "The Official Guest has not arrived."

W.M.   "Oh! Then don't admit him".

 

Annual Dues were then £12.50.

 

Events of Interest in 1983 - 1984.

 

The annual dues were raised to £17.50

 

Events of Interest in 1984 - 1985

 

The Hon. Organist W/Bro. R. Croker, P.P.A.G.D.C., died and was succeeded by W/Bro. L. S. Waldron as Lodge Organist.

Annual subscriptions £17.50 per head.

Cost of supper £4.00.

 

An amusing incident associated with W/Bro C I D Reid, the Worshipful Master, who was a most amusing 'Character', occurred during this year. Clarence was pulled over by the police who duly asked his name.

Clarence replied "Reid - C - I - D", The policeman replied "Sorry sir, but could I see your CID warrant card". Clarence replied "No C I D are my initials". The Officer's response was; "Get out of the car please sir! - and blow into this".

 

Events of Interest in 1985 – 1986

 

Bro. J. N. Peterkin was appointed to the Active rank of Provincial Grand Steward.

W/Bro. Cliff Wilson was appointed Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon.

These were the first Provincial appointments within the Lodge.

 

Annual subscriptions were £25.00

The average cost of supper was £5.00.

 

Events of Interest in 1988 - 1989

 

Events of Interest.

 

W/Bro. Alf Burton, P.A.G.Swd. B. took over as Visiting Grand Officer.

 

The Lodge Dues were £30.00 per annum.

Festive Board charges were generally about £5.50 per head.

 

Events of Interest in 1989 - 1990

 

W/Bro. Derek Burbidge celebrated his first 50 years in Freemasonry.

 

The Dining fee was generally about £6.50.

The Initiation Fee: £75.00 plus Grand Lodge fee of £20.70

 

Events of Interest in 1990 - 1991

 

The Lodge dues were £35.00 per annum.

 

Events of Interest in 1991 - 1992

 

The Lodge was honoured by the promotion of W/Bro. C I D Reid to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

 

Events of Interest in 1992 - 1993

 

W/Bro. A E Burton P.A.G.Swd.B, retired as the Lodge's Visiting Grand Officer and was elected an Honorary Member of the Lodge.

 

The new Visiting Grand Officer,

W/Bro. R Tingley P.A.G.Swd. B., was welcomed to the Lodge.

 

Events of Interest in 1994 - 1995

 

The annual subscriptions were raised to £40.00 per head from 1st January 1995.

 

Events of Interest in 1995- 1996

 

The Lodge petitioned the Supreme Grand Chapter for a Royal Arch Chapter be attached to the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity. This was approved and the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity No. 8681 became the sponsoring Lodge for the Wessex Chapter of Fidelity No. 8681.

 

Events of Interest in 1996- 1997 (The 21st Anniversary)

 

The Worshipful Master kindly vacated the chair of King Solomon during the ceremony of initiation so that W/Bro J Fisher could conduct the initiation of his son.

 

The Worshipful Master gave a eulogy to W/Bro. Llewellyn Samuel Waldron on his completion of 50 years in Freemasonry. (His Golden Jublilee!). Further kind words were given by W/Bro.C.S. Wilson B.E.M. P.P.J.G.D. who had been his close friend for over 25 years. There was also a presentation of suitably engraved glassware and an illuminated address.

 

As 1997 was the 21st anniversary of the Lodge, the Past Master's ceremony in February 1997 was conducted by Founders of the Lodge, of these, nine were present and able to take part. In addition, a special Commemorative Festive Board was held. The menu contained the following address by the Worshipful Master.

 

ADDRESS BY THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER

 

(W/Bro. L. G. Foot)

 

February 1997

 

"It was twenty-one years ago today that the twenty-six Founding Members of the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity, No. 8681 gathered here, in The Masonic Hall, for the Consecration Ceremony performed by R.W. Bro. The Rt. Rev. Bishop John Phillips, Provincial Grand Master and his Officers.

 

Our Lodge has flourished since its Consecration but despite the changes which intervening years inevitably bring about. We are fortunate in having some of our Founding Members from 1976 as Officers for our Ceremony this evening.

 

We hope that we have lived up to the expectations our Founders had in mind when they first envisaged the formulation of The Wessex Lodge of Fidelity. To those who came before us, there is a continuing responsibility to carry on the spirit of this Lodge. To those who follow in our footsteps we need to ensure a continuity of purpose and an example they may emulate in the future.

 

As we celebrate this Anniversary, let us look forward to the future with gratitude to those who in whose paths we trod."

 

 

Events of Interest in 1998- 1999

 

Lodge dues were raised to £45.00 from 1st January 1998.

 

W/Bro. Eddie Leeman, P.P.A.G Supt. Wks. a Past Master of Lodge of Harmony No. 309 who has been a semi permanent visitor to the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity for many years very kindly presented the Lodge with a new set of Wardens' Columns. These were beautifully crafted and very much enhance the Lodge furniture.

 

The Lodge acknowledged and greatly applauded W/Bro. D. J. Burbidge P.P.A.G.D.C for his achievement in reaching 60 years in Freemasonry. Suitable eulogies and presentations were made together with a presentation of glassware and a cheque.

 

Events of Interest in 1999- 2000

 

In March 1999, W/Bro. D C Dean and Bro. J B Summers retired from their posts as Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively after many years of faithful service to the Lodge. They were each presented with a piece of glassware, suitably inscribed, together with a cheque. Bouquets of flowers were also sent to their wives.

The dedication of Bro. Derek Dean is especially notable as he has for many years commuted from his home in Cardiff to attend G.P. and Lodge meetings at Fareham. He seldom missed either meeting and at the same time carried out the duties of Secretary in an exemplary manner.

W/Bro. R Tingley P.A.G.Swd.B. retired as Visiting Grand Officer and was elected an honorary member of the Lodge.

He was succeeded by W/Bro. W. Thompson, P.A.G.St.B.

 

W/Bro. Derek Burbidge celebrated his first 60 years in Freemasonry.

W/Bro. Sid Brown also celebrated his first 60 years in Freemasonry and was given a presentation by the Lodge.

 

Events of Interest in 2000 - 2001

 

The Lodge regalia, which has lasted well for 25 years will be replaced by new regalia to be first worn at the installation in March 2001 after the completion of 25 years. The cost of the new regalia, which comprised of 24 collars for the various offices, 2 Past Master's collars and 6 pairs of gauntlets, was £618.00. The cost of the gauntlets being over half the total costs as they have to be hand made for the Lodge.

 

The annual dues were raised to £60.00 per head from 1st January 2000.

 

Visiting Grand Officer.

Due to the illness of our V.G.O. W/Bro. W. Thompson, P.A.G.St.B., a new V.G.O. was appointed in September 2000. He was W/Bro. A. Hamilton, P.A.G.D.C., we welcomed him and wished him a happy association with us over the next 5 years.

 

25th Anniversary Celebrations.

Although the true completion date of 25 years of the Lodge's existence was February 2001, the anniversary was celebrated at the March Installation meeting to which Province kindly agreed to send a Provincial Visiting Team to attend the Installation Ceremony to mark the 25th Anniversary of our Lodge.

 

The ceremony took the form of Founding Members taking the various offices on the opening of the Lodge, W/Bro. Derrick Burbidge as the Founding Worshipful Master took the chair of King Solomon and gave a resume of the main events of interest over the last 25 years and the minutes of the first meeting were read by a Founding Member.

 

The Worshipful Master then re-assumed the chair and conducted the Installation ceremony.

 

All this was followed by a Celebration Dinner.

 

FATHERS AND SONS

 

The value of Freemasonry in cementing friendships among persons in diverse activities is well proven. It is also most valuable in keeping family traditions and ties together as is well illustrated by the fact that by the year 2000 there were, or had been 11 father and son and father and son-in-law teams in the Lodge.

 

IN SUMMARY

 

Numbers in the Lodge.

 

The Lodge numbers have remained fairly steady in the high 50s or low 60s once they were built up after the Consecration. The present total is 62. This is a most convenient number to manage and has contributed to a friendly and well-managed Lodge. There have been no difficulties in recruiting new members and in particular, the Lodge has many younger members who will undoubted be the mainstay of the Lodge in the years to come.

 

Past Masters' Nights

 

These are normally held at the February meeting each year and it is of interest to note that even after 25 years there are still enough founders to fill all the offices at a Past Masters Night. It is therefore planned that there will be a Founders Night to commemorate the 25th anniversary.

 

Ladies Nights.

 

The traditional practice of holding an annual Ladies Night has been maintained and the Lodge is fortunate in respect that the Ladies night is normally held on the 2nd Saturday in December. At this time Christmas decorations are usually up and these contribute well to the atmosphere. It is for many the first of the normal series of Christmas parties and numbers wishing to attend invariably exceed 150. It is unfortunate that this number exceeds the permitted number allowed at the Queens Road premises and it has been necessary for the past several years to seek a venue elsewhere.

 

 

The Future.

 

The Wessex Lodge of Fidelity No. 8681 is alive and well. It has many talented members, particularly among the younger masons who are now progressing through the offices, it has a sound future and we are sure that this will be reflected when the next history is produced in 25 years time to commemorate our 50th Anniversary.

 

 

Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the King.

(1 Peter Ch.2 verse 17).

 

 

May God Bless us all.

 

                                                                    

 

IN MEMORIAM

 

The following members of The Wessex Lodge of Fidelity have passed to the Grand Lodge above.

 

W/Bro. W.A. Branson, (Hon Organist and Honoured Guest), died 4th Sept 1977.

Bro. James Thomson McNeill Duncan    died 22nd December 1978

W/Bro. Dennis Gilbert Bennett                died 27th December 1978.

W/Bro. Arthur Coote, P.P.A.G.D.C.      died April 1982.

W/Bro. Francis Lyde  P.P.G.St.B           died 12th June 1984.

Bro. Edward Bertram Savage                 died 4th August 1984.

W/Bro. R Croker  P.P.A.G.D.C             died 1984

Bro. Henry John Bryant                          died 16th July 1987.

W/Bro. Horace William Edward Ring     died 2nd August 1987.

W/Bro. Clarence Reid                            died 28th October 1992.

Bro. Reginald Harry Lewry                     died 13th February 1994.

W/Bro. Harold Hodgkinson                    died March 1994.

W/Bro. Ronald Frederick King               died 23rd June 1994.

Bro. John Henry Zorn                             died 1978

Bro Mayo                                              died December 1999.

 

A light is from our household gone,

A voice we loved is stilled.

A place is vacant at our hearth

Which never can be filled.

 

So Mote it be.