Ye Olde Bargate Lodge. |
|
LODGE HISTORY |
CONTENTS
1. Founders Meetings
2. Consecration
3. The Pre-War Years 1931-1939
4. The War Years 1939-1945 |
|
5. The Post War Years to 1956
6. The Second 25 years 1956-1981
7. The Third 25 years 1981-2006
8. Succession to the Chair
9. Lodges of Instruction
10. Distinguished Visitors
11. Help for Widows & Children
12. Christmas Gifts for Widows
13. Ladies Festivals
14. Honorary Members
15. Distinguished Brethren of the Lodge
16. Distinguished Brethren in Public Life
17. Masters of the Lodge 1931-2006
18. D.Cs, Secretaries & Treasurers of the Lodge
19. Gifts to Lodge at Consecration
1. Founders Meetings
On 30th March 1931, sixteen masons of various lodges met at the Davis Hotel in Terminus Terrace, Southampton, to discuss the possibility of forming a new Lodge, which would be mothered by Albert Edward Lodge No. 1780. The Davis Hotel was owned by Bro. Walter Lanham, who agreed that the new Lodge could use the Hotel for Lodge of Instruction. After further discussion it was agreed that the name Ye Olde Bargate Lodge should be submitted to the Provincial Grand Secretary at Portsmouth, and that a deputation should go there to meet him and discuss any points. It is not recorded who actually proposed the name, but it was accepted. The representations of the deputation were accepted, and, shortly after, Grand Lodge granted a Warrant under the name of Ye Olde Bargate Lodge No. 5296 It is interesting to note that fourteen other lodges existed in Southampton at that time, but none had chosen to use the name of the Bargate. This is perhaps rather surprising as the name of the Bargate is synonymous with the name of Southampton. The building of the gate was begun by the Normans about 1175, and extended to its present form over the following three centuries. The Lodge is indeed fortunate to have such an auspicious and recognisable name. The Masonic Hall Company, Albion Place, offered the second Monday of the month as the date for Lodge meetings during the months of October to May, which was accepted. It was decided that the annual subscription should be three guineas, with initiation fee of 20 guineas, and a joining member 10 guineas plus annual subscription.
Many of the founders were prepared to give masonic gifts, including a banner for the new Lodge, and our mother Lodge, Albert Edward No. 1780 agreed to donate the Wor. Masters Collar, complete with chain and shields. A complete list of founders gifts appears at the end of this booklet.
Of particular interest is the Brass Bell which is in the dining room at Albion Place, and is regularly used at 9:00pm on Lodge nights. There is an inscription on it which reads, This bell was removed from Ye Olde Bevois Mount House and presented to Ye Olde Bargate Lodge by S.T. Clark (a founder). This house was located in the estate, the entrance to which was the Stag Gates.
Bro. R.P. Effeny was invited to become Tyler of the Lodge. He accepted and, in fact, held that appointment, very conscientiously, for 50 years, retiring in 1981. During all those years there was never any problem with misplaced equipment. He received 5 shillings for each lodge meeting, and 2/6d for each initiate.
There were three founders meetings before the consecration (30th March, 20th April, 31st August 1931) and there were 25 founders altogether, although one was absent from the consecration meeting. Their names were:
2. Consecration
The date of Consecration, although originally planned for Monday 19th October 1931 at Woolston, due to the unavailability of the Masonic Hall, Albion Place, Southampton on that date, was later amended to Thursday 29th October 1931, when the hall was available.
The Lodge was consecrated by R.W. Bro. the Earl of Malmesbury, P.G.W. Prov. Grand Master for Hampshire & I.O.W., assisted by other Provincial Officers. There was a choir in attendance with the consecration musical programme arranged and conducted by Bro. P. Withers.
All the consecrating officers were presented with a gift of an engraved pen in gratitude for their work.
Wor. Bro. R.J. Dawes, P.A.G.Std.B., P.P.S.G.D., was installed as the first Master of the Lodge, and the full proceedings and a list of Officers involved are recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
After the retirement of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master and his Officers, the Wor .Master made reference to the help rendered by our Mother Lodge, and, in expressing the gratitude of the Founders to the Brethren of that Lodge, proposed that Wor .Bro. Algar be made the first honorary member of the Lodge, and this was carried unanimously.
On the completion of the meeting, the Provincial Grand Master was accommodated for the night at the South Western Hotel adjoining the Terminus Railway Station, which had been arranged by the Lodge. This Hotel has now been converted to apartments, and is situated on the corner of Terminus Terrace and Canute Road.
Unfortunately there is no record available of the menu for the Festive Board on that occasion, but hopefully one may be found at some later date. The menu following was for the Installation Meeting of 1936 and gives some indication of the standards of the meals in those days.
The dining fee for these meetings was 12/6d (62.5p in todays money)
Menu
Hors dOeuvres varies - Soup Turtle Soup au Madere - Fish Fillet Sole au Citron - Entrιe Vol-au-Vent Sweetbread - Removes Roast Chicken & Ham Brussel Sprouts Baked & Boiled Potatoes - Sweets Peach Melba Trifles Wine Jellies - Roes on Toast - Dessert Coffee - Wines Sherry Barsac Haut Sauterne Chateau de Gironville Champagne - Liquor Grand Marnier
Of related interest is the menu card for the Installation Meeting on 13th October 1947, of Bro. A.E. Stephens. Inside the card is the comment Owing to the difficulty of catering, particulars of the menu cannot be given, but the brethren may be assured that Bro. W. Lanham will spare no effort to make them happy and contented, being ever mindful of the wants of others. This refers to catering restrictions still in force after the war. Bro. Lanham, owner of the Davis Hotel, was also caterer at 40 steps.
3. The Pre-War Years 1931-1939
During the first year of the Lodge, 9 initiations were carried out, of which 6 were passed, and of those 4 were raised. Additionally there were 3 joining brethren.
At the end of the first year, the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. R.J. Dawes, was presented with a silver salver by the brethren he had initiated. In 2002 this salver was offered for sale to the Lodge by a descendant of Wor. Bro. Dawes, and was purchased and presented to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. Peter Byrne, in appreciation of his year as Master in 2000/2001. It is now on display in the cabinet in the Lodge dining room at Albion Place.
The following year (1932/33), the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. L.G. Day conducted 12 initiations, the first of which was his son, Bro. J. Day, 10 passings and 6 raisings with one joining brother.
Most ceremonies were conducted in pairs and in 1933/34 the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. J.W. Wood conducted 6 initiations, 10 passings and 10 raisings with 2 joining brethren. The following year the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. J Bartle-Hastings conducted 8 initiations, 9 passings and 11 raisings.
The years up to the outbreak of the 2nd world war saw an annual maximum of 12 initiations, and a minimum of 6, which ensured a healthy membership.
In August 1938, the M.W. the Grand Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught K.G. issued a statement on the Aims and Relationships of the Craft which he ordered to be read in all Lodges. This statement is attached to the Lodge Minutes dated 10th October 1938.
In July 1939, the Duke of Kent, (father of our present Grand Master) was installed as Grand Master by a Past Grand Master, King George V1, who was also his brother.
4. The War Years 1939-1945
On the 4th September 1939, because of the outbreak of war, Grand Lodge suspended all Masonic Meetings, but this was followed the same month with a notice saying that meetings could be resumed, subject to the discretion of the Provincial Grand Masters, and under certain circumstances. These all appear in the Lodge Minute Book No. 2 dated September 1939. Consequently Ye Olde Bargate Lodge resumed meetings on 13th November 1939, when Bro. H.E. Jackson, the father of our late brother, Wor. Bro. Ken Jackson ( our Treasurer for many years), was installed as Master, and subsequently initiated 5 candidates during his year.
In the lodge notice for the February 1940 meeting, for the first time, the nearest air raid shelters were listed. These were located at All Saints Church and the Gaiety Picture House basement, both in the High Street and at the top of East Street. These locations of air raid shelters continued to be shown until March 1944 with slight variations, as All Saints Church was destroyed in the blitz in November 1940, and another shelter was nominated which was located in the castle vault in the old walls close to the bottom of 40 steps.
In May 1940, the Lodge suffered its first casualty, when Bro. J. Hampton was wounded in France and taken to Guildford Hospital. In the following year, two other Brethren, (Bros Powdrill and Roberts) were killed by enemy action.
During the war many of the Lodge meetings were held in the afternoons, and no meetings at all were held between October 1940 and March 1941 occasioned, no doubt, by the heavy air raids on the town.
Portsmouth, where Provincial Grand Lodge was then located, also suffered heavy air raid damage, and in July 1940 a donation of 2 guineas was made by Ye Olde Bargate Lodge to Provincial Grand Lodge towards replacement of their regalia lost through enemy action.
In March 1942, the Lodge invested £400-00 in 3% War Defence Bonds.
In May 1942, Ken Jackson was initiated by his father, Wor. Bro. H.E .Jackson, who also presented the working tools and charge. At that time Bro. Ken Jackson was the youngest initiate in the history of the Lodge (aged 21 years).
In August 1942, the Grand Master was killed in an air crash in Scotland. The acting Grand Master, the Earl of Harewood, who was elected Grand Master, reported the news and the usual period of mourning was observed.
Following the war, on 12th June 1946, there was a Masonic Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral, and brethren attended in full regalia.
5. The Post War Years to 1956
It is interesting to note that up to the 1950s, the majority of members of the Lodge were either licensees or shipping employees, both on the ships and on shore. This was perhaps not particularly strange by the very nature of the main occupations in the town.
In March 1948, after a request from a Lodge widow, Mrs T. Payne, the Lodge supported, by petition, help in obtaining entrance for her son into the Royal Masonic School for Boys, which was successful. At the same meeting it was proposed, and carried unanimously, that the Lodge support an application from another Lodge widow, Mrs Powell, for help in obtaining entrance for her son to the same school, which was also successful.
In May 1949 it was proposed and carried that £1000-00 of the Lodge Benevolent Fund be re-invested as £500-00 in National Savings Certificates and £500-00 in Trustee Savings Bank Deposit Account. Two years later, a similar proposal was carried that £1000-00 of the Lodge Benevolent Fund be re-invested as £500-00 in the Post Office Savings Bank, and £500-00 in the Trustee Savings Bank Deposit Account.
In 1949 Wor. Bro. D.A. Boggust was initiated by his father, and later did sterling work as Almoner. Since 1980 he has been Lodge Organist. At his initiation he was 24 years old.
There was a most interesting visitors evening on 13th March 1950, when the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Algernon Boggust, with the help of Bro. Bernard Chill (a member of the Lodge, and a Solicitor by profession), invited a number of brethren from the legal profession, to be present, including Solicitors, Barristers, Counsel and a Judge who had been sitting at the Assize Court in Winchester. Unfortunately the Judge arrived late, after the ceremony had started. In response to the toast to the visitors at the Festive Board, the Judge began by profusely apologising for his late arrival and said . It turned out to be a very busy day at Court, with more clients than normal appearing before me, and many of them, Im afraid, found themselves taking their time from me. The menu card for that occasion, duly signed by Past Masters, Officers, and Distinguished Visitors present, is held in the Lodge Scrap Book of Memorabilia.
The R.W. Provincial Grand Master, the Earl of Malmesbury, died in the Autumn of 1950, and the usual period of mourning was observed. He was succeeded by R.W. Bro. W. Attenborough who visited Ye Olde Bargate Lodge on 11th May 1953.
In October 1954, there was a petition that the Lodge should sponsor a new Lodge, which would be known as Westgate Lodge, and would meet at Totton. A number of Ye Olde Bargate Lodge members became founders of the new Lodge. The name Westgate was particularly appropriate, as, like the Bargate, it was one of the main gates in the walled town of Southampton, and closely associated with its history. Many people had passed through both gates on their way to embark on ships, including Henry V, and his army, on their way to France in 1415 to fight the battle of Agincourt, and the Pilgrim Fathers en route to America in 1620. There was a second petition, at the same meeting, to form another Lodge to be named Frater Magnus to meet at Woolston. The Westgate Lodge was consecrated on 16th May 1955, but there is no reference to the other proposed Lodge.
In the 1950s, a number of grants were made to widows of the Lodge and assistance to their children, and also to a brother in dire straits. It is extremely gratifying to know how well the Lodge was carrying out its charitable work in what had been difficult years.
In November 1954, two silver columns for the Wardens Pedestals were presented to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. R.H. Dale (Wor. Master 1953/54) and Wor. Bro. B.Chill (Wor. Master 1954/55)
Of particular interest is the presentation of Provincial Regalia to Wor. Brethren on their obtaining Provincial Honours. Over the years, up to 1960, no less than 10 Wor. Brethren had been so presented, but this practice then ceased and, thereafter, Wor. Brethren have had to purchase their own Regalia.
In December 1955, a grant of £105-00 was made after an appeal, to the Masonic Hospital Extension Fund, and other lesser grants were made, after appeals, to other Masonic Institutions.
In these early years of the Lodge, many of the names of brethren familiar to us today (2006) were appearing in the minutes of the Lodge R. Russell, E. Jackson, A. Boggust, R. Gosney, R. Savage, P. Tutte, F. Baker, W. Quick, L. Daish, but these were, of course, the fathers of today's members. They all did sterling work for the Lodge, particularly Wor. Bro. R. Russell, who was not only a founder but also D.C. for many years (1941-1947 & 1949-1954)
In May 1956, Bro. Alfred Hill, father of comedian Benny Hill, became a Joining Brother. His Mother Lodge was Albert Edward Lodge No. 1780
6. The Second 25 Years 1956-1981
The first initiate of this period was Wor. Bro. Leslie Daish (Father of Wor. Bro. Richard Daish), on 10th December 1956, followed in March 1957 by Wor. Bro. Ray Quick (Almoner 1975/90) and in November 1957 by Bro. Ray Gosney, all conscientious Lodge members.
At the February 1960 meeting it was agreed that a Banner should be presented to our new daughter Lodge Westgate. At the same meeting Wor. Bro. Bernard Chill reported on a meeting held to discuss a suggested new Masonic Hall. This later came to fruition with the opening of Kings Court, Chandlers Ford. The first Lodge to be consecrated there was Southampton New Temple Lodge No. 8131 in October 1966...
In 1961, although not directly associated with our Lodge, a Masonic window was placed in St. Marys Church in memory of Wor. Bro. G. Thorne.
In April 1965 the Lodge passed a proposal by Wor. Bro. B. Chill, that the permissive variation of the ritual, as contained in Grand Lodge letter of January 1965, be adopted.
Grants continued to be given to widows, and financial support for a son at the Royal Masonic School for Boys.
In October 1969, the Lodge was honoured by a visit of the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Major General R.L. Bond, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., who gave an address to the Brethren. Wor. Bro. George Clarke was the Wor. Master at the time. Two years later Mrs Russell, widow of our late Wor. Bro. R. Russell presented the Lodge with his gavel and D.Cs baton.
In April 1965, the Provincial Grand Master sent a letter to all Lodges saying that only one candidate should be the subject of any ceremony. This was particularly relevant to the Lodge as, from the day of founding, the majority of ceremonies had been worked with candidates in pairs. Since that time, all ceremonies have been done singly, although occasionally two candidates have been dealt with at the same meeting.
In October 1975, it became necessary to add new shields to the Wor. Masters Collar, as the original ones were completely filled. These were kindly presented to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. F.F. Baker, and the following year he presented the cabinet in which our working tools are kept.
Up until this time (1979), drinks had always been included in the dining fee, but it became increasingly obvious that this was very unpopular with many tee-total members, and so the Asst. D.C., Wor. Bro. Roy Baker, organised a bar (a table top) in the dining room where members would purchase their own drinks, and no drinks would be included in the dining fee. This was a very popular move, and prevented much embarrassment. At that time there was not the built-in bar which exists today and which, when opened, no longer necessitated the Lodge bar. This saved a lot of hard work, as drinks had to be ordered from a wholesaler, and after each meeting, stored in a downstairs cupboard.
In 1980, as a means of raising money for our charities, it was decided to organise raffles at the Installation and Christmas meetings. This proved highly successful, and, as the majority of the prizes were (and still are) donated by the brethren, considerable amounts of money were raised. It has become traditional over the years, for the Christmas profits to help with our Widows Christmas gifts.
In May 1981, our Tyler Bro. R. Effeny announced his retirement after 50 years in that office, and the Lodge presented him with an illuminated address, and a cheque for £255-00, which had been donated by all the Lodge brethren in appreciation of his magnificent service. Thereafter he was always invited (and accepted) to visit our Lodge at the Christmas meetings, and this continued for a few years until his death. These meetings meant a lot to him.
Of interest is the donation, about this time, of a lifeboat named The Duchess of Kent to the R.N.L.I. by Grand Lodge, from donations by all Lodges.
The 12th October 1981 was the 50th Anniversary of the Lodge which was duly celebrated. That evening saw the installation of Wor. Bro. Tony Budden by Wor. Bro. Ken Barnes.
7. The Third 25 years 1981-2006
The beginning of 1982 saw very severe weather, and the January meeting had to be abandoned, as there were not enough members present to form a quorum.
In March 1983, the Lodge was honoured by a visit of the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. T. Bennett Langton, M.C., D.L., who presented Grand Lodge Certificates to two brethren.
The following month saw a unique occasion in the History of the Lodge, when the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Ray Coward initiated, by limited double ceremonies, his two sons in the one evening.
About this time, the Lodge purchased a number of mugs with a Ye Olde Bargate Lodge logo on the side, which were sold for charity. One of these mugs, given back to the Lodge by the widow of Wor. Bro. Eric Wells, is now displayed in the glass cabinet, in the dining room, together with mugs of other Lodges.
In March 1986, the Lodge enjoyed a visit by the William Cobbett Lodge demonstration team, who gave an excellent display of a first degree ceremony at an 18th century Lodge meeting. They were all dressed in period costume, and had many appropriate effects. Such was the pleasure that the ceremony gave, that they returned three years later and gave a similar demonstration, and again in the year 2000. They only charged for their expenses, but our brethren and guests were encouraged to be extra charitable in recognition of the work of the demonstration team, and their journey from Guildford to entertain us.
In November 1987, Wor. Bro. Cyril Biddle was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his 23 years as Secretary. He later continued for another year as Asst. Secretary in order to assist his successor, Wor. Bro. Ralph Ellery.
In the same month, at the instigation of the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. James Bullen, a new Lodge, The Hampshire & I.O.W. Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 9263 was formed. Membership is limited to brethren who held Prov. Grand Steward rank. Currently Wor. Bros Elliott Penn, Paul Wright and Peter Byrne belong. Wor. Bro. Norman Flight was also a member before his untimely death.
In January 1988, Wor. Bro. Bernard Chill attended Lodge on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his initiation. In the past he had done much sterling work for masonry, but over recent years his health had deteriorated. Also present that night was Bro. R. Effeny, our past Tyler, who had been Tyler when Wor. Bro. Chill was initiated.
During the following years, it became very noticeable that the January meetings were very poorly supported ( and still are), and the Treasurer, Wor. Bro. Ken Jackson, proposed that January meetings should be cancelled, which would also save the Lodge rental fees etc. This was carried, and for two years there were no January meetings, but it was not a popular move, and the Lodge reverted to its eight meetings.
Two months later, Wor. Bro. Ken Jackson, who had been Treasurer for 22 years, resigned and was succeeded by Bro. D. Milne.
In March 1988, Mrs Gwen Mitchell was appointed caretaker to the building, and her husband, Wor. Bro. Phil Mitchell, (Mayflower & Deanery Lodges), occasionally assisted the Lodge as Tyler. He also served the drinks in the newly constructed bar in the dining room.
In October 1989 a letter was received from Grand Lodge saying that the inner workings of masonry were to be shown on television. It was an interesting programme, but did not appear to have any profound effect on other than masons, and then very little.
On 14th April 2003, the Lodge celebrated another first, when it initiated its oldest candidate ever. Mr Alfred Tattersall who was 88 years old at the time. He has since presented a number of addresses in Lodge.
Until 1987 the Lodge Banner had always been displayed on an easel on Lodge nights. There was also a traditional pipe organ in the Temple. In 1987 the Temple was completely refurbished, the organ removed, new carpet laid, seating renovated and the banner displayed in a cabinet on the wall, together with the banners of all of the Lodges meeting at 40 steps.
The current organ was installed in 2006.
July 1989 was also a noteworthy date for the Lodge when Wor. Bro. Elliott Penn was appointed to the active rank of Provincial Grand Steward.
Over the years, at different times, shares have been bought in the Masonic Hall Company, and in early 1989 an additional £500-00 worth of extra shares were bought which brought our total number of shares to an amount which earned ( and still does ) a 40% discount on our rent for meetings.
The Christmas 1989 meeting of the Lodge saw another first occasion when a Father & Son, Messrs Hugh & Ian Campbell were initiated. Also present was the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Alan. D. Chunn, M.B.E.
1989 was a particularly charitable year, with donations being made to a Childrens Hospice with which the Duchess of Kent was involved, the Steve Mills Leukaemia Fund, the Bullett Fund, the Hillsborough Disaster Fund, the Royal Masonic Hospital and the Wessex Childrens Cancer Unit. All very gratifying for members of the Lodge.
In late 1989 a letter had been received from the daughter of our Bro. Norman Draper (founder of Drapers Tools) saying that her father had suffered a second stroke and would be unlikely to attend Lodge again. He did, however, send a most generous gift as a prize for our Christmas raffle, and this kindness has been continued by the family ever since. It has become traditional for these high quality gifts of tools to be auctioned at our December meetings.
In July 1990, Wor. Bro. Roy Baker, who had been appointed P.P.S.G.D. in 1983, was promoted to P.P.S.G.W.. This was the highest rank ever held by a member of the Lodge, at that time, apart from founders.
In 1941, Mr Tom Pickett had been initiated into the Lodge. After war service, he emigrated to New Zealand, but still had family ties in Southampton whom he occasionally revisited. It was on one such occasion, in the 1980s that he and his wife were doing a guided bus tour around the city, when the official city tourist guide on that day was Wor. Bro. Roy Baker. They got into conversation, and soon, to their amazement, discovered their common interest in Ye Olde Bargate Lodge. They kept in touch, and in 1991, he again visited Southampton and was invited to attend our November meeting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his initiation. He gratefully accepted, and the Lodge presented him with an engraved silver tankard to mark the occasion.
Later, Wor. Bro. Roy Baker and his wife, when on holiday in Wellington, New Zealand met up with Bro. Tom Pickett and his wife on a number of occasions (one of the many privileges of masonry).
At the Christmas meeting in 1991, the Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary, and was honoured by a visit from the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Alan D. Chunn, M.B.E., who had succeeded R.W. Bro. James Bullen earlier that year. As part of the celebration that evening, a most interesting talk was given in the Temple by Bro. Roy Spring, who was Clerk of Works at Salisbury Cathedral. This was in aid of the Salisbury Cathedral Spire appeal. Brethren were most appreciative of his address and responded most generously, giving about £1000-00 to the appeal.
Two years later, at the Christmas meeting, a talk on the history of the Bargate was given by Wor. Bro. Roy Baker. This is, of course, the magnificent building after which our Lodge is named.
In January 1992, Wor. Bro. Bernard Chill, one of the most forceful characters in our history, died.
A donation of £20,000-00 was given to the 1994 Festival Appeal by the Lodge
In the summer of 1994, Bro. Ron Pooley, a member of many years, died, and in his will left £500-00 to the Lodge. A donation was made to Ward 6 at the Southampton General Hospital in memory of Bro. Ron. Later that year, his son presented Bro. Rons 1994 inscribed Festival Jewel to the Lodge, which is still worn on the I.P.Ms collar.
In March 1996, Wor. Bro. Roy Baker, who was holidaying at his daughters home in Tauranga, New Zealand, met up with Wor. Bro. George Woolgar, a member of Powney Lodge 3099 (Lymington), who was on holiday nearby. Together they attended Gate Pa Lodge, where they received a very warm welcome. The following year, Wor. Bro. Roy was invited to present the Charge to an initiate at the same Lodge. That year he also visited a Lodge in Rotorua, N.Z.
In December 1996, the Lodge donated a Television to Ward E6 at the General Hospital in appreciation of the treatment received by a brother of the Lodge.
In May 1998, the S.W., Bro. Steve Roberts, elected not to progress to the chair, and consequently the J.W., Bro. Paul Wright was elected and installed the following year. Also in that year, Wor. Bro. Derek Boggust was presented with a clock to mark his 50 years in the Lodge.
April 2001 was a particularly gratifying time for the Lodge when, for the first time ever, a brother, initiated into the Lodge, received Grand Rank. Wor.Bro. Elliott Penn was appointed P.G.Std.B., and the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Peter Byrne, Wor. Bro. Ray Quick (his proposer) and Wor. Bro. Roy Baker supported him at his investment in Grand Lodge.
At the November 2005 meeting , Wor. Bro. Roy Baker proposed that the Lodge initiate a centennial fund into which £100-00p should be donated each year from the Christmas Raffle. This will assist in the expenses of the 100th anniversary meeting in 2031. & ensure that the celebrations are worthy of the Lodge. This proposal was passed unanimously.
8. Succession to the Chair
Throughout the history of the Lodge, it has been the normal practice, as indeed it is in most other Lodges, for the Senior Warden to progress to the chair. However for a number of reasons, there have been exceptions. In October 1949, the Senior Warden declined to progress, and the Junior Warden, Bro. Algernon D. Boggust progressed directly to the chair and his first initiate was his son, Derek Boggust on 14th November 1949.
In 1963, the Senior Warden, Bro. Arnold Bernfeld, did not progress to the chair as he was, at that time, the Wor. Master of a Lodge in Winchester, and it was not permitted for a brother to be Wor. Master of two Lodges at the same time. Thereafter he declined to progress in our Lodge, and the Junior Warden, Bro. Derek Boggust, requested that he be allowed to progress to Senior Warden before going into the chair. This was agreed, and Wor. Bro. the Rev. A.C. Hopkins, who had been a joining brother, was recommended and elected as Master for the ensuing year, and Bro. Derek Boggust was installed in October of the following year, 1964.
In October 1976, the Senior Warden, Bro. Walter Ings, was unable to progress for health reasons. Bro. Stan Goulding, who had earlier reached the Senior Wardens chair, but then had to leave the area for business reasons and could not, therefore, accept promotion, was installed as Master in October 1976. Bro. Ings eventually progressed to the chair in 1977.
In 1983, the Senior Warden, Bro. A. Davies, was unable to progress to the chair for health reasons, and the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Ray Coward, was elected and installed for the second year in succession using the Induction Ceremony adopted for installation of Past Masters. This is the one and only time (to date 2006), that this has happened in the history of the Lodge. It is interesting to note that during his second year as Master, both his Wardens, Bro. Bob Hambling and Bro. Ralph Ellery both of whom had been his candidates, and had well and truly exemplified his fidelity. Unfortunately, his two sons, whom he had initiated in the same ceremony the previous year had to leave the area and consequently resigned from the Lodge.
In 1987, the Senior Warden, Bro. Fred Sanger, requested that, for business reasons, he should not progress until his situation improved. This was agreed, and consequently the Junior Warden, Bro. Elliott Penn was installed in that year., and the following year the then Junior Warden, Bro. Norman Flight was installed.
In 1989, Bro. John Minto, the Senior Warden, decided not to progress for personal reasons, and Bro. Fred Sanger was installed in his place in October 1989.
An unfortunate accident to the Senior Warden, Bro. Mike Baker, in the summer of 1990 meant that he was unable to progress, and consequently the Junior Warden, Bro. Alan Jepson was installed in the October of that year. A fully recovered Bro. Mike Baker followed on in 1991.
In 1998, the Senior Warden, Bro. Steve Roberts declined to progress, for business reasons, and the Junior Warden, Bro. Paul Wright was installed in his place.
The sad death of our Senior Warden, Bro. Alan Neville in 2002 meant that our Junior Warden, Bro. Richard Daish (the son of a previous Master, Wor. Bro. Leslie Daish 1971-72) was installed as Master.
9. Lodges of Instruction
Over the years venues for rehearsals have changed .Originally they were carried out at the Davis Hotel (Terminus Terrace), followed by the Crown Hotel (Shirley), Osborne Hotel (Freemantle Licensee Wor. Bro. Alf Miller), and in the late 1950s moved to the Portswood Conservative Club.
Because of the planned closure of that club, rehearsals were moved to the St Denys Conservative Club at the beginning of 2005. The Lodge furniture for rehearsals was made, and donated, by Wor. Bro. Alf Miller and Wor. Bro. W.J. Quick in the1950s.
10. Distinguished Visitors
Over the years, the Lodge has received many distinguished visitors, beginning with the Consecration by R.W. Bro. the Earl of Malmesbury, P.G.W., the Provincial Grand Master.
The V.W. Bro. Wilfred Attenborough visited as Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 1949, and later as Provincial Grand Master in October 1954.
There were also visits by a number of Deputy P.G.Ms including V.W. Bro. Major General R.L. Bond C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., who later visited as P.G.M.
Other P.G.Ms to visit were R.W. Bros T. Bennett Langton, James E. Bullen, Alan D. Chunn and Ernest F.R. Moss.
11. Help for Widows & Children
During the decade, or so, following the war, much financial assistance was given to widows, and support was given to two sons to assist them to be admitted to the Royal Masonic School for Boys.
12. Christmas Gifts for Widows
Every year the Lodge has given Christmas Gifts to its widows, which have been personally delivered by the Wor.Master and Almoners ( except of course those living away ). Currently the gifts are usually in the form of a cheque.
13. Ladies Festivals
These have been held annually, with the exception of the war years. Up to 1980, these had been held at the Polygon Hotel, (now demolished), but later venues included the Yacht Club in Northlands Road, (also demolished), the Woodlands Hotel, the Royal Hotel, Botley Masonic Centre, Botleigh Grange Hotel and currently the Rose Bowl at the Hampshire County Cricket Ground. Raffles for charity have always been a feature at the events and many local charities (mainly non-masonic) have been supported. On 17th February 1966, at the Ladies Festival of Wor.Bro. F.Bowdrey, a toast was proposed to the R.W. Mayor & Mayoress of Southampton. The Mayor that year was Bro. R.C. Haskell who was a member of our Lodge. (see scrap book for photographs).
14. Honorary Members
The first honorary membership was given to Wor. Bro. A. Algar of Albert Edward Lodge No. 1780 in appreciation of the assistance given by that Lodge in founding Ye Olde Bargate Lodge, followed in 1932 by Bro. P. Withers who was the honorary organist of the Lodge. Twenty years later Bro. M.A. Hammond, who was also our honorary organist, was made an honorary member.
In January 1962, after a visit the previous month, the Asst. Pro. Grand Master, V.W. Bro. Rev. G.W. Page R.N. (retired) was elected an honorary member, and in November 1985, Wor. Bro. Bernard Chill was elected in recognition of his services. March 1990 saw the election to honorary membership of two members of the Lodge, Wor. Bro. Cyril Biddle, who had served 23 years as Secretary, and Wor. Bro. Ken Jackson, who had served a similar time as Treasurer. Four members received honorary membership in December 1993, namely Wor. Bro. L. Daish, Wor. Bro. S. Goulding, Bro. F. Halfpenny and Bro. W. Jones in view of their lengthy service to the Lodge.
In October 1995, Wor .Bro. Robin J. McGarel-Groves O.B.E., P.Dep.G.Swd. B, P.P.Asst.G.M., a frequent and much respected visitor, was appointed an honorary member, and seven years later, our V.G.O., Wor. Bro. Chris Fryatt P.A.G.D.C. was also appointed in recognition of his loyal and generous service.
In January 1997 Wor. Bro. Percy Tutte and Wor. Bro. Ken Blatchford were made honorary members in recognition of their long service to the Lodge.
15. Distinguished Brethren of the Lodge
No History of the Lodge would be complete without special mention of a few members who joined before 1960, and were outstanding characters in the Lodge.
Wor. Bro. Reg Russell was a founder and in 1941 he became D.C., an office which he held until 1966. He was a very strict disciplinarian, who demanded perfection, and our present high standards of work can be traced back to him.
Wor. Bro. Solomon (Solly) Marks was among the first candidates to be initiated. He had been badly wounded in the Great War, and consequently walked with a bad limp. He served as Treasurer for 15 years, and his ritual was great, especially his rendering of the Address to the Brethren at Installation Meetings.
Mention has already been made of Wor. Bro. Bernard Chill, Wor. Bro. K. Jackson & Wor. Bro. C.A. Biddle.
Wor. Bro. Alf Miller was a joining brother ( at the outbreak of the second world war), and he had been initiated in Australia. He was a good ritualist, a wonderful raconteur, and was a great presence in the lodge. He organised a number of Ladies Festivals at the Polygon Hotel and often travelled to London to buy ladies gifts. He was D.C. in 1966-1968, and his special baton is still used by the D.C. today (2006)
Worthy of special mention is Wor. Bro. Ken Blatchford. He was initiated in 1951, was Wor. Master in 1966/67. At various times, he did all of the work in the temple with great expertise, and served as D.C. from 1970 to 1979.
Wor. Bro. Derek Boggust, initiated in 1949, became Master in 1964/65. He later served for a number of years as Almoner, and for the last 25 years he has been our organist. During his 56 years of service he has only missed 5 meetings, a truly wonderful record.
Wor. Bro. George Clarke is also worthy of mention. Initiated in 1954 and Master in 1969/70, he was a wonderful ritualist who always gave extended versions of whatever address he was giving, usually without informing the D.C. that he intended to do so. He died on 19th January 1989.
Wor. Bro. Leslie Daish (Father of Wor. Bro. Richard Daish) was initiated in 1956 and served as Master in 1971/72. He was an excellent ritualist who, unfortunately, suffered ill health until his death in January 1996.
Wor. Bro. Ray Quick was initiated the following year and served as Master in 1972/73, and as Almoner for 15 years (1975-1990).
Bro. Ray Gosney was also initiated in 1957 but, by choice, never progressed to the chair. Nevertheless he has been a most loyal member, rarely missing a meeting, and is a frequent proposer of toasts.
The work and dedication of Wor. Bro. C.A. Biddle and Wor. Bro. F. Bowdrey was much appreciated, and the two arm chairs located in the vestibule of the Masonic Hall are dedicated to their memory.
Wor. Bros. K.J.G. Barnes, W. Barnes & N. Flight, were all dedicated brethren, each of whom served as Master, & later as Director of Ceremonies.
Mention should also be made of Wor. Bro. A.F. Budden, a quiet, unassuming brother, who was always willing to undertake any work, and often at short notice.
There were, of course, many others who did excellent work for the lodge, and apologies for any such not mentioned.
16. Distinguished Brethren in Public Life
The Lodge has been blessed with having many members who have become well known public figures. These have included:
W. Bro. Bernard Dale ..Architect W. Bro. Percy Tutte .Architect W. Bro. Bernard Chill ..Solicitor Bro. W.S. Axtell ...Solicitor W. Bro. Harry Chick. ...Mayor (1936) Bro. Reg Haskell . .Mayor (1965), J.P. & Alderman Bro. John Minto . ..Mayor (1974), J.P. W. Bro. Ralph Ellery ....J.P. Bro. Peter Staples .J.P. Bro. Sam Warhurst ..Goalkeeper (Southampton Football Club) W. Bro. Fred Bowdrey Golf Pro. (Civic Golf Course) Bro. R.W. French . Owner Frenchs Shoe Shop Bro. Alf Hill . ..Father of Comedian Benny Hill W. Bro. Jonathon Coppen. .Currently (2005) Dep. District Judge (Western Circuit) Bro. Norman Draper . ...Founder of Drapers Tools Bro. Eric Robinson . .Solicitor Bro. Frank Cross . .Owner of Gents Outfitters
Also, of course, many members served with distinction in the services during the two World Wars.
17. Masters of the Lodge 1931-2006
1931/32 W. Bro. R.J. Dawes 1932/33 W. Bro. L.G. Day 1933/34 W. Bro. J. Wood 1934/35 W. Bro. J.B. Hastings 1935/36 W. Bro. H.J. Robinson 1936/37 W. Bro. R.W. Russell 1937/38 W. Bro. P.L. Moss 1938/39 W. Bro. W.R. Entwhistle 1939/40 W. Bro. H.E. Jackson 1940/41 W. Bro. W.J. Pascoe 1941/42 W. Bro. J.W. Wood 1942/43 W. Bro. C. Sutton 1943/44 W. Bro. J. Balmforth 1944/45 W. Bro. F.A. Fanstone 1945/46 W. Bro. F.G. Muir 1946/47 W. Bro. S. Marks 1947/48 W. Bro. A.E. Stephens 1948/49 W. Bro. A.J. Miller 1949/50 W. Bro. A.D. Boggust 1950/51 W. Bro. R.H. Davey 1951/52 W, Bro. H.A. Humby 1952/53 W. Bro. G.J. Legg 1953/54 W. Bro. R.H. Dale 1954/55 W. Bro. B. Chill 1955/56 W. Bro. L.W. Smith 1956/57 W. Bro. H.E. Ellis 1957/58 W. Bro. J.J. Store 1958/59 W. Bro. K.D. Jackson 1959/60 W. Bro. W.F. Oxborough 1960/61 W. Bro. P.G. Tutte 1961/62 W. Bro. R.B. Savage 1962/63 W. Bro. C.A. Biddle 1963/64 W. Bro. A.C. Hopkins 1964/65 W. Bro. D.A. Boggust 1965/66 W. Bro. F.T. Bowdrey 1966/67 W. Bro. A.K. Blatchford 1967/68 W. Bro. E.A. Andrews 1968/69 W. Bro. C.R. Savage 1969/70 W. Bro. G.A. Clarke 1970/71 W. Bro. N.F. Lee 1971/72 W. Bro. L.H. Daish 1972/73 W. Bro. R.W. Quick 1973/74 W. Bro. W.G. Terrell 1974/75 W. Bro. A.R. Baker 1975/76 W. Bro. C.F.R. Simms 1976/77 W. Bro. S.F. Goulding 1977/78 W. Bro. W.M. Ings 1978/79 W. Bro. F. Hudson 1979/80 W. Bro. P.C.M. Roach 1980/81 W. Bro. K.J.G. Barnes 1981/82 W. Bro. A.F. Budden 1982/83 W. Bro. R.T. Coward 1983/84 W. Bro. R.T. Coward 1984/85 W. Bro. R.W. Hambling 1985/86 W. Bro. R.J. Ellery 1986/87 W. Bro. W.D. Barnes 1987/88 W. Bro. G.E. Penn 1988/89 W. Bro. N. Flight 1989/90 W. Bro. F. Sanger 1990/91 W. Bro. A. Jepson 1991/92 W. Bro. M. Baker 1992/93 W. Bro. J.G.W. Coppen 1993/94 W. Bro. J.B. Wellard 1994/95 W. Bro. M. Moore 1995/96 W. Bro. W. Burns 1996/97 W. Bro. G.H. Tutte 1997/98 W. Bro. B.C. Kearl 1998/99 W. Bro. P. Wright 1999/2000 W. Bro. R. Edwards 2000/01 W. Bro. P.J. Byrne 2001/02 W. Bro. D. Godfrey 2002/03 W. Bro. R. Daish 2003/04 W. Bro. C. Guy 2004/05 W. Bro. B. Needle 2005/06 W. Bro. T. Cadogan
18. Directors of Ceremonies, Secretaries & Treasurers of the Lodge
Directors of Ceremonies
C.J. Grant ..1931-38 J. Wood ..1938-41 R.W. Russell .1941-48 J. Wood ..1948-49 R.W. Russell .1949-55 A.E. Stephens ..1955-60 R.W. Russell .1960-66 A.J. Mills ...1966-68 R. Savage ..1968-70 A.K. Blatchford .1970-79 C.F.R. Simms ...1979-81 A.R. Baker . 1981-88 K.J.G. Barnes ...1988-90 W. Barnes .1990-92 N. Flight .1992-99 A .Jepson ..1999-2003 W. Burns ...2003-2005 P. Byrne .2005-
Secretaries
G.H. Muir ...1931-39 H.J. Robinson ...1939-49 B. Chill ...1949-52 H.E. Jackson .1952-55 F.G.J. Muir .1955-63 B. Chill ...1963-64 C.A. Biddle .1964-87 R.J. Ellery ..1987-97 M. Moore ...1997-2004 R.J. Edwards .2004-2005 M. Moore ...2005-
Treasurers
E.M. Wood .1931-46 J.W. Wood .1947-50 S. Marks .1951-65 K. Jackson .1966-87 D. Milne ..1988-93 G.E. Penn ..1994-2001 P. Wright .2002-
Gifts to Lodge at Consecration
Gift Donated by:
Masters Clothing, Silver Chain, Silver Ornament, all on Masters Collar .Albert Edward Lodge 1780 Lodge Banner .. .Bro. G.W. Lester Cabinet for Lodge clothing, Lodge requisites & D.Cs stock .Bro. J.W. Stanley Gavels & blocks . ..Bro. H.E. Jackson Bible .................................................................................Bro. P.J. Moss Bible cushion . ...Bro. W.J. Pascoe Box of working tools ....Bro. W.C. Lanham Poignard ....Bro. C. Picken (1780) Alms box ...Bro. W.L. MacDonald Ballot box & lettered balls ..Wor. Bro. H. Chick Secretaries bag ....Wor. Bro. E.M. Wood Four E.As aprons, four F.Cs aprons, two cable tows & hoodwinks ....Bro. J.W. Wood Two pairs of slippers ...Bro. C.G. Day Silver square & compass ...Wor. Bro. G.H. Muir Candidates square & compass .Bro. J.W. Wood Frame for Warrant .............Bros C.F. Copp, .....J.B. Hastings and .....Wor. Bro. L.J. Copp. Suits for Candidates ...Bro. H. Robinson Tracing Boards ..........Bros W.R. Entwistle & S.J. Clark. Print of the Olde Bargate (dated 1777) . ..Bro. F.E. Stevens Copies of Opening & Closing Odes .Bros J. Stanley & W. Lanham
|
|
Wor. Bro. R.J. Dawes |
Wor. Bro. L.G. Day |
Wor. Bro. H. Chick |
|
Wor. Bro. G.H. Muir |
Wor. Bro. L.T. Copp |
Wor. Bro. C.J. Grant |
|
Bro. S.T. Clark |
Bro. C.F. Copp |
Bro. W.C. Cutler |
|
Bro. C.G. Day |
Bro. W.R. Entwhistle |
Bro. G. Harris |
|
Bro. J.B. Hastings |
Bro. H.E. Jackson |
Bro. W.C. Lanham |
|
Bro. G.W. Lester |
Bro. W.L. MacDonald |
Bro. P.L. Moss |
|
Bro. W.J. Pascoe |
Bro. H.R. Robinson |
Bro. R.W. Russell |
|
Bro. J.H. Stanley |
Bro. E.M. Wood |
Bro. J.W. Wood |